Chiefs-in-Training Program

Published Sept. 26, 2024
By Senior Airman Katie McKee
82d TRW Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

Student leaders at the 362d Training Squadron have initiated the Chiefs-in-Training program to foster unity, resilience and personal growth among Airmen by creating a space where individuals can openly share their experiences, challenges and successes.

Every week, this Airman-led initiative brings together Airmen from the squadron to discuss personal hardships, life lessons and career development in an open, encouraging environment. The goal is to provide a platform where Airmen can speak about the obstacles they face, both personally and professionally, while also offering support and solutions from their peers.

Airman Jesus Suarez, 362d TRS student leader, says his goal is to have a welcoming environment after Basic Military Training as they are all transitioning into the military lifestyle. He emphasized the importance of having a positive mindset.

Students pose for a photo — The Chiefs-in-Training program was initiated by 362d Training Squadron student leaders at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The program fosters unity, resilience and personal growth among Airmen by creating a space where individuals can openly share their experiences, challenges and successes. (Courtesy photo)

“I want other Airmen to have a good transition once they arrive at tech training after BMT,” said Suarez. “I want to boost morale, but I also want to talk about life experiences and those hardships that we all face. My motto is ‘it’s a great day to have a great day’ because I want to bring that positive mindset into the squadron.”

These weekly sessions are an opportunity for Airmen to build lasting connections and develop skills essential for overcoming adversity. The emphasis is on creating an environment where vulnerability is accepted and solutions can be found through open dialogue.

Tech. Sgt. Joshua Beck, 362d Training Squadron Military Training Leader, attends every presentation and has recognized Airmen empowering each other through challenges while also fostering a sense of camaraderie.

“This program is allowing Airmen to join together to come up with creative solutions and develop themselves from the inside out,” said Beck. “Airmen won’t always find answers by talking to sergeants, so they are approaching their problems from an Airman-to-Airman perspective. They are learning how to lead each other and understand each other’s views.”

Each session may feature a guest speaker who brings an outside perspective on career development and shares their own journey within the Air Force.

The Chiefs-in-Training program has encouraged more Airmen to volunteer for student leader positions, resulting in the squadron having the most student leaders than ever before.

“I never thought I would be in charge of a program where I could help others better themselves because I was struggling with that myself, but transitioning into the military and being at Sheppard has been a great opportunity for me to build myself alongside my peers,’’ said Suarez. “Our goal here is to study, train and graduate, but while we do that we also have to develop ourselves.”