Commentary - No shame in being enlisted

News > Commentary - No shame in being enlisted

No shame in being enlisted

Posted 12/14/2010

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Commentary by Senior Master Sgt. Howard Teesdale
HQ AFSOC/A3 Airfield, Ranges, Airspace

12/14/2010 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- While standing in line at an off-base post office recently, mailing Christmas presents to my family, I overheard a woman talking to a man about her son. Apparently her son had recently enlisted in the Air Force against her better judgment. She told the man, who agreed with her, that commissioning as an officer is the best way to serve because "enlisted Airmen" just aren't respected and are considered second-class. Others who were waiting in line picked up on her conversation the same as I, and unfortunately agreed with her.

The gist of this conversation took me back to my childhood where I grew up as the son of a dedicated, retired enlisted Airman who stubbornly mentored me just before I stepped on the bus at the local military entrance processing station by saying, "Son, stay true to yourself, the Air Force, and remember, no matter what you become, I'm proud of you!"

Well, what I've become is a chief master sergeant-select, which ultimately means I've reached or I'm about to reach the pinnacle of my career. Looking back over the years, the opportunities I've seized, the accomplishments I've made, the accolades I've earned and most importantly, the pride that has overwhelmed me while serving my country as an enlisted Airmen are definitely nothing to be ashamed of.

I have no doubt that what the woman in line at the post office was mainly referring to with whom the others were agreeing, had to do a lot with pay, allowances and a valid perception of prestige when it comes to being a commissioned officer. Let's face it, she's right! But I think what she and the others fail to realize is that today's enlisted Airmen aren't a bunch of rocks. We are doing some fairly amazing things that no others could and or would!

Depending on Air Force specialty, today's enlisted Airman aren't just standing on the frontlines in defense of our great nation. We're leading, advising, coordinating and deciding how to shape the air-battlesphere, which I must remind you, isn't limited to a single dimension.

From ensuring proper placement and orbit of satellites that control and monitor our position, controlling and sequencing an airspace full of multiple weapon systems and platforms, liaising with partners from countless countries in hopes of lessoning our nation's burden and forming lasting peace and friendships, to clearing unexploded ordnance and roadside bombs to help pave the path of freedom and securing the base perimeter from unauthorized entry while simultaneously protecting our freedom of movement. And we cannot forget those enlisted Airmen who embed themselves in obscure and unsafe locations to direct the weapons fire of overhead aircraft, prep unimaginable landing strips for aircraft to infiltrate cargo and personnel and ready a landing zone for the extrication of the injured and at times mortally wounded. We leave no Airman behind!

Although I stood quietly in line that day, my thoughts and pride of being enlisted Airman were about as high as ever. Knowing that there is more accuracy in the truth about being an enlisted Airman than she and the others in line are led to believe, there is no shame in her son enlisting in the Air Force.

I wish him well.

Comments

12/17/2010 1:28:27 PM ET
At Paul W. - Much better post this time with some originality. Yes there is a gap between officer and enlisted social classes. However, that gap has been significantly decreased in the past 20 years that I have been in due to a more educated and squared-away enlisted force. When I first joined I saw plenty of reasons for officers to look down on enlisted; now, not so much. I suspect the woman in line is living in the past.

SNCO, Scott AFB IL

12/17/2010 1:25:39 PM ET
SMSgt Teesdale, congrats on the selection to Chief. I'm sure you will be a true Chief and not just a E-9. When I think about this story I think about my 25 years in the USAF and how much it's changed since 1972. As a GS working in AFSPC I see some of the best and brightest the Air Force has. I also wonder if the leadership of the Air Force feels the same way as this lady. My real question is if we are still going to have enlisted why does the leadership require a college degree to get promoted? Why don't they get paid for the education I know the argument that we need the smartest people we can get and I agree. But I dont know one SMSgt or CMSgt that does not have a degree. If they need a degree to get promoted, it's just fair they get the same pay as a officer with the same education.

