Special duties at Hurlburt Field: MTL

HURLBURT FIELD, FL, UNITED STATES

12.11.2013

Story by Airman 1st Class Andrea Posey 

1st Special Operations Wing

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Editor's Note: This is the fifth article in a series about special duties offered on Hurlburt Field.

Hurlburt Field is home to the Tactical Air Control Party trainees and leadership, which includes Military Training Leaders on special duty.

MTLs lead Airmen through the transition from technical school to the operational Air Force, according to Staff Sgt. Michael Sanders II, Detachment 3, 342nd Training Squadron MTL.

This involves helping students adjust to military life and continue their training from basic training, Sanders said.

"I love seeing the transformation students go through," he said. "They arrive nervous and anxious about starting their training. [Then, they work through] the blood, sweat and tears of the vigorous training program and gain that happy, satisfying confidence from completing the course."

Tech. Sgt. Brian Jackson, 342nd TRS, Det. 3 MTL supervisor, said the best part of his job is explaining something to a student and seeing when they truly understand.

MTL schedules vary depending on the time of year, classes and the individual jobs divided among them, according to Sanders.

Sanders said he in-processes new students. He assigns them rooms, schedules their appointments and conducts daily room and open ranks inspections. He also leads physical training three days a week.

"I am [constantly] mentoring or counseling the non-prior service students about anything they may have an issue or question about," Sanders said.

Sanders and Jackson both heard about the MTL position when they first joined the Air Force.

They later volunteered on the Assignment Management Systems' Equal Plus listing to fill one of the 400 MTL positions in the Air Force.

This process involved submitting a Community College of the Air Force status, MTL application, mental health evaluations, physical fitness records and letters of recommendations. They also had to submit photos in PT and service dress uniforms, and interview for the posistion, according to Sanders and Jackson.

In addition to having a CCAF, they must also complete the Basic Instructor Course, Fundamentals of Instructional Systems Development Course, Objectives and Tests Course, Instructor's Intervention Course, and Training Supervisor Course, said Jackson.

"The training involves marching and controling flights, various counseling techniques, military standards and discipline, dress and appearance, student management, and communication," Sanders said.

The MTLs honed skills in different aspects due to their training and experience on the job.

Both instructors said they feel as though they have developed many skills from this additional duty.

Jackson said he increased his management and leadership skills.

Additionally, Sanders said his confidence in handling conflicts, public speaking, mentoring, time management and organization have increased.

For more information about special duty assignments, contact Senior Master Sgt. Scott Reed, Hurlburt Field career assistance advisor, at [phone].

• Date Taken: 12.11.2013
• Date Posted: 12.12.2013 09:51
• Story ID: 118119
• Location: HURLBURT FIELD, FL, US
• Hometown: BRYSON CITY, NC, US