AETC financial management team inspires Columbus

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Cory Concha
  • 14th Student Squadron
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Air Education and Training Command's Financial Management Director and the FM Enlisted Functional Manager toured Columbus Air Force Base and met with the 14th Comptroller Squadron Airmen during a visit here Aug. 26 and 27.

Col. Trae Watkins and Chief Master Sgt. Kendall Briscoe saw the direct results of their funding efforts on base and took the time to impart advice and encouragement to the Columbus AFB Financial Management team.

"It was a great visit" said Watkins. "It's amazing to see the transformation."

Watkins' first assignment was to Columbus AFB in the very same 14 CPTS. "The buildings have changed but the mission is still the same" said Watkins.

This past year the squadron has been responsible for acquiring funding for various on-base projects including the reconstruction of the center runway and upgrading the Runway Supervisory Units.

These renovations came to life amidst sequestration and the government shutdown.

"We didn't have enough money to do the mission, and we still did," said Watkins. "Airmen have risen to this challenge."

Continuing the mission despite these struggles makes the 14 CPTS's work even more impressive. Watkins emphasized the fact that initiatives such as "Make Every Dollar Count" allow every Airman to help overcome these obstacles -- an important message for Columbus AFB, with an active duty population consisting of approximately 60 percent first-assignment Airmen.

"Tell us your good ideas, tell us how to make it better," said Watkins. "Ask yourself, 'Why are we doing this? Do I need to do this?'"

Briscoe also addressed some lingering questions regarding the new enlisted promotion process, specifically regarding how performance-based the Enlisted Evaluation System is becoming.

"We've always valued performance. In the past we've concentrated on many things that might get you promoted, and they tend to divert attention away from the squadron and raising Airmen," said Briscoe. "You should always be doing things to better yourself and not just to get promoted."

In an all call with the 14 CPTS, Watkins recognized the squadron's great work and acknowledged the challenges the future might bring.

"Financial managers have three main things to bring to the fight: analytics, innovation and solutions," said Watkins. "There's never enough money, so finding the best solutions and presenting them to our commanders is important."

Watkins also gave new officers some insight into leadership.

"When I left Columbus as a 2nd Lt. I had a scope of the Air Force as big as a soda straw," said Watkins. "It wasn't until about six months into my time that I began to understand the mission, and that's when I started leading. Getting involved in the mission is what should get you going."

Briscoe also provided advice, summarizing the best way for Airmen to advance in their careers

"Just do a great job and trust your leadership. If you're taking care of the mission they'll take care of you," said Briscoe. "I never knew I was going to become a chief, I just did my best."

Though he knows it is difficult to practice leadership as a young officer, Watkins noted the importance of standing behind the mission and investing your time in your job and your fellow Airmen, even in non-standard scenarios and non-optimal situations.

"Bloom where you're planted; the rest will take care of itself," said Watkins. "Do the best you can no matter what."