JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. JoAnne Bass, chief of
enlisted development education, hosted an Enlisted Professional Military
Education 21 discussion at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Aug. 25, 2017.
Throughout the discussion, Bass reiterated that the
education of today’s Airmen is a top priority, as the Airmen of today are
constantly training the Airmen of the future. She also spoke with the Airmen
about new changes for EPME and distance learning courses, as well as future
developmental topics.
“Every single
Airmen matters,” said Bass. “We owe you some development.”
A few key messages Bass foot stomped to the Airmen in
attendance, were that each member should read the Mypers message regarding EPME
which was announced on July 18, 2017, promotion boards will not show EPME
completion starting FY 2018, and that there will be larger windows to complete
the distance learning.
Bass mentioned there will now be 100 percent in-residency
opportunities for all active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen for Airmen
Leadership School, NCO Academy and SNCO Academy, and although distance learning
is a pre-requisite for in-resident EPME, it is no longer based on time-in-service.
“My job is to make sure we are developing our Airmen.
We need (Airmen) to focus on their training” she said. “Change is going to
happen and change is not a bad thing, it is deliberate.”
According
to U.S Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Michael Lee, JBLE career assistance
advisor, who attended the discussion, modernizing our enlisted development is
necessary.
“As
PME evolves, the support of our Airmen to the warfighter strengthens,
especially now as it allows everyone the opportunity to go to in-residency EPME,”
said Lee.
For more information regarding EPME, visit Mypers, or contact
the career assistance advisor at 764-3166.