Protocol: The art of organizing disorder

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Dozens of commander directed events take place on an Air Force base day-in and day-out to enhance the lives of the Airmen that reside on it, but behind-the-scenes of those venues is protocol.

Events have many moving parts and those parts require coordination; its protocol's mission to make sure those planned events go smoothly and as scheduled. For those who stay in the shadows, it's considered a very low key profession that stays incognito.

Whether it's commander's calls or distinguished visits, protocol is there to make sure the event is functional and running as intended.

"There is no glory in the job, only accomplishment" said Staff Sgt. Marcus Jones, 82nd Training Wing protocol noncommissioned officer in charge. "Our job is to stay in the background and make things happen."

1st Lt. Shannon Oehmke, 82nd TRW protocol chief, views the protocol profession as one full of challenge where patience is a virtue that can get the mission accomplished.

"You can't get the job done without it," Jones agreed.

As an organization who works directly for the base commander, Jones notes he has gotten opportunities many others don't get when it comes to interacting with high profile visitors.

While figuring out the logistics of an event going smoothly has its challenges, Jones makes it his job to bring a sense of coordination.

"It's organizing chaos.....when everything falls into place, that's the best part about it," he said.

With Sheppard being host to a melting pot of diversity, Oehmke appreciates the global perspective it gives her on the bigger Air Force mission.

"I really feel like I'm fulfilling a purpose," she commented.

Jones, a former missile maintenance technician, found himself drawn to do something different that would enhance his Air Force experience.

"I needed to challenge myself out of my comfort zone," he asserted.

Oehmke likes the unique view she gets as a protocol officer and considers it one of the strengths of the profession that drive it forward.

"It gives me a broader perspective and understanding of the base," she said. "I've gotten to see the big picture."

Regardless of the pandemonium that can sometimes come with the job, the protocol office considers their job worthwhile and fulfilling.

"It's hectic and it's stressful, but you want put your best foot forward," Oehmke said.