NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Two DLA Distribution Army senior enlisted noncommissioned officers recently graduated from the Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Alabama. Their achievement marks the first time that Army NCO’s from DLA have graduated from that Service’s senior enlisted academy.
1st Sgt. Maximo Nunez, and Sgt. 1st Class Kahlil Warner were selected to represent the Army by the Commandant, Non-commissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence, Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Sellers, who oversees all training in the Army for NCOs.
As a result of their attendance, they provided Sellers with an executive summary about the course with comparative observations between the Air Force and Army Senior NCO Academies along with Army NCO attendance recommendations.
According to Nunez, it was the first time in 22 years that active duty Army NCOs have attended and graduated the course. 1st Sgt. Yairick McFadden from the Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Fort Bliss, Texas, was the other graduate.
Nunez’s main take away from the course included learning how other senior NCOs from other branches and allied nations operate.
“I gained a better understanding of strategic level operations while incorporating the National Defense Strategy. This was phenomenal course in that it facilitated our understanding of working together to solve complex problems in a joint environment. Hopefully this course help us stay competitive for future promotion and selection boards,” said Nunez.
“From my perspective, the course was very informative and challenged NCOs to convert from the operational way of thinking to the strategic view,” said Warner, adding, “The atmosphere there was very conducive to this higher level of learning.”
During the course, students received briefs from senior flag officers and professors from the Air War College, co-located at Maxwell Air Force Base. Warner mentioned they had the rare opportunity to coach and mentor officers in the senior NCO school.
“This was the professional education course they take before taking command of a unit, stated Warner. “It provides them a unique view of what to expect and how to lead Airmen once they take command, and build on the importance of developing their enlisted leaders in their ranks.”
Both Nunez and Warner believe the course was very beneficial due to the mix of uniformed services attending.
“Representatives from all DoD services, and foreign allies attending the training helps bridge gaps while operating in a joint service environment,” said Warner.