Keesler showcases innovation for AETC leadership

  • Published
  • By By Senior Airman Travis Beihl and Airman 1st Class Suzie Plotnikov
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs

Air Education and Training Command leadership recently conducted a site visit of the 81st Training Wing.

 

Maj. Gen. Mark Weatherington, AETC deputy commander, toured Keesler July 11 and Lt. Gen. Steve Kwast, AETC commander, received a tour July 16. The visits focused on innovative practices and programs in the 81st Training Group.

 

“We have some innovative, smart, young and hard-working Airmen and we need to take advantage of that,” said Weatherington.

 

Weathertington toured the Levitow Training Support Facility, which provides Airmen different resources for their use, and a briefing on the Continuum of Learning initiatives the training group has incorporated into the classrooms.

 

After learning about flipping the classroom, the GoPiGo3 robot and other ways the students’ curriculum has changed, Weatherington commented how it was nice to see the influence they have on Airmen and how important it is to send off Airmen the right way to their first duty stations.

 

During Kwast’s tour of the Levitow Training Support Facility, he was shown a new military training leader application which is being designed to simplify a multitude of day-to-day tasks for the cadre.

 

“I think this app is brilliant,” said Kwast. “You are creating simplicity and ease and I want you working with our people to get this application out for all MTL’s. I applaud the commitment to moving to the digital format. You know what will make your job better and you are accomplishing just that. It’s a great vision and I love it!”

 

During the rest of Kwast’s tour, he saw the work being accomplished in the student Fishbowl, an area in the Levitow Training Support Facility designed for students to cook and socialize. He also toured the Airman & Family Readiness Annex, the air traffic control classroom and the Falcon Lab which housed a virtual reality headset.

 

Airmen should have learning at their fingertips by being able to look up videos on segments of their job they either didn’t know or need a refresher on and be able to connect with master teachers who can show you how to do any job in our Air Force, said Kwast.

 

“We need to empower every Airman to be the innovator,” said Kwast. “This is about giving Airmen control like we never have before. This bumps up against culture a little bit because military culture in the industrial age is ‘do what you’re told and don’t ask questions.’ That is not the Airman way, nor is it relevant for a world that requires every Airman to be a thinker.”