366 TRS has wing's best MTF for 2012

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  In a clean sweep, the 366th Training Squadron Military Training Flight (MTF) has been named the 82nd Training Wing's 2012 MTF of the Year.

The 366th TRS MTF won all three graded quarterly inspections conducted for the year by the wing Training Operations (TO) office. The inspections focus on categories such as military discipline and bearing, internal programs and an open ranks inspection.

The yearly winner is determined by the MTF who accrues the most points throughout the calendar year.

Due to the Air Education and Training Command Compliance Inspection conducted here last May, only three of the year's four quarters were included in the grading process.

Defining and meeting expectations were cited as one of the keys to success by Senior Master Sgt. Brent Batten, 366th TRS MTF flight chief, who takes pride in the accomplishment of achieving MTF of the year.

"It's a great feeling," said Batten, who oversees an average of 450 Airmen on a daily basis and over 1,200 Airmen annually.

Batten also cited the diverse mix of new and experienced leadership as an asset to the squadron's success.

"We had the right combination of new MTL's (Military Training Leaders) and experienced MTL's," said Batten. "The experienced MTL's were able to train the new ones, and the new MTL's were able to bring those new ideas."

Introducing a standardized set of rules for room inspections and implementing a new wing-wide physical training program were two of the many new ideas utilized by the squadron, said Batten.

As a former civil engineer, Batten brings his expertise in that field to his role as an MTL.

"It's easy for us (as MTL's) to tell our story," said Batten. "The traits they learn here will be put to the test immediately."

Batten enjoys his role as an MTL and how his actions affect the Air Force as a whole.
"We have a hand in producing good Airmen," Batten said.

Another MTL who plays a role in molding new Airmen is Tech. Sgt. Casey Ehlinger, 366th TRS MTF assistant flight chief.

Ehlinger credited a combination of dedication and hard work as the reason why the squadron was selected for MTF of the year.

"It says a lot about our MTL's and the hard work they put in for the Airmen," Ehlinger said.
Mutual respect when it comes to the mentor-student relationship is valued highly by Ehlinger in regards to making sure the squadron runs smoothly.

"We treat them like humans," Ehlinger said. "We are helping them see the big picture of the Air Force."

Ehlinger believes that shaping good Airmen at the squadron is vital to the continuity of the Air Force.

"We shape our futures as leaders now," the MTL said.