An Erwin PME first

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  For the first time in the history of the Erwin Professional Military Education Center's NCO Academy, a Japan Air Self Defense Force attendee has assumed a class leadership role.

Master Sgt. Junko Adachi, A JASDF NCO from Iruma Air Base in Saitama prefecture near Tokyo, Japan, is serving as vice-class commander of class 10-2.

"This is the first time I have attended an NCO course," said Master Sgt. Adachi. "I hope to learn from my fellow classmates and show them a positive attitude and also do my best."

The PME center, which routinely educates JASDF and sister service NCOs, operates the exchange program in order to build a stronger joint and coalition team.

"As our future Air Force leaders move forward in their careers," said Master Sgt. Geoff Robertson, Erwin PME Center director of operations, "they will never forget the friendships that were forged and the knowledge that was gained from these new ties."

Sergeant Adachi is currently in her fourth week of the curriculum. Although she finds it difficult because of the language barrier, she presses on with help from her classmates.
Sergeant Robertson, on the other hand, is not surprised at how willing she is to learn new leadership tactics.

"Of course English can become a stumbling block," said Sergeant Robertson, "but Sergeant Adachi in the position of vice-class commander, has done an exceptional job calling commands for 82 students during reveille/retreat."

Sergeant Adachi notices a similarity of professionalism and pride that is carried among her classmates. She finds their motivation to be high, along with their job skills, knowledge, and opinions, beyond what she expected. During this six-week course she spends her time learning from her classmates and instructors to shape her understanding and leadership abilities as a senior enlisted member.

"Sergeant Adachi, as well as every other student, will learn a little more about themselves and identify areas of self-improvement," said Sergeant Robertson.

He also added that the instructors help the students understand the posture of the United States along with its allies and how using appropriate leadership and management techniques will make the mission.

"I will try my best to share what I have learned from this experience with my JASDF co-workers," she said.

She referred to her experience as a 'miracle' and added with a slight note of nervousness as the interview ended, "Tomorrow I have a 10 minute speech in English."