Photo By Jonathan Mallard | U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Atif Siddiqui, a military training instructor trainer with...... read more read more
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Chief season: A sacred rite of passage embraced by an Airman
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — For U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Atif Siddiqui, the opportunity to walk alongside the Navy during its centuries-old rite of passage known as “chief season” was both humbling and transformative.
Siddiqui is a military training instructor trainer assigned to 326th Training Squadron, 37th Training Wing, who was nominated to participate in “chief season” by a wingman who had previously gone through the process. Although he admits he knew little about “chief season” beforehand, the experience reshaped his perspective on leadership, growth and joint-service camaraderie.
“‘Chief season’ is a sacred Navy rite of passage for those transitioning from the noncommissioned-officer tier into the senior noncommissioned-officer tier,” Siddiqui said. “It challenges candidates to grow into the anchors they’re about to wear, reminding us that learning and accountability never stop.”
Lessons in humility and growth
The six-week process is marked by physical, mental and emotional challenges that pushed Siddiqui to deeply reflect on his own leadership style.
“‘Chief season’ taught me to be humble and recognize that I don’t know everything,” he said. “It reminded me to practice the same resilience I teach my trainees and to focus on listening to the message, not just the tone.”
He emphasized that one of the most valuable lessons was learning that asking for help is not a weakness but a strength.
“That lesson will stay with me for the rest of my career,” Siddiqui added.
The power of camaraderie
What stood out most to Siddiqui was the unity of the Navy chiefs.
“The camaraderie was rooted in accountability and trust,” he explained. “They leaned on each other, held each other accountable, and built each other up. That example showed me how senior NCOs should always strive to support one another.”
This spirit of teamwork carried through every part of the process.
From late nights and demanding tasks to learning Navy traditions, such as the fight song of the U.S. Naval Academy and unofficial march of the U.S. Navy, “Anchors Aweigh,” Siddiqui found meaning in how the chiefs relied on one another for success.
A joint perspective
Participating as an Airman in a Navy tradition, Siddiqui said the experience underscored the importance of building bridges across the armed forces.
“It’s important for leaders to share traditions across services,” Siddiqui said. “It allows us to build trust and camaraderie, gain a deeper appreciation for each other’s culture and truly see that leadership isn’t tied to one uniform. We are one team, one fight.”
At JBSA, which hosts every branch of the military, Siddiqui said that joint perspective resonated with him.
“Experiencing ‘chief season’ here showed me, firsthand, that service differences don’t matter when it comes to leadership and growth,” Siddiqui said.
Looking ahead
Though the journey was difficult, Siddiqui said he is grateful to have been accepted and hopes others will take advantage of the opportunity, if nominated.
For Siddiqui, chief season was not just a Navy tradition. It was a personal transformation that underscored humility, strengthened camaraderie and reinforced the joint bonds that define today’s military leaders.
“I plan to remain part of the chief’s mess for the rest of my career, if they’ll allow me,” he said. “It’s a sacred process that I’ll carry with me, and I hope to give back as much as I received.”
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| Date Taken: | 09.22.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.25.2025 15:58 |
| Story ID: | 549210 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 550 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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