HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Noncommissioned officers from around the installation came together during a mentorship symposium at the Education Center here, Oct. 28 through 30.
The NCO Performance Enhancement Seminar hosted 16 staff sergeants from across the installation and augmented information taught in prior professional military education. The seminar also allowed those in attendance to engage with subject matter experts and senior leaders.
“The seminar is an opportunity to expand on what NCOs learned in Airman Leadership School before they attend NCO academy,” said Master Sgt. Eddie Escamilla, installation career assistance advisor.
Eighteen organizations briefed the attendees on a variety of topics such as leadership theory, stress management, off-duty education and nutrition and exercise.
“It’s our hope that by educating our NCOs, they’ll be able to bring the information back to their units and educate their teams,” said Escamilla.
Col. Chad Ellsworth, installation commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Henry Hayes, installation command chief, also spoke at the symposium to offer their senior leader perspectives on current issues and answer questions. Escamilla believes this opportunity was a benefit of Hanscom’s relatively small size.
“I think in this case it was really beneficial to have a smaller room of people because the conversation with senior leaders was very up-close and personal,” he said. “Our NCOs all got a chance to ask questions, and the colonel and chief master sergeant were able to get a feel for what’s happening in the field.”
Each briefer encouraged open discussion on the respective topics, allowing the attendees to share their perspectives and experience with different scenarios.
“Briefing fellow staff sergeants was interesting and I really enjoyed hearing their thoughts,” said Staff Sgt. Greg Chavez, 66th Air Base Group Legal Office NCO in charge of military justice, who briefed the ethics portion of the symposium.
Chavez, who attended the NCOPES earlier in his career, said the best thing he walked away with was a network of NCOs and wingmen on base.
Facilitating interconnectedness across the installation and organizations is the main objective of the symposium, which is held annually at the education center here, said Escamilla.
“My hope is that we were able to broaden the attendee’s leadership capabilities and perspectives on the various [Air Force career fields] on base and how they all work together to complete the mission,” he said.