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Air Force Instructors highlight force generator career fields in Instagram Takeovers

  • Published
  • By C Arce
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas – Force generators across Air Education and Training Command began taking over the AETC Instagram account early this year to showcase what they do in their day-to-day developmental special duty assignments to transform the way Airmen learn and inspire the future force.

“There’s no way that we can create the Air Force of tomorrow, the Air Force of 2040, without incredible Airmen filling these force generation roles,” said Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson, command chief of AETC. “Our force generators do great work every day in tough conditions, and they absolutely deserve to be highlighted and recognized for the incredible contribution they make to our Air Force.”

To maintain the competitive edge over adversaries, the Air Force must select the best Airmen to train and educate the next generation of Airmen.

“We are targeting the highest performers to become force generators,” said Thompson. “In exchange for sending their best to instruct, we will return them to their career field with improved leadership skills, new confidence and so many more key developmental traits that will make them more outstanding Airmen.”

According to the Developmental Special Duty Program Personnel Services Delivery guide, the DSD program develops leaders by requiring that they oversee and mentor multiple Airmen, and that they ensure the well-being of those mentees and their families.

There are many force generator positions within The First Command, and so far the AETC Instagram account has been taken over by instructors at the 37th Training Wing, Department of Defense Louis F. Garland Fire Academy, Military Training Leader and Officer Training Schools.

Master Sgt. Jodeci Mitchell

Mitchell is a military training instructor from the Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. He serves as the 319th Training Squadron’s BEAST section chief.

 “The joy that comes with taking a civilian and molding them into an Airman is unmatched,” said Mitchell. “The diversity that comes from this job is also unmatched. This is an opportunity to learn from all walks of life, while sharpening my skills.”

Mitchell’s role as an MTI is paramount to providing training that is entirely focused on lethality and readiness, Airmanship, fitness and warrior ethos.

 

 

 

 

 

Tech. Sgt. Steven Soto

Soto is an advanced course instructor from the Department of Defense Louis F. Garland Fire Academy at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas.

Fire Academy instructors train all DOD components in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and international allies. They ensure the students are prepared to adapt and decide in unusual environments and operations.

“When I return to the operational side of firefighting in a few months I know I will be more prepared because of the time I have spent instructing,” said Soto. “I now understand the why behind what we do in the field and this knowledge, along with management skills, will make me a better tech sergeant and future senior NCO.”

 

 

 

Master Sgt. Jessica Johnson

Johnson is a military training leader at the MTL School at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. She is the instructor supervisor at the schoolhouse, where she trains all the current and soon-to-be MTLs.

Approximately 120 MTLs are trained every year. Their mission is to mentor, train and lead about 30,000 Airmen in 49 different locations across AETC installations.

“Given this opportunity to highlight the hard work these NCOs and SNCOs endure to complete this course is an honor,” said Johnson. “Showing off what we do firsthand in our role as force generators in technical training is something that’s truly valuable to not only us as MTLs, but also to potential candidates who may volunteer to take on this necessary job as a force generator and leader.”

 

 

Capt. Kylee Eaton

Eaton is an instructor at the Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

 “It’s so cool when you get to help students reflect on who they were when they first showed up for training to where they are now,” said Eaton. “Eight weeks is not enough time to change someone, but it is enough time to have an impact on them.”

OTS instructors are responsible for providing force development to Airmen that is mission-focused, Airman-centric and competency-based.    

 

 

 

 

The takeovers are part of an AETC campaign to highlight developmental special duty assignments and the importance of these positions to our Air Force and AETC’s valuing force generators priority.

Follow AETC on Instagram at @aetc_firstcommand to see current and future takeovers.

Learn more about the DSD program requirements, eligibility and assignment cycles by visiting https://mypers.af.mil/ (common access card required for access).