Senior NCO Academy seeks instructors Published Aug. 25, 2006 By Tech. Sgt. Scott Moorman Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL-GUNTER AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AETCNS) -- The Air Force Senior NCO Academy here is reaching out to its alumni for help in shaping the future of the Air Force and the enlisted corps. "We are not looking for instructors, we are looking for senior NCOs with character who desire to be instructors," said Chief Master Sgt. Barbara J. Gill, the academy's chief of programs directorate. "We have a very full and comprehensive training program to get our senior NCOs qualified as instructors." Candidates must be active duty master sergeants or senior master sergeants who have graduated, in-residence from the academy. Eligible senior NCOs must have a minimum of a Community College of the Air Force degree or equivalent, meet or exceed fitness standards, have or be able to obtain four years of retainability and meet time-on-station requirements for a permanent change of station to Maxwell-Gunter AFB. Instructors assist in developing leading-edge curriculum and educate senior NCOs across the Department of Defense and allied nations, said Chief Master Sgt. Pamela Derrow, academy commandant. "Instructors also lead the Chief of Staff of the Air Force-directed combined operations initiative between senior NCOs of the Air Force Senior NCO Academy and junior officers attending the Air and Space Basic Course. Combined operations focus on mentorship, leadership and followership between senior NCOs and junior officers," said Chief Derrow. Chief Gill said the benefits of instructing at the AFSNCOA are working with a professional, motivated staff, opportunities to improve communications skills and "being in the know" about what is happening to our future enlisted professional military education. Selected members attend a four-week Enlisted Professional Military Education Instructor Course at Maxwell-Gunter. For more information, contact Chief Master Sgt. Gill at (DSN) 596-1572.