AMMAN, Jordan -- Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Drinkard, command chief for U.S. Air Forces Central Command, addressed attendees of the Fourth Annual Sergeants Major Symposium April 7-10 at the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center.
The event, hosted by the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF), provided an opportunity for enlisted leaders from around the world to generate best practices for the training and development of noncommissioned officers (NCOs), often referred to as the “backbone” of military forces.
During his address, Drinkard highlighted the similarities between the U.S. Air Force’s enlisted history and the host nation’s efforts to more fully develop its NCO corps.
“We didn’t establish Chief Master Sergeant as a rank until 1958, 11 years after the formation of our Air Force,” Drinkard said. “And ever since then, we continue to refine our enlisted development and training processes.”
Drinkard continued, “The Air Force is a learning organization that employs technologies – iron, aircraft, weapon systems – but at the end of the day our biggest advantage over our common adversaries is a professional and empowered noncommissioned officer corps. That’s the difference-maker, and that’s why we’re here.”
During the four-day event, enlisted leaders from around the globe recognized the broader implications of NCO development for enhancing military relations with a key ally in the Levant.
“The ability to connect is a personal one in armies,” said Australian Army Warrant Officer Brent Doyle. “So if we can connect with Jordan’s NCO corps and create those personal relationships based on a common understanding of the roles we undertake, we can have our NCOs work with their NCOs instead of our NCOs working with their officers. The way forward will be far better.”
“This whole gathering is recognition of the importance and value of the NCO corps,” said Canadian Chief Warrant Officer Martin Cartier, senior enlisted leader for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe military partnerships directorate. “When NCOs are empowered, our allied forces reach their highest potential."
Wrapping up his address, Drinkard said the willingness of partner nations in attendance to discuss improvements to NCO training and development will ultimately lead to greater stability and security in the region.
“Readiness plus empowered NCOs equals winning,” said Drinkard. “When you add readiness plus empowered NCOs, we’re going to win every single time. We’re going to win because we’re a coalition and because we’re partners.”