SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, South Carolina -- The law of large numbers, manifestation, convergence, karma: there are a lot of theories that point to the hopeful conclusion that over time, our environments and workplaces naturally contour to fit the intended values of an organization.
However, the truth is that our values cannot be summoned or emerge naturally. They are earned through deliberate, focused action. Ninth Air Force (AFCENT) continues to take charge in harnessing diversity and equality.
“Our Airmen should believe that there are no systemic or institutional barriers to maximizing their potential, professional growth, and success,” said Lt. Gen. Greg Guillot, the 9th AF (AFCENT) commander. “This is important as a matter of human dignity and also because it helps us accomplish our mission.”
Since taking command in July, Guillot has stressed the importance of the organization achieving this end, including establishing “Embrace Equality” as one 9th AF (AFCENT)’s five mission priorities.
At Shaw Air Force Base, a diverse group of 9th AF (AFCENT) Airmen banded together in September, 2020, to form an Equality Working Group that would ensure the command remained focused on the equality priority.
“After the events of last summer, Maj. Vanessa Gonzalez and I wanted to be part of the force that helped shape this command’s culture and climate, not just during our tenure here but for every Airman after us, too,” said Maj. Alicia Carroll, 9 AF (AFCENT) Integrated Air and Missile Defense deputy division chief. “Roughly 30 members of the staff volunteered to be on the Equality Working Group, and we are laser-focused on creating an operational approach to persistently promote a command-wide environment that is inclusive and equal for all members.”
Over the last few months, the group has researched different approaches on promoting equality and a positive command culture and embarked on several, including establishing a 9th AF (AFCENT) mentorship program.
Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Jamison, 9th AF (AFCENT) Emergency Management and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear functional area manager, is leading the way on this front.
“There are so many different kinds of mentorship groups that exist in the Air Force, and while we think we know which one will best apply, we do not want to impose any further barriers to growth for any of our Airmen,” said Jamison.
“Thus, 9th AF (AFCENT) will be trying a few different types of mentorship over the next few months, to include speed mentorship, group mentorship and reverse mentorship. Through these efforts, we hope to connect Airmen to people who can help guide them in their careers and lives but not just by leaders who look or sound like them. We need to ensure everyone is being exposed to a diverse crowd and expanding understanding, not just of this command but the greater Air Force and world around them.”
The first mentoring session is currently scheduled for early March 2021.
While command Airmen at Shaw continue to emphasize the equality priority, AFCENT deployed forces are also finding unique and innovate ways to advance the ball in theater, too. Each AFCENT wing has developed a number of programs and held several events to reinforce the inclusive command climate, each tailored to their unique cultures and climates.
One example of this is the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, which hosted its first “Al Dhafra Air Base Talks” where five diverse speakers conducted a “TED Talk”-type event, discussing the personal and professional challenges encountered and overcome by members of the command.
At the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, Airmen came together to participate in a “Perspective with Power” event in which leaders with a variety of backgrounds, genders and ethnicities spoke on challenges and experiences they have had while in the Air Force that made them better leaders: https://www.afcent.af.mil/News/Article/2496470/psab-celebrate-black-history-month-with-diversity-equality-panel/.
The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing is currently in the midst of a special celebration of their heritage during the month of February—Black History Month— as they remember the history-making Tuskegee Airmen who were once assigned to the unit. One 332nd AEW Airman reflected on what being assigned to the unit means to her: https://www.afcent.af.mil/News/Article/2489690/deployed-airman-commemorates-tuskegee-airmen-during-black-history-month/.
As these events highlight, Guillot believes an equal and inclusive force is the most important aspect to executing the command’s mission of delivering dominant coalition air power in the U.S. Central Command theater.
“Every Airman in 9th AF (AFCENT) is an equally important member of this command with contributions that are equally valued,” he said. “It is the responsibility of all of us in this command to carry out this mandate for the benefit of our teammates and wingmen.”