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Two generations meet, one command strengthens

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chip Pons
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, RANDOLPH—Texas --  

Dozens gathered with hope of reaching mutual understanding and bridging communication gaps between two distinct Air Force generations. Seated within firing range of Air Education and Training Command’s senior leaders were 24 millennials, representing Airmen between the ages of 18-34, traversing wings throughout the command, for the AETC Senior Leader Conference here Oct. 27.  

Millennials invited were given the opportunity to speak not only about important issues faced in day-to-day operations, but to offer insight on topics potentially affecting the Total Force.

The Airman Engagement Panel began with a steady stream of moderator-posed questions and answers. Leaders across the command were able to reflect on what was said and provided feedback, allowing for a constant stream of impactful dialogue.  

“This event permitted us to not only talk with senior leaders, but to see their way of thinking and perspective,” said Senior Airman Kathy Sells, 97th Operations Support Squadron airfield management shift leader at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. “I was able to understand their concerns for Airmen and see how determined AETC leaders are as a whole, to better understand our generation.

“Many Airmen feel they are not being heard by their leaders,” Sells continued. “This engagement panel helped dispel a lot of those feelings, and I think continuing events like this will help all Airmen continue to improve dialogue. Having the chance to engage with all leaders within AETC has strengthened my personal trust in my leadership.”

While participants in the panel touched on a variety of important topics that play a pivotal personal role in their service, the conversation collectively continued to circle back to communication.

“Leaders showed a genuine willingness to listen and implement change, which helped the panel members give their honest opinion when questions were asked,” said 2nd Lt. Megan Eaton, 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant aircraft maintenance unit officer in charge at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. “The small group sessions were very valuable to everyone involved because it allowed for open and in-depth communication between the Airmen and senior leaders.”

While participants and attendees alike may have entered the conference with a preconceived notion of one another, the willingness to be open and to understand different points of view enabled all Airmen, despite rank and birth year, to find common ground.

“I thought the engagement panel was an excellent opportunity to interface with senior leaders and aid in closing the gap on some potential inaccuracies surrounding millennials,” said 2nd Lt. Rocco Mazzei, 97th Medical Support Squadron medical readiness flight commander at Altus AFB. “The two-way feedback was very positive and encouraging, and I definitely appreciated the sincerity that AETC senior leaders had in their approach of the panel's input.”

“I think it would be beneficial to replicate events like this in the future, and even in varying forums,” Mazzei continued. “As one of the panel members referenced, it is a great way to see first-hand how much effort our leaders put into truly making the scope of our Air Force less narrow, with consideration to those on the ground carrying the day-to-day workload.”

While the event was intended to diminish stereotypes on both sides of the generational spectrum, it also provided the opportunity to acknowledge inaccurate perceptions.

“I want to personally thank everyone who took the time to be part of this panel,” said Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, AETC commander. “I deeply appreciate your courage to speak candidly about the issues that are important to you, and hope you feel confident that your words had significant impact on this command’s leaders.”

“What became apparent here is that these two generations of Airmen have far more in common that unites them, than separates or divides them,” said Roberson said. “As we move forward, I challenge our leaders to have the agility to adjust styles and behaviors in order to ensure our future success. We all must commit ourselves to work together in order to achieve what we want – that must continue to be best supporting the needs of the Air Force.”