EJW, CCAFS

12/17/2010 12:26:23 PM ET
I commend you, Sgt Teesdale, for taking the time to share in writing something that compelled you and obviously has caused many others to think about what is right and wrong about the situation. So many times senior leader commentaries are filled with the required pushes for PME,fitness, etc... It was refreshing to read a real editorial. Thank you.

VA, Dover AFB DE

12/17/2010 9:22:02 AM ET
I see a lot of pats on the backs and atta-boys above but I don't see the real truth being told. I'm a retired NCO and my father is a retired prior-enlisted AF officer. I've been exposed to the AF since the early 1970's and am still employed by the Department of the AF today. You folks who have been around for awhile cannot tell me that there are no social classes and perceived differences between the officer and enlisted ranks. While I agree that those differences are not as apparent today as they were 30 yrs ago, they still exist. I chose to stay enlisted because I enjoyed the blue-collar mentality more than the white collar. Does that mean I was second class? Does it mean my contributions to the mission were any less significant? The answer to both questions is "no." Again, don't buy into the hype. Choose your path in life and walk it. Don't worry about what he said or she said.

Paul Walmsley, Wichita Falls TX

12/17/2010 9:07:29 AM ET
When I went out for football in high school, I had the idea that quarterbacks are were the glamour position and all the others were second-class. But now that I'm an adult I have more perspective. Can you imagine how silly a team would look trying to field 11 quarterbacks? They wouldn't be able to move the ball. I played tight end well and helped my team win. The military is the same way. Good article!

JR, GA

12/17/2010 6:47:51 AM ET
As an officer and the cousin of an enlisted solider who gave his life in Mosul, Iraq, I find these sorts of perceptions quite unsettling. I wish there was something that could have been said to these folks to enlighten them. Unfortunately, I just don't think there is. Chief, I think you did the right thing just by setting a good example with your actions, not words.

MajK, Alexandria VA

12/17/2010 6:24:11 AM ET
Chief, I think you did the right thing. This lady obviously was not worth your time or energy. There are always going to be those people who think these sorts of thoughts, and a couple of words at the post office isn't going to change her mind. People need to follow their own path in life whether its officer or enlisted. Becoming the NY firefighter who saves hundreds of lives on 911 or the multi-millionaire Wall Street trader who goes broke during the Wall Street collapse or becoming an Ivy league student versus dropping out and starting a billion dollar Internet company. Those who live this life toil with trying to impress other people and truly caring what they think. If people do their jobs, the rest takes care of itself.

BeltwayDriver, DC

12/16/2010 7:45:19 PM ET
Chief that was a great commentary about the value of enlisted airmen. Brashly correcting the lady would have only fueled her opinion. It is true that support for what we do as enlisted is nice at times, but it should not be regarded as the only way to underscore what we do matters. If we barked back at every uninformed comment then our professionalism would be compromised. Do we need to correct everyone that has an opinion even if we think is misguided? There's a time and place for everything. MOST of us serve honorably. Humbleness should not be confused with weakness. Chief Teesdale, you were very wise in reacting as you did. I think others' perception of the enlisted side of the military would 'improve' if some didn't rush to react so immaturely.

NewGen, AZ

12/16/2010 4:50:09 PM ET
Please just remove this story from the website. The title alone has negative undertones.

MS, Hickam AFB

12/16/2010 3:30:35 PM ET
If you see her again, Chief, say it loud and say it proud. As a prior-enlisted officer, I give all the props to my SSgt supervisor who is now retired but who mentored me and helped me get here. I also would say my enlisted days where the best times of my life.

Capt P, Montgomery AL

12/16/2010 11:45:36 AM ET
Good article SMSgt Teesdale. Discretion is the better part of valor thank you for demonstrating the professionalism of the enlisted corps rather than just saying it.

Analyst, Barksdale

12/16/2010 10:25:58 AM ET
Congrats, Bro, on being selected to chief. Excellent comments from all walks of discipline. We all need to remember it takes all of us to maintain our freedoms. Thanks again, Chief. You deserve this promotion.

