Hanscom Senior NCOs mentor cadets

  • Published
  • By Jerry Saslav
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. --  On the campus of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from some of the top universities in the country learned some of what it takes to succeed after graduating and commissioning as second lieutenants in the Air Force.

The cadets from Harvard University, Tufts Univeristy, Wellesley College and MIT spoke with Hanscom Air Force Base Senior NCOs on a topic difficult to teach in a lecture - leading enlisted Airmen.

We felt that NCOs provide teachable experiences that could be shared with us to make us more successful second lieutenants when we commission after graduation, said Cadet Alexander Farrow, a student at Harvard.

The idea for cadets to meet with the enlisted members comprised of master sergeants and senior master sergeants was the result of the cadets' field training last summer.

"Many of the juniors came back from field training talking about their experiences with NCOs," said Capt. Michael Parry, an assistant professor of aerospace studies and the operations flight commander for AFROTC Detachment 365. "They had never really seen that dynamic before."

While there are a few NCOs at the detachment who provide administrative support and mentoring, the Senior NCO perspective is very valuable. 

Realizing a need to provide the future officers a different perspective, Parry sought out the senior enlisted members from a myriad of career fields and experiences to mentor the cadets.

It's very humbling to have the opportunity to speak to these cadets, to help shape the leaders they will become, said Master Sgt. Nicholas Souza, 66th Comptroller Squadron and 66th Air Base Group Staff Agency first sergeant and co-organizer of the event. 

When commissioned, a second lieutenant is charged to lead enlisted members, even Senior NCOs, who often have more than a decade of service and are considered subject-matter experts in their career field.

Souza explained that what some new officers may not realize is that it is the duty of a Senior NCO to mentor, advise and assist young officers.

"We need to understand that young officers don't have as much experience as Senior NCOs," Farrow said. "We need to seek out their advice; it's important to accomplishing the mission."

The senior enlisted members stressed that the soon-to-be officers learn Air Force regulations; for example, wear of the uniform, saluting properly and getting to know enlisted members in their organization on a personal level.

Souza passed around a copy of the Professional Development Guide and encouraged the cadets to be familiar with it. He also stressed that officers must be familiar with the duties of those subordinate to them.

After more than an hour of questions in a group setting, the cadets and Airmen had the chance to talk more informally.

"During this session, the cadets really opened up and asked some great questions," said Souza.

Farrow said the chance to meet with the Senior NCOs really drove home that every Airman has a story.

"We will be leading people, not leading things or ideas," said Farrow. "People have backstories, have experiences ... We have to be very conscious about that. This experience really put that into perspective for me."

For many of the Senior NCOs, seeing the enthusiasm that each cadet brought to this mentoring session was refreshing. 

"A young college kid asking 'What do I do?' 'Give me some direction, give me some insight,' it's a breath of fresh air," said Master Sgt. Bashar Fouz, Battle Management Directorate Communication Integration and Installation NCO in charge.

For the future second lieutenants ready to make a difference in the Air Force, the experience was invaluable.

Parry plans to invite the Senior NCOs back again, something Souza feels is a win-win for all.