17th Training Wing Spotlight

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Seraiah Wolf
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs

Who: Tech Sgt. Jason Olds

Unit: 311th Training Squadron

Duty Title: Assistant Flight Chief, Military Training Leader

This spotlight features Tech. Sgt. Jason Olds, 311th Training Squadron assistant flight chief and military training leader. Olds and his team trained 541 Airmen on proper use of government funds and coordinated with Citi Bank to order, track, and issue new government travel cards, all in less than 30 days.   

How does your job support the 17th Training Wing's mission?

My job supports the wing’s mission by mentoring, training and leading new Airmen who are training to become linguists. As Military Training Leaders, we are responsible for helping Airmen learn how to take care of themselves and to instill the Air Force core values and way of life during their time in technical training.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

The most rewarding part about being a Military Training Leader is seeing our Airmen graduate and move on to their next location. Here at the Presidio of Monterey, we are unique in the aspect that we have our Airmen under our care, anywhere from a year to two years (some even longer than that). It is amazing and inspiring to see an Airman arrive from basic training, who knows very little about the Air Force and its way of life, to them developing not only as an Airman, but as a person during their time here.

What has been your biggest challenge in the military, and how did you overcome that challenge?

I would say the biggest challenge I’ve faced in the military so far has been being a single parent. At the beginning of this year my wife deployed which left me at home with our 2 year-old to hold down the fort. I overcame this challenge not on my own but with help. My amazing wife, my awesome supervisor, my caring leadership, and all my family and friends. Throughout the entire time she was gone, I knew that no matter what I needed, everyone had my back and wouldn’t hesitate to help me out.

What has been your most memorable experience in the military?

My most memorable experience in the military would have to be November 1, 2016. Not only was this the day I was promoted to Technical Sergeant, but I am lucky enough to be able to share that day with the birth of my son!

What is one piece of information or advice you would like to pass on?

If I could pass on anything, it would be to ask for help! Don’t try to be superman/superwoman and take the world on by yourself. Everyone needs help from time to time.