American, Ukrainian NCO academies exchange information

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dymekre Allen
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Members of the Ukrainian military visited the Kisling NCO Academy on Kapaun to continue their professional military education operations and increase their knowledge in enlisted empowerment and leadership, March 3 through 7.

"This opportunity allows us to enhance the relationship by gaining different perspectives, not just between countries but with leaders in both militaries," said Senior Master Sgt. Amber Mitchell, Kisling NCOA director of education.

The first part of the PME operation was concluded in April, when NCOA Airmen visited the Ukrainian academy to gain knowledge on how they conduct operations.

During the visit they spent most of their time learning about team building and developing NCOs into better leaders. They also learned about the standards and discipline in Airman Leadership School.

The visit also included Ramstein support organizations such as, the Airmen & Family Readiness Center, First Term Airmen Course, Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility, and the Deployment Transition Center to further their knowledge of NCO responsibilities and mission objectives.

"Our international engagement with the Ukraine has been an exceptional experience for our students and staff," said Mitchell. "There is no better way to build relationships with countries than to invite them in and just talk to each other."

The exchange of information for both militaries helped to further leadership philosophies and pushed both sides to obtain different perspectives in leading and instructional methods.

"I feel as though we are beginning to fulfill their request in building leadership into the (Ukrainian NCOA) curriculum," said Master Sgt. Karen Atiles, NCOA leadership division superintendent. "I'm so proud to be a part of this partnership building to promote enlisted leadership."

The Ukrainian visitors concluded their visit with a retreat ceremony honoring our heritage as professional Airmen.