Network 56 seminar for Airmen on communication

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Callahan
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  In an effort to help good Airmen become great NCOs, the base's Network 56 organization held an Airmen's seminar on effective communication here June 21.

"We just wanted to get everyone together to help build a better military family," said Tech. Sgt. Joe Nash, Network 56's Military Affairs Committee chairman.

About 20 Airmen attended the seminar, primarily to learn the basics about communication and how to tactfully approach supervisors and other higher ranking individuals.

"I'm here to learn better speaking and listening skills," said Airman 1st Class Lucas Everett, 319th Comptroller Squadron. His desire to learn was echoed by many Airmen in attendance.

During the seminar, questions ranged from how to tell a supervisor they're out of regulation, to how to approach his supervisor's supervisor if it is not corrected.

"It is uncomfortable," said Staff Sgt. Russell Mullens, 319th Communications Squadron and panel member. "I had to tell a subordinate that he was overweight. It wasn't fun, but I had to do it."

"There's a communication barrier when you're talking to someone higher ranking," said Airman 1st Class Whitney Taylor, 319th Aeromedical Dental Squadron. "I'd like to know how to get past that."

Despite the uneasiness an Airman may feel about correcting someone of a higher rank, people notice when the right thing is done, explained Staff Sgt. Robert Mummert, a seminar panel member and Airman Leadership School instructor here. "We have to take care of one another. If someone chews me out for saying something to them, oh well, I know I did the right thing, and I may have saved their lives if he was doing something unsafe."

Sergeant Mummert went on to tell of a NCO he knew that didn't listen to an Airman who told him to do his job more safely. That NCO was killed on the job because he overlooked the safety step the Airman reminded him of.

"We all are each other's wingman, no matter what rank we are," said Tech. Sgt. Camille Currington, 319th Medical Group. "You can't be afraid to talk to someone, especially if you know you're right."

Beyond the distressing nature of communicating with higher ranking Airmen, Senior Airman Patrick Holmes, 319th Civil Engineer Squadron and seminar panel member, also brought up appropriate e-mail etiquette.

"It's an important part of today's Air Force," he said. "It's hard to communicate through e-mail because you have to try to express non-verbals and let people know you care about what they're saying,"

Sergeant Mummert also reiterated the importance of environment.

"Be aware of your surroundings," he said to the crowd of Airmen. "Look around - 'who's here, where am I?' It may be better to wait to bring up certain subjects when you can speak in private."

In addition to the panel discussion, Airmen were also provided books on speaking and listening effectively, as well as a copy of Air Force Instruction 36-2619, The Enlisted Force Structure.

"We, as NCOs, are here to help you," added Sergeant Currington. "We want to give you the tools to be sitting here as NCOs one day."