Leadership mentors CGO through shadowing program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Erica Rodriguez
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Col. Thomas Schmidt, 17th Training Wing Vice Commander, mentored 2nd Lt. Louis Ho, 315th Training Squadron student, as part of a shadow program for members of the Company Grade Officers' Council here March 4.

Ho is the first CGO to participate in this program and followed Schmidt for four hours of a typical day and asked the colonel questions regarding different issues or concerns.

"This program provides a wonderful opportunity for interested CGOs to spend half or perhaps a full day every month with wing leadership in order to gain a unique insight on how decisions are made at the wing level, attend key meetings and functions and to obtain first hand mentorship from a senior officer," said Schmidt.

The day started with them talking about Ho's path as an officer going from Officer Training School to training at Goodfellow. Afterward, they went to the weekly stand-up meeting where leadership from across the base provide operation updates and upcoming events.

"I felt a good sense of camaraderie in that room," said Ho. "Seeing the decision-making process ... trusting what your people have to say and taking their advice is definitely something I took away from that. When you're a commander, you're responsible for thousands of people. You have to trust your commanders at the squadron level."

After the wing stand up meeting, Schmidt took Ho on a tour of the Norma Brown Building introducing him to several offices and showing him the wing history displays. Over lunch, Ho was able to ask Schmidt about leadership advice and how to deal with personnel.

"It was nice to be able to talk to him in a somewhat relaxed, casual environment," Ho said "It's a really good opportunity to ask commanders what has worked and what hasn't worked in their wealth of experience."

Their lunch was followed by a mass in-brief on standards and the wing's mission for incoming students to the base. The new students also asked Schmidt questions or for advice.

"There's such a large gap [in rank] and yet he is willing to take his time and provide mentorship," said Ho. "It's good to see throughout the day. He may be dealing with 0-6s in the morning, but he doesn't shy away from taking time out of his day to [interact] with his subordinates. He devotes his time to make sure he takes care of everybody; I love seeing that."

The feedback from this initial shadowing session will help develop the program's future.

"This program is off to a great start, and both Colonel Joos and I are looking forward to meeting and interacting with those CGOs who participate in the shadow program in the months ahead," said Schmidt. "Kudos to Capt. Jin Kim and the rest of the CGOC for launching the shadow program here at Goodfellow."