ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Get to know the Airman of the Month for January, Staff Sgt. Jaden Allen 54th Air Refueling Squadron instructor boom operator, from Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
Beyond your technical expertise, what personal quality or strength do you believe contributes most to your effectiveness and reliability in your unit?
I have the ability to think critically and adapt to any challenges I may face. This improves my effectiveness and reliability at work by giving my teammates someone they can count on. Additionally, my skills as a leader help me remain flexible and promote confidence in others, allowing me to contribute to our mission.
The Air Force emphasizes both precision and lethality. How do you apply those concepts within your specific role to ensure mission success for Altus AFB?
As an instructor boom operator for the KC-135 Stratotanker, I ensure our precision and lethality by training students to execute aircraft operations in a proficient manner. I provide instruction on flying procedures, aerial refueling operations, and safety consciousness. We commonly operate with heavy receivers like the KC-46 Pegasus and C-17 Globemaster III. By accomplishing air refueling, we qualify and aid in the training of their pilots and our student booms. As collocated airframes, we all unilaterally operate together to fulfill the mission of Altus AFB.
How do you embody warrior ethos in your everyday duties, even if your job isn't directly combat-related?
I embody the warrior ethos daily by upholding my standards of discipline, integrity, and readiness. This awards me the opportunity to be prepared to stand out in any operational environment. While my duties at Altus are indirectly combat related, I am the focal point of refining students into qualified aviators. I am their first introduction into the world of the mobility Air Force, empowering them to go to their units with a baseline for combat employment.
How does your work at Altus directly or indirectly contribute to maintaining the Air Force's lethality on the global stage?
I ensure lethality by guaranteeing students understand their role as the next generation of boom operators. They understand how their duties directly support the Air Force’s combat readiness and global projection. Our students are taught agile combat employment concepts, enabling them to be multi-capable Airmen. My fellow instructors and I prepare boom operators to perform at the highest standards in operational units worldwide.
What piece of advice would you give to a fellow Airman who is striving to embody the same level of excellence and dedication that earned you this recognition?
Never stop stepping out of your comfort zone. Look for different ways you can improve professionally and personally. Remain humble and stay motivated.