SNCO panel shares secrets to promotion

Published March 30, 2012
By Senior Airman Melanie Holochwost
332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- More than 20 Airmen from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing attended a senior NCO progression briefing March 29 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

During the two-hour briefing, six senior leaders shared how they earned a promotion to the top two highest enlisted ranks in the Air Force.

Tip #1: Take what you want.

"I believe I was successful because I lived by the motto, 'Family First, Mission Always,'" said Chief Master Sgt. Bryan Vibert, 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, who is deployed from Joint Base Langley - Eustis, Va. "Once you have your family's support, then you need to decide what you want and take it. Don't wait around for someone to give it to you. You decide your career path, so believe in yourself and don't ever let someone tell you no."

Vibert also advised the audience to be proactive.

For example, "If you want to be put in for an award, put your package together yourself," he said. "You will more than likely get what you want and make it easier on your supervisor."

Tip #2: Don't let opportunities pass you by.

"When someone offers you a job - take it - even if you don't think you want it," said Chief Master Sgt. Barbara Krick, 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, who is deployed from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. "I was offered a job as an instructor and I turned it down because I didn't want to be taken off the flightline and stuck in a classroom. I regret this decision, because it ended up hurting my career."

Special duty assignments are a great way to broaden your career, said Chief Master Sgt. John Brinkley, 332nd AEW command chief, deployed from Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

"You should do something completely outside your career field, like first sergeant duty," Brinkley said. "Doing different things allow you different opportunities to lead... take advantage of these opportunities."

Tip #3: Be the best you can be.

"A thoroughbred horse doesn't look to his left or right, he looks toward the finish line," said Chief Master Sgt. Reginald Edwards, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group, deployed from the Washington D.C. National Guard. "Don't worry about what your competition is doing, just be the best person you can be -- day in and day out."

Tip #4: Take care of your people.

"When you are a supervisor, it's not about you anymore - it's about your people," said Chief Master Sgt. Marcus Schaeffer, 332nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group, deployed from Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. "Be a good leader and show off what your Airmen are doing. Put them in for awards and recognize their hard work."

Tip #5: Prepare.

"It's not all about the board score," Krick said. "If you score a 50 percent on the test, you're not doing your part. You need to study."

In addition to studying the Professional Development Guide, read the little brown book, Vibert said.

"It says it all right there," he said. "It will tell you how to stand out from everyone else."

When in doubt, poll the masses, the panel said.

"As chief master sergeants, we are here for you," Vibert said. "My door is always open. If you have a question, just ask us. We want to help you succeed."