ESC debuts improved Newcomer's Orientation

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gilmartin
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Electronic Systems Center launched a new way of introducing newcomers to the organization and the base Sept. 21, with a program that featured tours of each of ESC's five wings as well as short briefings outlining each unit's contributions to America's war fighters.

The afternoon-long Newcomer's Orientation improves upon the previous welcomes that were held solely at the Minuteman Club and featured traveling displays staffed by representatives of each wing. During the latest orientation, new members of the ESC and Hanscom team visited each wing for mission briefs and demonstrations while also enjoying a guided tour of Hanscom, followed by a social event at the club attended by ESC Commander Lt. Gen. Chuck Johnson and other leadership.

"Joining a new organization can be unsettling, especially if it is your first assignment or first job after college," said ESC Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Arthur Rooney. "There's a lot of questions you need answered in a short amount of time, ranging from 'where's the best place to buy lunch?' to 'what do all these new acronyms mean?' Also, it is very important for folks to understand the big picture, and how what they do fits into that. We believe this new employee orientation program addresses many of these issues in a way that keeps people interested while introducing them to others who are new to ESC." 

The value of a strong orientation program can't be overstated, General Rooney said. "Experience in private industry shows that employees who are effectively welcomed and introduced to their new work place are more committed to the organization, happier, stay longer and are more motivated." 

ESC's new welcome program, which could handle up to 80 participants, was hosted by the 350th Electronic Systems Wing and began in the wing's headquarters, building 1614. Following welcome remarks by General Rooney and ESC Executive Director Fran Duntz, ESC Chief of Staff Col. Russ Blaine explained the mission of the Center.

Brig. Gen. Pete Hoene, commander of the 350th ELSW, welcomed the newcomers on behalf of General Johnson and briefed his organization's mission. A loud "3-5-0 Best in Show" cheer arose from the 350 ELSW attendees during the opening remarks demonstrating their wing spirit.

"I was proud of the incredible spirit and teamwork exhibited by the men and women of the mighty 3-5-0 as they pulled together to host the first orientation," he said. "I think we set a high standard for other organizations to shoot for when they host future orientations."

After a free lunch catered by Dave's Café, the tour moved across the street to Building 1600, headquarters of the 554th Electronic Systems Wing, for short briefings on that unit's mission, including a discussion of AFWAY and a Force Protection demonstration.

From there, it was a quick bus ride to the 66th Security Forces Squadron, where people saw a working dog demonstration and learned of the 66th Air Base Wing's mission.

Next stop on the tour was the 551st Electronic Systems Wing, where the wing's commander, Col. Dwyer Dennis, outlined his organization's mission. Then, after a short walk to an adjacent building, tour members learned of the 653rd Electronic Systems Wing's mission during a presentation by Deputy Wing Director Col. Mark Murphy.

"Each wing visit lasted only 20 minutes, so we kept the pace moving," said Mike Condon of ESC Directorate of Personnel, who organized the orientation. "Each wing did a great job of providing good information in a concise way. By 4 p.m., we were at the club for a social, where newcomers got to talk one on one with leadership, including General Johnson, General Rooney and Mrs. Duntz."

There are a number of benefits to this new orientation over the previous versions, Mr. Condon said.

"In the past, it took a day to set up each organization's displays at the club, a day to brief the mission, and another day to tear down the displays," he said. "This new method not only saves a lot of that time, but it allows everyone to actually visit each wing on base and see where it is located."

Based on feedback provided after the event in short surveys, participants really enjoyed the day, Mr. Condon said.

"We received positive comments on a number of things," he said. "People liked meeting other newcomers, and found it very helpful to understand the big picture of what ESC does."

The event was a success in large part due to the exceptional work done by members of the 350th ELSW, according to Mr. Condon. He specifically cited Project Officer Coree Chandler, Staff Sgt. Dave Warszawski, Peter Pongrantz and Master Sgt. Patrick Hunt for their hard work.

Similar orientations will be held quarterly, with the next one scheduled for December, although Mr. Condon said his organization is looking at offering another one in November to help reduce the backlog of new arrivals at ESC.