Leaders attend AETC conference Published Nov. 16, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A recent Air Education and Training Command conference gave an opportunity for Sheppard leadership to address concerns and provide ideas for fellow commanders across the command. The AETC Commanders', Command Chiefs' and Spouses' Conference at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 15-19 gave 82nd Training Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux and Col. David Petersen, 80th Flying Training Wing commander, an opportunity to bring up concerns and ideas regarding technical and flying training, educational needs for Airmen and telling the Air Force story. Education High on both wing commanders' priorities is education of today's Airmen. The commanders drew from the Air University's current push for an Associates-to-Baccalaureate Program and how it will advance the world's superior air force. General Devereaux said education and training are some of the many factors that set Airmen apart from other services. He added the ABC program will help facilitate a higher education for Airmen while continuing to enhance the skill sets for those already in the field. Colonel Petersen echoed the general's response, and added that a higher level of education is needed in today's ever-changing and technologically advanced Air Force. "The ABC program is a fantastic opportunity to enhance the education of our force," the colonel said. "Ensuring Airmen are aware of the program and are afforded as much opportunity as possible to participate is essential." Training A major portion of the conference was the need for AETC to continue providing relevant flying and technical training to the next-generation of warrior Airmen. It's no secret that Sheppard provides more than 50 percent of the Air Force's technically trained Airmen and a majority of the undergraduate pilot training candidates. Both commanders agreed that because of that, Sheppard plays a key role in sustaining the Air Force's war fighting capabilities. "Without these trained, technically-superior, highly-motivated warrior Airmen, our Air Force would fail to function in a few years," General Devereaux said. "Part of our wing strategy is to continually leverage technology and innovation in the classroom to improve the quality of our training." Colonel Petersen said one of the goals he took with him was to provide U.S. Air Force graduates from the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program more opportunities than what are available today. He added that today's U.S. students train to become combat pilots in either fighter or bomber aircraft. He said as the Air Force's mission evolves, having other career opportunities available is something he would like to see as a possibility for students. Telling the story Regardless of rank or privilege, every Airman is empowered to tell the Air Force story. However, some are reluctant to do so. During the conference, Chief Master Sgt. Mark Luzader, AETC command chief, said that informing others of the Air Force story is just as critical to the Air Force's success as dropping bombs on target. "We tell the Air Force story daily through interacting with the community," he said. "The individual Airman has a significant impact on how America perceives our contribution to the defense of our nation." The wing commanders agreed on the chief's assessment on the importance of "the story." "We will continue to use all the communication tools we have available to ensure not only U.S. Airmen (tell the story), but also those of our (NATO) partners know the Air Force story," Colonel Petersen said. General Devereaux said spreading the Air Force story begins by inspiring the warrior Airmen to tell the story. Sheppard, specifically, has begun to instill the pride and desire to tell the story by getting Airmen involved in the base atmosphere early. "We're calling this program 'Warrior Weekend Challenge,'" the general said. "It provides competitive and fun weekend sports and social activity for our Airmen to provide opportunities for team building and leadership development. We want to develop Airmen who will seek ways to get involved when they hit their first base." The conference also offered commanders an opportunity to share current success stories from their bases to assist other bases. General Devereaux said he shared the base's civilian mentoring program and a few of the Air Force Smart Operation 21 implementations that have smoothed a few operations here. (Information from a story by Justin Oakes, AETC Public Affairs, was used in the writing of this article).