Richard Teesdale, Retired MSgt Great Falls MT

12/16/2010 9:53:23 AM ET
The accomplishments of our Air Force were done by the deeds courage and strength of our enlisted force. Our enlisted forces should take pride in what they have done to protect our nation and our way of life. I have had the honor to serve with great officers and airmen throughout my career and still do as a GS civilian. These individuals do not understand that the airmen NCO's and SNCO's are what make everything possible in this Air Force. And I for one am proud to have served and congratulate the young man that chose the road less traveled.Mac

CMSgt r Randy McFadden, Malmstrom AFB

12/16/2010 4:48:12 AM ET
Good story.

Derek Gowler, Ramstein AFB

12/16/2010 1:21:28 AM ET
SMSgt Teesdale you could have politely addressed the woman. Your professional manner might very well have changed her opinion as well as some of the sheep in line agreeing with her.

Chris B, Edwards AFB CA

12/15/2010 6:49:20 PM ET
SMSgt Teesdale, Congrats on your selection and thank you for the commentary. It's easy to read stories and throw the "I would've, you should've" out and honestly if it'd been me I don't know how I would've handled it. Not the point. The point I take to heart is that something brought to mind a sense of pride in being who you are and in what you do and that you're able to pass that on. In this we all learn, we all get something from your experience. That is precisely what a chief is supposed to do for all of us, enlisted or commissioned. It's a good read, it's a good mentoring moment, it's a good scenario to reflect on. Congrats again and thanks for the story.

SMSgt Futrell, NM

12/15/2010 5:40:47 PM ET
The military is an alternate universe from civilian. My son is an A1C and I couldn't be more proud of him, but there are things I don't have a good understanding of because I have no personal history or knowledge of. I did not grow up in a military family. I would imagine she is proud of her son but does not have good understanding of how the Air Force is organized. We need every one to do their jobs no matter if they are enlisted or commissioned.

Martha, Amarillo TX

12/15/2010 4:49:39 PM ET
I bet that most of the America population says, 'So, you fly a plane' or something to that effect as soon as someone says they are an officer in the Air Force. I'm active duty enlisted and I am very proud of that fact. I have no ambition at all to ever become an officer; it's just not something that I think I would enjoy. I also think that SMSgt Teesdale did the right thing by keeping quiet. If this women voices opinions like that outloud then she is probably not the type of person that likes to be corrected. Especially in public. By writing this article SMSgt Teesdale was able to address the points and also spread awareness about how people feel about the enlisted force as a whole. He could have ignored it completely and not done anything.

SSgt, Alaska

12/15/2010 4:33:43 PM ET
@Arctic Warrior - No it doesn't; C-130s do primarily tactical airlift. Tactical refers to the scope of the mission not the type of aircraft carrying it out.

Lt Col Lowe, JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam

12/15/2010 3:50:39 PM ET
Another important point that has not been made is that we are all on the same side. We all know who are enemies and what we are here to do. The chain of command is absolutely neccessary for the survival of the mission but to say that officers should never be associated with enlisted or vice versa is wrong. I've only served for a bit over 3 years but I've met some great officers, NCOs and Airmen, as well as some not so great. I have to respect one's rank but my respect for someone as a person must be earned.

Oliver, Nevada

12/15/2010 2:09:05 PM ET
Hello, everyone. As an American and patriot, I fully support the first amendment rights of freedom of speech as well as the perspectives and views of a person expressing themselves. I spent 32 years, 6 months and 24 days in the United States Air Force Air National Guard and 30 years non-consectutive in law enforcement here in Iowa. I have been a college professor teaching criminal justice since 2002. If the patrol unit in any law enforcement agency is viewed and respected as the backbone of that agency this is underscored with the enlisted force fulfilling the identical function at a military level in the armed services. I have worked with officers from the squadron level up to and including the Pentagon level over the decades. In many respects I have always felt the the best officers began their careers as enlisted personnel and never forgot it throughout their careers. However no matter the service, we are all miltary members who now are veterans but Americans first.

