CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, as we continue to fight the Global War on Terrorism, we must also continue to stay engaged in Enlisted Professional Development.
In these times, more than ever, professional development is crucial to our mission. Supervisors must persistently provide leadership that prompts Airmen to develop professional knowledge, skills and attitudes. Airmen who possess these valued competencies enable us to effectively bring aerospace power to bear against our enemies. These competencies are also the foundation that successful Air Force careers are built on.
Over the years, EPD has come to focus on Air Force knowledge and leadership areas common to all enlisted grades up to chief master sergeant. Mastery in these professional development areas is the key that opens the door of opportunity and advancement for Airmen.
It is important to understand that investing in professional development today positions us for leadership tomorrow. Although professional development can come in many forms, I'd like to discuss just a few: Enlisted Professional Military Education and Professional Enhancement Seminars, personal commitment and the My EPD Web site.
EPD begins in Basic Military Training, which focuses on physical fitness and military skills with an emphasis on discipline. Professional development continues with traditional formal PME courses, such as Airman Leadership School and the noncommissioned officer academies, that are intended to develop supervisory and leadership skills.
Then there are PESs offered at many bases. These informal professional development seminars were designed for enlisted members who are between PME requirements. These are Airmen who have completed their current PME requirement but are not eligible for the next level of PME. This smart approach to Airmen development complements the traditional PME curriculum in a format that is brief and mission friendly. Charleston AFB is one of the bases that offers PESs for both Airmen and NCOs.
In addition to formal PME and informal PESs, Airmen can also make a personal commitment to their professional development. An excellent resource for those who take this approach is the chief of staff's reading list. The list is a collection of books on aerospace power, history and leadership. I believe the list is broad enough for almost everyone to find something that peaks their interest to expand their knowledge of the Air Force, its history and its future.
The "My EPD" Web site, introduced last year, consolidates career information in one convenient place. My EPD is a useful tool for monitoring your enlisted professional development as you progress throughout your career. With just one click of the mouse, you can even invite a mentor to share your career information, making it easy to receive valuable professional development and career guidance. Some of the information available on My EPD include education and training requirements, professional development options, PME completed, ancillary training, duty history and decorations.
The My EPD Web site is accessed through the Air Force portal. I encourage everyone to log on and see what it has to offer.
As leaders, it is our duty to continue to sharpen our skills. In doing so, we set the example that encourages Airmen to take advantage of opportunities that further their professional development as well. The knowledge and skills they acquire make them better leaders, better supervisors and better managers -- in effect, better Airmen.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!