Enlisted leaders converse at NCO Academy

Jordanian Army visit to Vosler NCOA

Top enlisted leaders of the Jordanian army and senior noncommissioned officers from the Forrest L. Vosler NCO Academy and Fort Carson have discussions during a presentation on enlisted training in the Air Force June 24, 2011, at the NCOA on Peterson Air Force Base. (Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jessica Hines)

Published July 1, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Jessica Hines
21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Forrest L. Vosler Noncommissioned Officer Academy had a special visit by the sergeant major of the Jordanian army, Mohammad I. Al-Smadi, June 24, for a look into how the Air Force prepares enlisted leaders.

Accompanied by Army Master Sgt. Dan Churchman from Fort Carson, Colo., the small group of top Jordanian enlisted leaders first met with Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Stone, commandant of the NCOA.

After introductions, the two parties expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to come together and share ideas and methods on how each service has invested in developing strong NCOs.

"Nobody develops NCOs like the United States does, no one puts the same level of responsibility on their NCOs like the United States does; that's why you see these partnerships," said Stone.

Through a presentation made specifically for the Jordanian visit, the NCOA staff highlighted the life cycle development process for an Airman. Key points of the presentation and discussion included the uniqueness of the Community College of the Air Force, the importance of a strong evaluation system and positive feedback as well as the separate stages of enlisted training such as Airman Leader School.

"The sergeant major of the (Jordanian) army has a great vision of where he wants to see his enlisted corps, but knows it's going to take some time," said Master Sgt. Kent Keiser, first sergeant for the Vosler NCOA.

The Jordanian visit to Peterson Air Force Base was only one stop in the group's trip to the area; the officials spent time at Fort Carson observing how the Army has also invested in the development of enlisted leaders.