17th TRW Spotlight: Master Sgt. Erik Farley

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

I am the flight chief for cryptologic language analyst technical training, and I oversee the development of all joint-service language analysts.

2. What do you find most rewarding about your work?

I find leading and developing those that lead and develop the next generation of Airmen while caring for instructors and their families to be the most rewarding aspect of my work.

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

Finding a work-life balance is always a struggle. Between being a husband, a dad, an Airman, and a student, life is busy. Open communication and time management are key!

4. What has been your most memorable experience in the military?

I spent three days taking multiple flights to get out of Afghanistan and get back from a deployment the day before my daughter was born in Hawaii.

5. What is one way that you accelerated change?

COVID-19 accelerated many changes. For the 316th Training Squadron we overhauled the way we think about training and brought it into the 21st century.

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

Military life is too hard to go at it alone. Reach out to your wingmen, your family, or other base resources.