New AFGSC chiefs, chief selects learn from history

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Air Force Global Strike Command's new chief master sergeants and chief selects learned leadership lessons from senior NCOs of the past during the AFGSC Chief orientation Jan. 23-27 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

As a part of the orientation, the chiefs and chief selects traveled to Vicksburg, Miss., to learn about how Civil War senior NCOs led soldiers into battle.

Bruce Stewart, former Navy aviation electronics technician and Barksdale historian, served as a tour guide and portrayed a first sergeant named Orrin Southwell from Company H Ill. volunteer infantry. He explained to the participants his role in the Civil War and how it relates to the military right now.

"You guys are like the sergeant majors," Stewart said. "They had to find ways to convince their men that this is the best plan for them."

Senior NCOs in the Civil War led by example; while in battle they would be the first to charge ahead onto the battlefield as their men followed closely behind, Stewart said. He went on to explain how senior NCOs of the present need to have the same motivational skills as they did in order to motivate their Airmen.

During the tour, he mentioned actual Civil War battles and explained to the participants what the senior NCOs did to come out on top.

According to Stewart, senior NCOs would promise promotions to young soldiers willing to follow orders as directed. While that can no longer be used in our era, one participant brought up giving their Airmen some rest and relaxation after a job well done.

"The decisions leaders make are timeless," said Chief Master Sgt. David Maniccia, AFGSC chief enlisted manager. "What applied in the Civil War still applies now."

While the times may be different, Maniccia knows not much has changed. Soldiers still need to be led by great leaders and motivated.

Maniccia participated in this event last year as a chief select, but this year was an overseer. The senior NCO academy is the last professional military education course enlisted personnel receive.

"This is the only event available where all chiefs can prepare for chief master sergeant," Maniccia said. "We are showing tactical and operational leadership lessons to better prepare them for strategic decisions they will have to make."

Motivating young Airmen can be a daunting task, but looking back at history can help one realize what it takes to get the job done.

"You have to know your people and the mission," Maniccia said. "Know the big picture so you can communicate that. The men at Vicksburg had a reason to fight; they wanted to preserve the Union."

While times have changed since the Civil War, several things haven't changed, said Chief Master Sgt. Brian Hornback, AFGSC command chief. Young Airmen still need to be inspired and led.

"This orientation is not an event to celebrate their achievement of making chief master sergeant," said Hornback. "This orientation is designed to prepare them to become strategic leaders. We added the twist of including some historical lesson of leadership from the battle of Vicksburg."

The lessons learned are timeless, he added. A senior NCO's role of inspiring his troops while understanding the bigger picture hasn't changed much since the Civil War era.

Becoming a chief is a milestone reserved for the top one percent of the enlisted corps, making it one of the hardest ranks to make in all of the military. The responsibilities they overtake will determine how effectively their Airmen accomplish the mission of the Air Force.