CNATTU instructors earn master trainer designation Published June 23, 2011 By Electronics Technician 2nd Class Gerald Nance Keesler Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Keesler Center for Naval Aviation and Technical Training Unit welcomed four new master training specialists to its ranks May 31. They are Aerographer's Mate 1st Class Petty Officer Aaron Wimberly, Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Petty Officers Matthew Burpee and Kenneth Thomas and Chief Aerographer's Mate Charles Osborne. The MTS designation signifies an individual has achieved a level of excellence above and beyond that of their peers by displaying superior instructor skills and demonstrating a thorough knowledge of training administration and curriculum development. MTS is the highest qualification an instructor can achieve while attached to CNATTU or any other Navy training command, comparable to a warfare pin at an operational command. This qualification is held in high regard and shows that the Sailor is willing to sacrifice extra hours on top of already long work days to sharpen instructional skills and master the Navy's training philosophy. When asked what effect obtaining the MTS qualifica-tion has had on his performance as an instructor, ET1 Thomas replied, "The MTS training really helped me understand how the 'science of learning' is so much a part of our everyday lives, and not just in the classroom." His advice for any instructors striving to attain their ownMTS qualification is, "This qualification is not just going to help you in the class, but will affect your life in general. Everything that's learned during this process will help you in any of life's endeavors. Don't just think of this as a check in the box, but as an opportunity to enhance a true life skill."