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Command chiefs warn NCOs: ‘Education is not optional’

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. John Gillette 305th Air Mobility Wing command chief
  • & Chief Master Sgt. James Dowell 621st Contingency Response Wing command chief
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  "To give anything less than your best is to waste the gift." -Steve Prefontaine 

These were the words of a gifted young runner who was known for winning despite the odds. No doubt this is a great quote for our master sergeants to live their professional lives by. Yes, I am singling out the master sergeants because as I look for ways to "develop leaders," I see a group of senior NCOs who have neglected to develop themselves to the fullest. At McGuire, only 55 percent have completed their Senior Non-commissioned Officer Academy correspondence course and only 60 percent have completed their Community College of the Air Force degree. What confuses me, and quite frankly, frustrates me, is why some of our master sergeants have not tried to do their best. I've always understood that senior NCOs had the inherent responsibility to lead the way, set the example and exceed the standard. 

Master sergeants: Completing your professional and civilian education is not an option; it's an expectation and a lesson in leadership! Don't all senior NCOs want to be better leaders? Believe me, I've heard all the excuses about why a master sergeant does not complete these professional development opportunities-- and none are valid. 

First, some master sergeants say they don't want to get promoted because they don't want to move up in responsibilities or get an assignment to another base. They don't want to serve in a role the Air Force asks of them! Does this sound like they bought into the core value of service before self? 

Second, other master sergeants feel that completing the SNCOA and the CCAF degree is a personal choice, and if they do not finish either or both they are only hurting themselves. How wrong can they be? I've already mentioned that the SNCOA course provides a lesson in leadership that is intended to provide increased skills to the senior NCO. The CCAF degree continues to develop leaders by enhancing a full range of skills that are important to our service if we want to continue to be the preeminent air and space force in the world. How can anyone say this is a personal choice or they are only hurting themselves? They are hurting our Air Force and more directly, our Airmen! The example they have set says, "Do what you want, do less than what is expected, give less than your best." They lower the standard by their example; refusing to become better leaders, not giving back ... they have forgotten it is not about them anymore. How can these master sergeants develop the next generation of leaders? Face it, we grew up in this Air Force observing and emulating our supervisors. Is this the example we want our Airmen to follow: "If the master sergeant hasn't finished their education, why should I?" 

Supervisors, I need your help! It's time to raise the standard and hold your master sergeants to it. I truly believe your master sergeants will meet the standards you set for them. If your expectations are low, they will meet them; if your standards are high, they will meet them. I know you have all heard the saying, "Shoot for the moon -- even if you miss, you will land among the stars." Well, it is time to light the rocket fuse on some of your master sergeants and make them realize their potential. Either they will self destruct on the launch pad and make room for others to take their place or they will rise to the occasion. 

I can assure you that your master sergeants look to you to set a high standard. Just this week, I was speaking to a master sergeant who just finished his CCAF degree and is on his way to become a first sergeant. He was pleased with his accomplishments as I was, but I could sense a bit of frustration in his words. He had been a master sergeant for more than three years before he completed these responsibilities, and he felt he had wasted precious time to lead in a greater capacity. He knew what needed to be done, but he became comfortable in his current job and no one told him he was falling short of the expectation. Do you want to be the supervisor who wastes the talents and potential of our Airmen? 

Supervisors: Hold your master sergeants accountable and draw a clear distinction between those who strive to reach their fullest potential and those who are just along for the ride. Performance reports, decorations, quarterly and annual awards, and duty assignments should distinguish between those who have met their professional obligations and those who have declined to strive for greater heights. 

Master sergeants: I encourage each of you to examine your resume as a professional enlisted leader in our Air Force. If you lack PME or degree completion, consider the example you are setting for your NCOs and Airmen. Though you may not wish to compete for higher rank, the people who work for you -- and admire you -- may have higher aspirations. When you delay your education, they may follow suit and then find themselves behind their peers. If you can't summon the interest to finish PME or the CCAF degree for yourself, at least do it for future senior NCOs who observe your every move. Do it for them! Our Air Force deserves the best, and you have the ability to ensure that happens.