John S. Moline, Ankeny IA

12/15/2010 1:48:01 PM ET
Another common misunderstanding of the military is that the acronym OIC stands for Officer In Charge. The truth is, when a new officer arrives in a duty section and is given his formal orientation of the unit's mission, operations and the enlisted personnel by the ranking senior enlisted member, his retort to the SNCO at each major point of the tour is, 'Oh, I See.' From that point he is then qualified and permitted to perform his job in support of the unit's mission and in support of its backbone it's enlisted members.

Rich CMSgt Retired, Montello WI

12/15/2010 1:32:29 PM ET
SMSgt Teesdale did exactly the correct thing. It is much harder to keep silent than start an argument. Would his comments have been a positive reflection on the military, the Air Force or the enlisted corps? Or would he have been perceived to be rude? Those who serve know the value of that service, even though the ones we serve don't always know it, appreciate it, or show it. He also doesn't know what was behind the comments that were made. It is possible the woman's comments were spoken to cover her fears for her son as he enters combat. She may also be a mother who sometime next year goes to McGuire to meet her son's remains as they are brought back to the United States.

Jerry, Oklahoma

12/15/2010 12:53:31 PM ET
@TacAirlifter, just because you get a degree doesn't automatically allow you to get a commission. Unlike civilian applicants, the AF has numerous hurdles an enlisted member must get over in order to get commissioned. The first time I tried I needed a Masters degree. The second time I tried I had too much time in service. With more and more enlisted members receiving bachelors and masters degrees, I definitely think the AF needs to make the transition from enlisted to officer easier. I also think the AF should look at adding Warrant Officers back into the AF inventory.

SMSgt Bruce Morgan ret, Florida

12/15/2010 12:22:49 PM ET
Ive seen a few comments concerning pay and benefits and the differences between enlisted and officer. It's difficult to calculate the worth of an individual person; some are worth more than they're being paid and others are paid too much for the amount or quality of work they are producing. Therefore, pay has to relate to something more tangible such as the amount of responsibility one holds, to include tenure. I did a quick calculation of what the chief's pay will be - it's knocking on the door of 100K annually. Congratulations, I imagine you are aptly paid for your years of service and dedication to our country. It's difficult to calculate what the equal rank of a chief is; some chiefs work for captains and majors, some work for colonels and generals, all with varying levels of responsibility. There are just too many variables to consider when equating the ranks.

Greg, Texas

12/15/2010 12:18:10 PM ET
SJ cadets who leave the Academy after they have committed after their second year are not punished by having to serve as enlisted. It's simply the best way to pay off the commitment they incurred. It is definitely not a punishment. Punishment would be a trip to Leavenworth. I know a few former cadets who stayed in after their commitment and are now SSgts. I doubt they saw it as a punishment.

Capt S, Missouri

12/15/2010 12:16:11 PM ET
What is a TacAirlifter anyway? TAC means Fighters. Airlift means Heavys.

Arctic Warrior, CO

12/15/2010 12:11:32 PM ET
First of all, let me congratulate you on your accomplishments also your courage to honor and serve your country in these troublesome times. Futhermore, thanks for speaking out on your convictions towards the enlisted corps. I, too, was a proud enlisted member - now and forever. Hurriel C Harris CMSgt. Retired 20 years this month.

Hurriel C Harris CMSgt USAF Ret, Sweet Water AL

12/15/2010 11:22:02 AM ET
As an Air Force Junior ROTC cadet about to sign his enlistment papers, this article gives me great confidence in what I'm about to make into a career. We all stand strong together no matter if we wear stripes or epaulettes. Thank you for posting this, Chief.

CSMSgt Stevanovic , Chicago Illinois

12/15/2010 11:18:49 AM ET
@TacAirlifter - What part of 'just aren't respected' and 'are considered second-class' do you not find degrading to our enlisted force? She said nothing about a college degree.

