Airmen from the 104th Fighter Wing, 143rd Airlift Wing, 102nd Intelligence Wing, and Eastern Air Defense Sector pose fore a group photo prior to their graduation at the 500-level noncommissioned officer (NCO) professional development course, at Camp Nett, Niantic, CT, Aug 28, 2026.
As a future prerequisite to becoming a senior noncommissioned officer in the Air Force, the foundations course is designed to bridge functional, institutional, and base level education that builds on concepts introduced during Airmen Leadership School (ALS) and reinforced through each career field's education and training plan.
During their graduation, Airmen were also able to ask questions to a Chief's panel consisting of U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Shane McGuire, 102nd Intelligence Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kristen Martin, 104th Fighter Wing Communications Operations Superintendent.
Following the Chief panel discussion, Chief Martin emphasized the overall benefits to the course.
"Engaging with our Airmen during the NCO Foundations Course made one thing clear: the future of the Air National Guard is bright. These future leaders are strategic, people-first professionals dedicated to balancing mission success with the well-being of their teams," said Martin.
"During the Chief Discussion panel, the depth of their questions and perspectives stood out. They are not simply focused on immediate tactical execution; they are thinking ahead about how operational decisions impact readiness, retention, and morale. Ultimately, modern mission capability depends on empowered NCOs. Seeing this group embrace the critical balance between operational demands and genuine care for their fellow Airmen gives me complete confidence in where our force is headed."
(U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Jay Hewitt)
| Date Taken: | 08.28.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.01.2026 15:13 |
| Photo ID: | 9904259 |
| VIRIN: | 260828-Z-DY432-1092 |
| Resolution: | 2400x1579 |
| Size: | 846.13 KB |
| Location: | NIANTIC, CONNECTICUT, US |
| Web Views: | 6 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Massachussetts Air National Guard hosts second Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Course [Image 8 of 8], by Jerry Hewitt, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.