VTANG Weapons Race

BURLINGTON, VT, UNITED STATES

10.04.2014

Story by Airman 1st Class Dana Alyce-Schwarz 

158th Fighter Wing

BURLINGTON, Vt. - A crowd of curious Airmen and family members gather to watch as the Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG) Weapons Loaders face off to see which load crew will be recognized as the best of the year.

Chief Master Sgt. Mark Parish, the Wing Weapons Manager and Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, addresses both crews, reminding them that as the highest performing crew members it is their responsibility to encourage the other crews.

“Motivate them,” said Parish. “Encourage them to strive so that next year they can be standing where you are now.”

The VTANG weapons maintenance shop has seventeen load crews, each with three members, whose job it is to outfit the aircraft with all mission related weapons. These members are each assigned a specific role and tasks based on their position within their crew, keeping each team together allows them to develop a strong chemistry.

“Each member of the team knows their role,” said Tech. Sgt. Brandon Bradley, the Weapons Standardization Superintendent. “They know what their teammates will be doing and where they need to be next.”

The load crews are evaluated throughout the year as part of their regular skills certification, a national standard that all weapon crews adhere to. The Air Force requires an annual acknowledgement of the best crew but allows the individual unit commanders to choose how to recognize their top performers.

“It definitely creates a feeling of healthy competition amongst the staff,” said Bradley. “Everyone wants a chance to compete so we’re constantly seeing crew members striving to do better and better.”

Parish became a member of the VTANG in 2009 and saw various methods of recognition throughout his active duty career. Stating how in some units it was a simple of a method as the commander picking the crew he or she felt was best that year. Parish felt methods like that lead to lower morale and loss of motivation amongst the Airmen.

“Recognition is the job of the leadership to show our appreciation for what our Airmen do.” Parish said. “No one is here for the recognition, they do their job because they love what they do and want to do it right. But part of taking care of our Airmen is acknowledging that effort and excellence in their performance.”

• Date Taken: 10.04.2014
• Date Posted: 01.10.2015 09:28
• Story ID: 151679
• Location: BURLINGTON, VT, US