SJ, Florida

12/15/2010 11:08:20 AM ET
A few years ago when all the problems were happening at the USAF Academy one of the cadets was ordered to serve two or three years enlisted as punishment. One other person here mentioned mutual respect between officer and enlisted, but this case was completely opposite of respect in all manner.

SJ, Florida

12/15/2010 10:36:39 AM ET
From Senior Teesdale ...today's enlisted Airmen aren't just standing on the frontlines in defense of our great nation ... we're leading, advising, coordinating and deciding how to shape the air-battlesphere. These are undisputable facts. Also, the enlisted corps is forced to get a CCAF degree, higher learning, specialized training, 3/5/7/9 level education, etc., etc., and so forth. Unfortunately, with all these new requirements placed on the enlisted force that never existed before to make it either just as educated as the officer corps or even more pay and benefits have not matched today's highly skilled highly qualified enlisted man or woman. So, personally, I believe the woman is correct. If you go all the way to get your degree done in the name of professional development to compete in the enlisted corps against your peers, why not make the jump to the officer corps where your retirement and benefits clearly are a huge step up in the long run.

TacAirlifter, Colorado

12/15/2010 10:02:14 AM ET
Having retired as a CMSgt, I would not trade the 30 years of my life that I gave to our Air Force. Granted, I encountered many challenges throughout my career, but I was made better by each experience. I am proud of my heritage as an Enlisted person.

Rainer, Wichita Falls Tx

12/15/2010 9:07:40 AM ET
SMSgt Teesdale is right on. As SNCO's, it is our duty to be professional at all levels. Is it appropriate for a SNCO to publicly admonish an airman or NCO for a minor discrepancy? With value-added PME and other professional development, the answer is probably not appropriate. There is a time and place. Enlisted force structure stood the test in this case. On a different note, I think all company grade officers should read this article. I don't think a lieutenant will say that the enlisted corps is shameful. We are the ones who show them how. Look at the enlisted force structure.

Tony, Milwaukee WI

12/15/2010 8:51:26 AM ET
I absolutely disagree with the silence constraint argument. The vast majority of the people dying and being seriously wounded in battle in our current wars, as well as all wars, are enlisted. If their sacrifice, service, or professionalism is being questioned, misunderstood, or denigraded by ANYONE, it MUST be defended. If the public place was not the right place then I ask you WHERE IS the right place. The article, although well written, does nothing to defend the honor of the enlisted force. It serves the wrong audience. We are not who you need to convince. I am sorry, wrong decision Chief.

Al Mastello, Ft Worth TX

12/15/2010 8:11:46 AM ET
CMSgt select Teesdale, I am proud of the way you held your comments. I was an enlisted man for 22 years and retired as an E8. There is no better enlisted force in the world than what the USAF has.

RF Shields, Asheboro NC

12/15/2010 7:47:28 AM ET
Senior, as an officer who is the son of a former NCO, I thank you for your article and I concur with your decision not to pitch into the fight with the misinformed lady. A few moments in a line at Christmas time is unlikely to change a lifetime of misperception and error. Secondly, she might have taken it as just more of the party line since the refutation would be coming from a very senior NCO.

Maj D, Bolling DC

12/15/2010 3:00:06 AM ET
Chief-Select Teesdale, well-written. While I am now commissioned, I am quite proud to have been enlisted for nearly six years. I think our enlisted force is unmatched, so good that we don't even need warrant officers. Having been around a little bit I can tell you that I have known many many enlisted personnel who are more qualified and have more responsibility than officers in the Air Forces of other countries. Keep up the good work.

KC, Lisbon Portugal

12/14/2010 10:15:46 PM ET
While I wouldn't say I'm shocked or disappointed, I do think you missed an opportunity Chief. That being the opportunity to tell this mother that she can and should be proud of her son's enlistment even if it means less prestige and pay. I think it is incumbent on all of us to educate the uninformed about the role our enlisted people play. You missed this opportunity. Maybe it caught you unprepared. Maybe we should all rehearse in our heads how we will respond when an opportunity like this presents itself. I for one won't hesitate.

