GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – The 315th Training Squadron has over 220 permanent party members who train more than 3,300 students annually for global intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions including Air Force officer, enlisted, civilian, and joint service students.
Tech Sgt. Phillip Whitley, 315th Training Squadron geospatial-intelligence instructor, is the noncommissioned officer in charge of academics. He oversees 12 instructors and 502 students, while managing course material updates, student workbooks, and presentations. In addition to these primary duties, he is also the unit program fitness manager for the 315th TRS. Whitley leads 20 physical training leaders to organize training schedules and physical fitness evaluations for approximately 200 members. His work has led the squadron to have more than half of the individuals score 95% or above on their evaluations.
“Being an NCOIC of academics, I oversee the geospatial intelligence course,” said Whitley. “I guide the direction of the course, and address issues students may have within it.”
Whitley instills the importance for his cadre of instructors to make a positive impression on students.
“Instructors are the first person the students see in the career field,” said Whitley. “They can see a future version of themselves in their instructor. So, we need to present ourselves with pride to serve in the Air Force.”
Master Sgt. Jessica Campbell, 315th TRS GEOINT analyst course flight chief, and supervisor to Whitley, said he is always putting others before himself and is constantly growing in his career field.
“He has been a light of pride within the GEOINT course, the 315th TRS flight, and every organization he is a part of,” said Campbell. “Everything he does, he does for others. He epitomizes what it means to be a wingman, leader, warrior…an Airman.”
In recognition of his exceptional work and tireless dedication, the 17th Training Wing leadership named him October’s ‘Member of the Month.’
“It feels good to be recognized,” said Whitley. “External motivators are always great. It felt a little more personal because my leadership could personally speak to my achievements rather than just reading them.”