Installation command chief focused on developing Airmen, civilians

  • Published
  • By Capt. Amelia Leonard
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Chief Master Sgt. Chief Alan Weary, installation command chief, hosted six professional development courses here Feb 7-8.

In total, more than 12 hours of instruction focused on strategy, force development, continuous process improvement foundational competencies, time management, resilience, and leadership.

“The Team Hanscom professional development experience focused on providing our skilled civilians, officers, and enlisted in attendance with critical knowledge in many areas,” said Weary.

Approximately 120 military and civilian employees from Hanscom AFB and Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, attended.

“Everyone should want to attend these courses, if just to hear Chief Weary and his incredible experiences that have shaped him as a leader,” said Paul Shoesmith, Fitness and Sports Center director. “It’s motivational and sets a great example no matter if you’re a civilian or active duty member.”

During one course, Weary connected Defense Department strategies down through the Air Force, major commands and installation levels.

“It’s important we know how ‘Accelerate Change or Lose’ action orders, fundamental doctrine, and the professional development model equip civilians, officers, and enlisted warfighters with the intellectual capacity required to compete in our strategic environment,” said Weary.

He highlighted the need to cultivate workforce talent and discussed why recruiting, developing, and retaining a high-quality military and civilian workforce is essential for warfighting success.

“As the world, people and operating environment proceed rapidly into a future of great uncertainty, our civilian, officer, and enlisted professionals' ability to think innovatively and strategically to apply finely-honed critical aptitudes and knowledge bases in any situation could be our single most significant force-multiplier,” Weary said.

The Chief received a lot of feedback from attendees at the conclusion of the course and plans to implement it into future courses.

“One of the most significant recommendations was more time,” he said. “I have some ideas that I'm confident about. I'll work with our team to make valued adjustments for increasing interaction, learning, and application.”

Hanscom’s command chief said he will host additional offerings in May with a focus on “Sharpening the Warfighter’s Edge.”