BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Air Force Global Strike Command is launching Core Groups, an initiative to develop all of its Airmen by focusing on Air Force core values and warrior virtues.
A priority of Gen. Robin Rand, AFGSC commander, the program is designed to give Strikers an opportunity to discuss relevant issues, build camaraderie and foster resiliency in small groups at every unit within the command. Small group sessions will serve as the centerpiece of this program and will meet monthly starting this month.
“One of the reasons we started this program is to improve the command’s sense of community,” Brig. Gen. Christopher Skomars said. “In every way this program is an answer to feedback from our Airmen. This serves as another example of putting positive change in the hands of our uniformed and civilian Strikers.”
Skomars, who currently serves as the director of the command’s Innovation, Analyses and Leadership Development directorate, states that this effort also aims to improve an airman’s overall sense of wellbeing. The end result is a value-centric workforce that remains mindful of what it means to be an airman in AFGSC while maintaining an integrity-first attitude.
“Our focus as an Air Force is predominately on preventing and responding to the 911 events; such as suicides, sexual assaults, DUIs and domestic violence. We respond very well to the crisis, and we always will. Core Groups are designed to develop all of our Airmen in the warrior culture prior to, threw ad after storms of life. Every one of us can become better people. Core Groups will help all of our Airmen become socially, emotionally, mentally and spiritually healthier. In addition to the focus on values each unit will develop a greater sense of belonging,” AFGSC Chaplain Col. Ron Harvell said.
Informal yet guided, Core Groups will consist of five to 10 individuals per session. The senior ranking person in each group leads and everyone participates. Not only will Airmen have a chance to lead discussions, they will also have a chance to mold the program itself. This means feedback will continue to drive this initiative’s core function — to build a Striker community, according to Skomars.
“It’s important to note that this program is flexible,” A9 Senior Enlisted Leader Senior Master Sgt. Tameka Morales Long said. “We will use the feedback to make sure that we keep our discussion topics relevant. That goes the same for format. If Airman want to discuss more specific areas like financial management or the promotion cycle, we can incorporate that into the curriculum.”
Heritage is also a key piece of the initiative, according to Morales Long. Each vignette and topic will tie values, ethics and lessons learned to a historical figure from the command’s lineage, stretching back to Strategic Air Command.
“Accomplishing the mission is important, but we also want Airmen to know that they’re part of a group that cares for their wellbeing,” Skomars said. “Core Groups reaffirm our commitment to our junior members by giving them the support and the tools they need to succeed and stay healthy while empowering them to be the primary force for innovation in the command.”
“Core Groups move Air Force Values into the workplace…not to check a square…but to check our lives and our units,” he added. “It is not just a program…it is a way of life!”