New Leaders Graduate from Satellite NCO Academy

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt Arthur DesLauriers
  • 143 AW/PA
12/12/12 --  McGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. -- Six Airmen from the 143d Airlift Wing were among 125 Airmen from 14 units who graduated from the Satellite Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Academy Class 12-2 in a ceremony held at The I.G. Brown Air National Guard Training and Education Center December 12.

The NCO Academy or the In-Residence or via correspondence (CDC) is a requirement for promotion to Master Sergeant. Air National Guardsmen have the option of taking the correspondence course or attending either the traditional 6-week in-residence school or the satellite program.

The Satellite NCO Academy is a 12-week distance learning version of the NCO Academy. The satellite program was specifically designed for Airmen who cannot attend the six-week program for whatever reason, but still want the education, experience and credit of attending the program in-residence.

Requirements to attend the Satellite NCO Academy are; a current passing physical fitness test and the rank of Technical Sergeant, (Staff Sergeants may attend based on availability of open seats in the class). Additionally, you must have obtained a seven level in your AFSC.

"For Airmen that have those responsibilities both in their civilian and military careers which hinder them from attending the traditional six week in-residence course the Satellite NCO Academy program is a good way to fulfill the requirement for professional military education with an in-residence course. It gives the student practical knowledge and experience to become future leaders", said Master Sergeant Susan Gribbin Satellite NCO School Facilitator.

During the first phase, students attend four-hour training sessions two nights a week at Quonset. Facilitators help the students participate in interactive training lessons; these lessons are broadcast over the Air National Guard's Warrior Network Satellite System.

"The home station portion was really good," said Technical Sergeant David Brown. "We had a good dynamic in our class and our facilitators were great. They were really involved in what was going on. They went above and beyond to make sure we were prepared."

In the second phase of the program, students travel to McGhee Tyson ANGB, Tennessee for a two-week capstone in-residence experience at the Training and Education Center. Here, they are separated from their fellow home station students and mixed in with the other units participating in the program.

Staff Sgt. Isequiel "Zeke" Neto , stated "the course was very demanding and rewarding at the same time. They key to succeeding in the satellite course is to balance your home life, work and the satellite course. It's a delicate balancing act".
"It was a great experience," said Technical Sgt. Derek Hackney, "The instructor interaction and learning from other people's experiences and input was great."

"The students worked hard to complete the course. The Satellite course is a very demanding and rigorous course but the class stepped up to the challenge, worked as a cohesive team and brought that [Rhode Warrior] sprit to McGee Tyson. I'm looking forward to an equally motivated group of students for our next class", said Senior Master Sergeant Joseph Hart, Lead Facilitator.

For future consideration as a student in the next Satellite Noncommissioned Officer's Course email Senior Master Sergeant Joseph Hart - joseph.hart@ang.af.mil