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Company Grade Officers 'Keep it REAL'

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Sarah Bergstein
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
Members of Andersen's Company Grade Officer's Club were given a chief's perspective in support of professional development for junior officers at the Palm Tree Golf Course Clubhouse May 11.

Chief Master Sgt. Margarita Overton and Chief Master Sgt. David Duncan joined CGOC staff members to share their own acronyms for leadership as a junior officer.

"You have to keep it REAL," said Chief Overton, 36th Wing command chief master sergeant. Keeping it REAL consists of knowing your Role, gaining Experience, taking Accountability and realizing the difference between Leadership as opposed to rank.

Chief Overton stressed that junior officers who have potential to take command must have absolute trust from those within their command. To earn that trust, junior officers first need to learn the job they are expected to perform.  Consistently reaching out to peers and superiors while leaning on senior noncommissioned officers can provide additional experience and insight.

"We're not all born leaders," said the chief, "which is why it is important to recognize the difference between being a leader versus having bars on your collar."

Chief Overton touched on the significance of taking responsibility for one's decisions and accountability for unit personnel, even when the situation may not be a positive one.

"Our leaders don't want to hear excuses," said the chief. "Sometimes being a leader means taking accountability, suggesting a way to prevent an issue or incident from happening again, saluting smartly and moving on."

Chief Duncan, 36th Force Support Squadron superintendent, advised the young officers to "Be BOLD." Being bold, said the chief, means having a Broadband outlook on responsibilities, knowing the Organization and the mission, Leading by "simply leading" and consistently working on Development.

A broad outlook over the mission, the job and unit personnel is vital in becoming a good officer, said the chief. It is also important to understand the mission and how it fits into the big Air Force picture.

"Lead, simply lead," said Chief Duncan. "I remember my 12-year-old life, when things were easy and my mom made all the decisions for me. When you live your life right and lead by example, you're in a position so that even when you have to make the tough choices, you'll be ready."

Development, the final component of being BOLD, is a continuous process for both officers and enlisted personnel.

"Listen, learn and ask questions," said Chief Duncan. "Don't be afraid to put down the text book and pick up a notebook."

"Chief Overton and Chief Duncan reminded me of the importance of the responsibilities of both CGOs and SNCOs and the benefits of having good wingmen, said 2nd Lt. Harrison Payne, 36th Wing deputy financial services officer. "Meeting with the chiefs was a great experience in helping me become a more successful officer."

The CGOC is comprised of lieutenants and captains who seek to: promote the development of CGOs throughout the Air Force CGO regional structure; develop and maintain an informational network to enhance professional development, community service and camaraderie throughout all CGOCs Air Force-wide, and provide a communication structure to deliver the pulse of the CGOs representative by the regional CGOCs to the Air Force Senior Management at the Air Staff.

If you're an active duty officer at Andersen and would like to take part in the CGOC, please contact 1st Lt. Stephen Zeglen, CGOC public affairs officer, at 366-5810.