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SNCOs provide insight to SOC students on issues facing the enlisted force

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alexa Culbert
  • 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  Squadron Officer School partners up with the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy to provide insight to SOC Captains  regarding issues facing the enlisted force Dec. 7, 2015, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

The lesson is called Combined Operations and is held during the Deliberate Development lesson during each of the seven SOS classes annually.

During the lesson, a Senior NCO sits down with a class of SOS students and their instructor for a couple of hours and provides them information about the career development of enlisted persons and the officer's role in that process.

"The average time in service of an SNCO is twice of that of the SOS students. This gives the students the benefit of years of experience, an enlisted perspective on Air Force issues and a chance to discuss leadership challenges that face the Air Force," noted Senior Master Sgt. Robert Vensel III, SOS superintendent.

The students receive one-on-one communication with the Senior NCOs to better understand enlisted career development and how to lead the enlisted force more effectively.

Master Sgt. Erin Panas, Airman Leadership School Programs superintendent, participates in the program as often as possible in order to share leadership experience with others and learn from them.

"My hope is that the leadership experience and example I share with our officers will inspire them to always lead by example with a muddy boots type of leadership that inspires enlisted to perform to the highest caliber," said Panas.

The main topic discussed with the SOC students is the Enlisted Evaluation System and its effect on the career of an enlisted Airman.  Other topics include Developmental Special Duty program, progressive discipline, Full Range Leadership Model and other current issues involving the enlisted force.

"When our officers know the issues we face, it builds confidence and professional relationships. Professional relationships between officers and Senior NCOs are vital to the success and morale in any organization," said Panas.