Goodfellow hosts Commander’s Conference

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Scott Jackson
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Col. Michael L. Downs, 17th Training Wing Commander, hosted a three-day conference focusing on engaging and facing the challenges of leadership Feb. 3 through 5.

The conference featured both military and civilian leaders giving advice on their experiences to squadron and group leaders.

“My primary focus for this conference is our squadron commanders," said Downs. "It really is. Our job at the wing is to support you and help you get your jobs done. You all have the most rewarding job in the military, and sometimes the toughest as well. Myself and the Group commanders, we know that, because we've been there. We know what's on your plate and what you're wrestling with. But I can tell you, if you focus on the Airmen, you will always reach your goals and get the job done."

On the first day, the conference members dressed in civilian attire, took lessons in leadership and closed the day with a tour of Fort Concho where they learned the history of the fort and the beginnings of San Angelo’s relationship with America’s military.
“Back in the day Fort Concho was seen as the worst assignment,” said Bob Bluthardt, Fort Concho volunteer. “And today we’d like to say that isn’t even a little true for Goodfellow Air Force Base.”

On the second and third days, squadron leaders presented their goals for the next year.

The 517th Training Group plans to streamline their student in-processing by no longer asking trainees about prior marijuana usage, as Col. Keith Logeman, 517th Training Group Commander, pointed out, all Airman who admitted to prior use applied to have the discrepancy waved so they could continue training. Ninety-nine percent of waivers gain approval. The process needs revision, Logeman said.

Students wait for approval of the waiver, halting their training and making their pipeline take a longer time to complete.
Another goal is for the students to find out their language before they ship out to basic training. As for right now the students find out their language when they graduate basic training.

These goals come together to increase their student graduation rate from 30 percent to 70 percent.

The 17th Training Group presented innovations for firefighter training, which seeks in reducing costs of materials. The firehouse spends $175,000 dollars a year on wrecked vehicles for training, and on top of this, the need of vehicles is infeasible for local car sellers. The solution proposed consists of developing and purchasing an auto extrication trainer, which has replaceable components and cost roughly $40,000 each, and since they’re a one-time buy, they are a sound financial investment.

The conference ended with Downs thanking those in attendance for everything they do.

"Let me wrap up the conference by saying that I am not just honored, but I'm really proud to be in this room right now," said Downs. “Y'all are amazing leaders and I'm in awe of how much you have continued to invest in your own leadership capabilities and grow your leaders. The passion you have for your Airmen and the innovative spirit you instill in your units is what makes our Air Force great. Thank you, everyone in this room, for caring so much about our Air Force and our military."