JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Promoting Esprit de Corps & AF Heritage
In an Air Force member's career, they will have many opportunities to attend a
Dinning In, Dinning Out or similar formal events. As an airman first class, one of my favorite memories was attending a Combat Dinning In. Members had to arrive armed with a water gun or suffer the consequences. I understood the consequences of not being armed when I saw several field tents were arranged together and knew the war was about to begin. The plan was an all out battle as the event's finale.
Surprising everyone, our chief master sergeant was announcing the countdown to begin, when half of the tent walls were raised and the base fire dept essentially ended the battle before it began. Needless to say the chief won the battle.
The first Dining Out, as a senior airman, I was "sponsored" by an master sergeant in our unit. It was my introduction to the Grog bowl. And the first Air Force Ball was an inspiring event to attend.
While stationed at Charleston AFB I've had the pleasure of attending several of these events, but I've also heard an unfortunate attitude from members across the base.
Have you heard comments similar to: "I'll promote wing and base functions, I just don't attend them, I'll sponsor an Airman, but I won't go"?
When I hear that statement coming from an noncommissioned officer, my jaw always hits the floor.
Air Force Instruction 36-2618, chapter 4 - NCO Responsibilities, paragraph 4.1.10 states "Promote organizational esprit de corps and foster good community relations by supporting professional organizations as well as unit, base, and Air Force events. Also, encourage subordinates to do the same."
Reading this reveals the disconnect between the statement above and our responsibilities as NCO's. Promoting and supporting are what we do through personal attendance and event committee involvement, not by whom we sponsor or convince to attend.
The senior NCO induction ceremony was attended by approximately 10 percent of the base populace. We must do better as an NCO Corps. Not one of us graduated ALS without the demonstration of supporting unit, base and Air Force events.
How many of us have said "the Air Force is not the same as when I entered?" Truth be told, the Air Force is what we make it. See you at the next event.