Professional development while deployed

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jennifer M. Pearson
  • 380 Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing company grade officer council held a professional development seminar here, last week.

Lt. Col. Robert Haines, 963rd Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron commander, the guest speaker, addressed a room full of the company grade officer council. At the request of the CGOC, Colonel Haines focused his remarks on key items officers must be cognizant and actively involved with to progress their future and leadership capabilities.

"The CGOC asked Colonel Haines to speak because he is a charismatic speaker with extensive background in several aircraft and has worked on a joint staff," said Capt. Tomas Alford, 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Operations officer and CGOC professional development chairman.

Colonel Haines discussed the importance of education, recognition programs, duty performance, career planning and feedback as essential items for CGOs and all Airmen.
"It is very important that all Airmen understand the factors that directly affect their careers. A successful career does not "just happen", it takes careful planning and a lot of hard work," said Colonel Haines.

More than 30 of CGOs from all Air Force specialties deployed here attended the seminar and had the opportunity to ask questions.

"It's important to continuously develop ourselves as it helps us become better leaders," said Captain Alford.

Colonel Haines encouraged the CGOs to talk with and receive feedback other commanders and leaders to gain their perspective. "As career Airmen, each commander' s perspective is shaped by different experiences and different career paths," he said.

Flexibility and being ready is a must for every Airman no matter the career field and the colonel finished his remarks by a quote from Winston Churchill. "To every man there comes in his lifetime that special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered that chance to do a very special thing, unique to him and his talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for that work."

Professional development enables all Airmen, despite rank, position and duty location to be ready for the tap on the shoulder as that is when the potential for the greatest opportunities arise, he said.

The CGOC is not the only organization here focused on professional development. The 5/6 council sponsors weekly professional development seminars, open to all Airmen across the base.