Whiteman selected as test base for NCO academy via satellite program, graduates 11

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo., --  Air Combat Command selected Whiteman as the first test-base for an NCO academy via satellite campus for active duty Air Force.

Eleven Whiteman members graduated from the satellite NCO academy; class 10-2, Dec. 15, 2009, at McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tenn.
According to Senior Master Sgt. Sam Simmons, lead facilitator, academy material was taught via satellite at the professional development center here over a three month period beginning Sept. 8, 2009.

Students then traveled to McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tenn. for an additional two and a half weeks of the in-resident portion of study.

"The satellite academy allowed students to attend in the evening at Whiteman in a classroom environment and view instructors through a live broadcast feed from McGhee- Tyson ANG base," Sergeant Simmons said. "The satellite academy was a non- traditional distance learning for Tech. Sergeants to meet their professional military education requirements and enhance their supervisory skills."

According to Sergeant Simmons, students met on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for four hours each night.

The academy allowed students to stay at Whiteman verses leaving for the full six and a half weeks to Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. where the academy is usually hosted.

"Overall, it was a very successful academy as far the material we learned and being able to apply it during our duty days," said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Smith, a class distinguished graduate, from the 509th Operation Support Squadron. "It was also nice to be able to be with our families."

According to Sergeant Smith, even if students couldn't fully commit on a daily basis, they were able to contribute more to the mission here partially helping the base during the Nuclear Surety Inspection.

"If the students had gone to the academy class location, they would have been out of pocket for a longer period of time," Sergeant Simmons said.

According to Sergeant Simmons, the development of the satellite approach was directed by Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education, which discharges Air University's responsibility for the education of future enlisted leaders throughout the Air Force.

"There is a backlog of Tech. Sergeants that haven't gone through the NCO academy and this is one avenue that the Air Force is looking at to possibly reduce it," Senior Master Sergeant Ken Williams, ACC enlisted PME functional manager said. "We are seeking options to see if this is a better way to keep our troops engaged at the bases."

The ANG has been doing this now for some time, but Whiteman is the pioneer as far as active duty Air Force, said Sergeant Simmons.

"Whiteman not only paved the way for this type of learning for active duty members, but set the standard in leadership as well," Sergeant Simmons said. "Sergeant Smith was selected to execute the duties of class leader for the 131-strong student body."

In preparation for the course, Sergeant Simmons, along with Master Sgt. Connie Blair, Master Sgt. Latorsha Stephens and Master Sgt. Britton Yocum attended a facilitator's academy.

According to Sergeant Smith, not only did Whiteman students learn class material, but they also interacted with the guard unit.

"We shared a lot of our experiences, and it was good to be in that role," Sergeant Smith said. "We learned a lot from them as well."

Most recently, an inspection team visited Whiteman from Jan. 3-7, 2010, to evaluate the effectiveness of the program according to Sergeant Williams.

"Our main goal was to obtain feedback from students, the facilitators and the students' supervisors so we can effectively evaluate the program," Sergeant Williams said. "We then communicate with our functional at the Pentagon to help determine whether or not it's a way to move forward."

Sergeant Simmons is positive about the program future.

"Whiteman ventured out to do something with in the total force concept with the guard and their training," Sergeant Simmons said. "It was a huge step for us to participate."