May 14, 2014, VOLK FIELD COMBAT READINESS TRAINING CENTER, Wis. (AFNS) – The Senior Enlisted Leader Management Office was unveiled by Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. James W. Hotaling to the state and wing command chiefs during the annual Command Chief’s Huddle held here May 11-12.
The office was instituted in order to ensure that Air National Guard senior enlisted leaders receive the same opportunities for development offered to the active component, so that the ANG’s voice can be heard throughout the Air Force.
“We would say ‘a chief’s a chief,’ except our development is not the same as our active peers,” said Senior Master Sgt. Darin Mauzy, the SELMO supervisor. “SELMO will help open those doors.”
The position of command chief master sergeant is assigned Air Force Specialty Code 9E000, and carries with it specific training requirements and a need for functional oversight. SELMO seeks to ensure that these administrative tasks are accomplished and Guardsmen are not prevented from pursuing development opportunities.
“Half of the command chiefs in the entire Air Force are in the ANG,” said Mauzy. “So if we make up half of the chiefs, then we should be developing appropriately along with our peers. For the first time, we’re doing that. In 2012, we had 11 chief master sergeants go to a national-level school. This year, we are at 78 right now … by 2016, we’ll make sure we are one for one on development opportunities with our active counterpart.”
It’s not only chiefs who will benefit from SELMO. All senior non-commissioned officers will see expanded opportunities open up for them.
“The important thing is that we are filling so many school slots right now that we’re running out of command chiefs to send,” said Hotaling. “So then, we’ll start sending all chiefs, and then senior master sergeants and master sergeants to these national level schools.”
Active-duty leadership is eager to have experienced Guard chiefs step up to serve in their organizations.
“In the last 12 months, we have had ANG command chiefs interview for two major commands,” said Hotaling. “We have command chiefs who are sitting at joint task forces right now. The Air Force right now has five active-duty wings that want Air National Guard command chiefs. It’s catching on like wildfire.”