Gary, Washington

12/14/2010 8:45:16 PM ET
Col A hit it on the head. Our enlisted corps across all specialities represents the best trained and most efficient fighting Air Force in the world. I never regretted my 27 years service as an enlisted member of our Air Force. The training and experience continue with me today as the security manager for our nations largest nuclear power plant. Chief C

Chuck Coles, Surprise AZ

12/14/2010 7:46:02 PM ET
I doubt CP would have said anything. Lacking the courage to identify him/herself right here speaks volumes.

CMSgt Bill McCune, Palm Bay FL

12/14/2010 6:31:23 PM ET
Very interesting comments. Just wanted to add... It's not WHAT you are, it's WHAT you do in our great Air and Space Force that counts. Congrats on making Chief and thank you for the story and generating this dialogue.

JH, Japan

12/14/2010 4:48:43 PM ET
First of all I would like to say congratulations on making Chief. I think this commentary is the perfect way to educate the public. Too many people these days thrive on being confrontational. This was in good taste, Chief.

JP, Guam

12/14/2010 4:30:36 PM ET
No one said he should have punched the lady in the face and screamed at her about how wrong she was. Simply explaining how important and capable the enlisted core is not inappropriate. SMSGT Teesdale-you did bring up a great point and thank you for that congrats on the promotion.

SSgt TC, HillAFB

12/14/2010 4:23:41 PM ET
Chief, speak up -- staying silent allowed a false impression to continue. No need to be negative or argumentative but I believe you have an obligation to say something. There was a missed opportunity to provide a real-time education to a few civilians who just aren't in the know.

Cheif W--Retired, Tennessee Valley

12/14/2010 3:57:42 PM ET
Our enlisted Airmen are the most respected enlisted force on the planet and we have the most respected and feared AF on the planet because of them. The views of the uninformed few shouldn't even matter. I will go into battle with any of them any time any where.

Col A, SA TX

12/14/2010 2:48:04 PM ET
Chief Select Teesdale - I agree with your comments and that it would have been inappropriate to make an argument in public with that lady. Being a Quiet Professional is a big part of AFSOC. What I've learned over 17yrs is that while it takes a commission to be an officer, it takes heart to be a Sergeant.

MSgt Chris Johnny Bravo Babcock, Creech AFB NV

12/14/2010 1:26:23 PM ET
The enlisted force is stronger, better trained, better educated and much more motivated than it was when I enlisted in 1978. We have TAC-P's Security Forces Combat Controllers PJ's and Combat Weatherman are at the Tip of the Spear on a daily basis. They're combating terrorism minute by minute. We've EARNED those stripes.

JR, Texas

12/14/2010 12:46:27 PM ET
CP There were at least 25 people in line and maybe I should have said something. I choose not to because I didn't think it was an appropriate time. I was, however, compelled to write the article in hopes of and as a means to get the story out. Sorry if I've let you down as a SNCO...definitely not my intent.

SMSgt Teesdale, Hurlburt Field

12/14/2010 12:41:08 PM ET
Outside perceptions will always be difficult to change. Internally we all know the mutual respect between the officer and enlisted corps. Being proud of your service to your country is what's important not what rank you are or even want to be. As a former enlisted member and now as an officer I've seen geniuses retire as TSgt's and incompetent buffoons retire as Lt Col's--and vice-versa--I imagine we all have. Trust me you do your job the right way with the right attitude and you will forever be respected--a source of forever internal pride. I will always do my best to change these ignorant impressions of enlisted members, I hope all of you do the same.

Maj GL, Texas

12/14/2010 12:02:56 PM ET
I agree with CP. It is shocking and a little disappointing that the chief select did not stand up for the enlisted core. I feel that is the inherent duty of all Airmen to proudly represent the AF especially when we are being talked bad about even if it was out of ignorance. I have never thought for a second that I was any less of an Airmen because I am enlisted and not commissioned.

