AETC special duty advisors visit Spangdahlem Published Sept. 2, 2011 By Senior Airman Natasha E. Stannard 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Saber Airmen from various career fields attended the Air Education and Training Command bi-annual special duty briefing Sept. 1 at the base theater here. The briefing offered Airmen information on qualifications, application processes, training and the duties of recruiters, military training leaders and military instructors. "The briefing was very informative," said Senior Airman Joshua McMillan, 52nd Mission Support Group. "I came here to find out how to become an MTI ... it solidified my decision to become one." Briefers also explained how special duties improve professional development. "Career development is important especially for senior airmen and young non-commissioned officers," said Master Sgt. Wil Scrivner, Air Force Recruiting Service flight chief. "With it, Airmen bring assets and advanced skills sets back to the Air Force making it a better place. Overall, the four years in these special duties make you a better leader." Whether looking to bring new capable leaders into the Air Force or keeping them capable, the skills attained from these duties not only set Airmen up for success, but gives them the opportunity to set the Air Force up for success by recruiting, training and leading future Airmen. "As a military training instructor, you're that one person who gets them from point A to point B," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Smith, Air Force Recruiting Service MTI. "When you get the trainees at zero-week who look like they're pirouetting every time they do an about-face and then, all of a sudden, the whole flight does a right face and heels come together at the same time, you have nothing to say because they did it right. They accomplished something because of the standards you, as their MTI, set, and all of a sudden they think -- it's possible ... that's what keeps me going as an MTI." MTLs also ensure Airmen transitioning to the operational Air Force retain the skills learned in the controlled environment of basic military training. Tech. Sgt. Michael Doan, Air Force Recruiting Service MTL, explained that MTLs ensure this transition goes smoothly as they take on responsibilities much like those of a first sergeant and front-line supervisor. "As an MTL you have to be approachable, that's why we're in the dorms helping Airmen go from six days a week of structured training to a place where they have all the freedoms they missed--you have to lead and manage them through that," Doan said. To apply or for more information, senior airmen to master sergeants interested in building themselves and the future of the Air Force can contact Master Sgt. Paul Lueth, 52nd Fighter Wing career assistance advisor, at DSN 452-7829 or 06565-61-7829. For specific information log onto the Air Force Portal and visit: Recruiting: https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/ep/browse.do?categoryId=pA4057E1F2C6A9B77012CEB22771727E3&channelPageId=s6925EC134BF10FB5E044080020E329A9 Military Training Leaders: https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/ep/browse.do?programId=t6925EC2C61C10FB5E044080020E329A9&channelPageId=s6925EC13531D0FB5E044080020E329A9 Military Training Instructors: https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/ep/globalTab.do?channelPageId=s6925EC134B640FB5E044080020E329A9