Commander's Comments: From the Desk of the Command Chief Master Sgt.

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Raymondo
  • 102nd Intelligence Wing
By the time you read this article we will be within forty five days of our Unit Compliance Inspection. You should all be familiar with the inspection process and more importantly know your role. Although you may not be directly responsible for a particular program, you play an important part in the overall success of the 102nd Intelligence Wing. If you haven't had an opportunity to read the "102nd Get Smart Guide" I'd recommend you do so. This guide offers a comprehensive review of the inspection process and provides tips on how each one of us can help do our part to ensure a successful outcome. Of particular note is section 6 of the guide "What can you do." This section applies to all of us. Good tips on customs and courtesies, attitude and military appearance are offered in this section. This information is nothing new; it is part of our culture. Please take a few minutes to get familiar with the guide and be ready to meet the challenges of our first major inspection as the 102nd Intelligence Wing.

In the next few months the UCI will be in our rearview mirror. Our work doesn't stop there. The next several years bring exciting opportunities for our wing. Each day as we drive onto the base we see its continued transformation. New buildings are being erected as old buildings are being razed. We continue to reduce our footprint as we become more efficient and relevant now and into the future.

As enlisted Airmen, we must keep pace with the changing environment of our military. "The little brown book" or AFI 36-2618, the Enlisted Force Structure, provides a roadmap for enlisted development from Airman Basic to Chief Master Sergeant. Spend some time reviewing the responsibilities for your grade and for those you supervise. Continue to invest time in your career and always be ready to take that next step. Today's development will produce tomorrow's leaders.

Over the next several years, like our base, our leadership team will change. On the enlisted side we will have Chiefs, First Sergeants and other SNCO opportunities becoming available. Some of these positions will require you to step out of your comfort zone. Trust me, it's okay. I've spent the majority of my career in security forces. When I had the opportunity to apply for the Command Chief vacancy, I jumped at the chance. It certainly wasn't because I didn't like what I was doing. To me it was an exciting opportunity to contribute at the next level. You can be ready for these challenges but you must start now. Read AFI 36-2618. Understand what it means to "Maintain the highest level of personal readiness to meet mission requirements" (para 3.1.4). Get involved in activities outside of your AFSC.

One way you can get involved is to join your Airmen's Council. This is an energetic group of Airmen Basics thru Technical Sergeants who meet every Saturday of the UTA at 1400 in the Executive Conference Room. The council is constantly seeking new members and ideas to promote quality of life initiatives as well as professional development tools. If you're interested you can stop by on Saturday of the UTA.

That's it for now. Good luck with the inspection. Thank you for all your hard work and helping achieve our vision "To be recognized as the Air National Guard's premier Intelligence Wing, universally recognized and respected for performance and reputation."