SSgt TC, HillAFB

12/14/2010 11:32:02 AM ET
CP, Sometimes you have to pick and choose your battles carefully. While SMSgt Teesdale could have debated the point with the lady and others, it was not an appropriate time and place. Secondly, her perception of the enlisted force will not be changed by someone arguing the point with her. Only her son can change her perception through his actions and service. I am just as proud of the enlisted force as you are and I believe we can all agree that we can and are doing amazing things each and every day. Let others think and say what they want. WE know who we are the backbone of the greatest Air Force.

Steve, Tampa

12/14/2010 11:23:28 AM ET
CP I knew John Levitow. I doubt very much he is rolling in his grave. He's probably amused that you would think so.

RetMSgt, Minnesota

12/14/2010 11:10:07 AM ET
I am a retired military officer. My son is currently an enlisted person in the armed forces. I am extremely proud of him. I know I could never have done what he has done and is doing now. He is a college graduate with an advanced degree. He could have followed a path to become an officer but prefers to serve as a member of the enlisted force. Our enlisted personnel need to understand they are just as important as ANY officer. Any officer who thinks he or she is more important than enlisted troops is not fit to be in the Air Force.

Jerry, Oklahoma

12/14/2010 11:09:57 AM ET
When I was younger I was quick to point out what others should have done and what I would have done different if I was in their shoes. As I have matured I have come to realize I have no idea what I would have done in the same situation because I wasn't there. SMSgt Teesdale--Thank You for your service to our nation.

Tom Minton CMsgt Retired, Fort Smith Arkansas

12/14/2010 11:02:16 AM ET
Chief, not only is there no shame, her son is doing what very few Americans are doing: serving our nation in a dangerous time, which means he's willing to make the ultimate sacrifice defending the Constitution and protecting his fellow service members. I was given sage advice by Colonel Rockin' Dave McClure at the 4315th Combat Crew Training Squadron when I was still a cadet. "Dan, enlisted airmen don't work for you, they work with you. You have responsibility for what gets done but if you understand this and respect them they'll respect you and you'll have a great career." Col. McClure could not have been more correct. I have had the pleasure of serving with and leading several Airmen NCOs and SNCOs. I've been blown away by their skill, professionalism and dedication to our nation, Air Force, and to their fellow Airmen. Moreover, I worked closely with the United States Army on the Jet Expeditionary Task training program in the AOR and in CONUS. The bottom line with the ...

Lt Col Dan Mosqueda, Peterson AFB CO

12/14/2010 10:57:59 AM ET
According to AFI 36-2618, one of the many responsibilities of a SNCO is to support commissioned officers' continued development by sharing knowledge and experience and to build and maintain professional relationships with commissioned officers striving to create effective leadership teams. Our enlisted corps helps to shape the leadership styles of the officers who they work for. I have worked with many commissioned officers and they tell me all the time how much respect and admiration they have for the enlisted corps. It now looks like we need to educate the civilian population on the importance of the enlisted corps to the development of our commissioned officers.

MSgt P, MacDill AFB FL

12/14/2010 10:53:38 AM ET
Chief Select...have no worries...the enlisted force have always known and understood the synergy they bring to the fight. A few misplaced words by ignorant adults will never diminish their contributions...which ALL officers, including this retired officer, fully appreciate

JS, Tampa FL

12/14/2010 10:32:58 AM ET
While it's certainly sad to see this ignorance is present in our civilian population especially after the past near decade of wars, I think it's even more shocking that a chief-select didn't speak up to defend the enlisted force. I'm not suggesting you should have argued with the lady but you could have at least enlightened her on the rich heritage and pride of being an enlisted Airman. I guess I'm just a bit disappointed that one of our force's enlisted leaders didn't do his part in educating the public. John Levitow is rolling in his grave.

CP, San Antonio

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