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Junior officers experience mission firsthand

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Shelley Gregory
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Several company grade officers assigned to Fairchild were selected to take part in the inaugural CGO Mission Orientation Brief here March 23 through 27.

The group of 15 CGOs, representing various units, spent the week touring the groups and squadrons that make up the 92nd Air Refueling Wing.

Col. Brian McDaniel, the 92nd ARW commander, kicked off the tour by encouraging the junior officers to broaden their worldview when it comes to the Air Force mission and what it takes to carry it out.

"Picture our wing as a giant puzzle and each of your particular jobs as one of the many pieces that make up that puzzle," McDaniel said. "Now, imagine if you removed just one piece, the picture would be completely changed."

Many of the participants said they have not had much experience outside their own career fields. The week of tours allowed them to see firsthand what other Airmen are doing on a day-to-day basis.

The week started with briefings from agencies that make up the wing staff, including the legal, finance and public affairs offices, and continued with visits to the 92nd Mission Support Group and the 92nd Medical Group. Participants were able to fly in a flight simulator during their trip to the 92nd Operations Group, and had the chance to crawl into an aircraft fuel cell while touring the 92nd Maintenance Group.

The CGO Mission Orientation Brief also afforded participants the opportunity to connect with other CGOs. Each visit was typically led by a CGO affiliated with the particular unit. Lunch breaks provided valuable time for the CGOs to mingle and share their experiences as junior officers.

The tour is expected to take place on a quarterly basis.

CGOs interested in participating in the next Mission Orientation Brief should speak with their supervisors.