377th ABW has new take on wingman program

  • Published
  • By By Argen Duncan
  • Nucleus editor
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 377th Air Base Wing's new method of making the wingman attitude part daily life allows personnel to tailor training to their needs.

Teresa Reinhard, 377th ABW community support coordinator, said Air Force regulations require two "wingman days" for professional and personal development every year. However, wing commander Col. Eric Froehlich asked her to develop a new way of meeting the requirements soon after he arrived at Kirtland Air Force Base about a year ago.

"His concept is wingman behavior, if you will, should be part of our everyday operations," Reinhard said.

The twice-yearly four-hour sessions seemed too much like just checking a box.

Leaders are asked to encourage the wingman mentality during normal operations. Plus, Reinhard has developed a list of 12 wingman activities per year. Active-duty military members and non-bargaining civilians in the 377th must attend four.

Union members and people not part of the 377th ABW operate under different requirements but can attend the events.

"My rule is, if they can get on base legally, they can come," Reinhard said.

Activities may not count toward requirements for other entities.

Subjects range from anger management to health and multi-generational workplace interactions to addictions. Events emphasize awareness of certain information, resiliency, team building and communication skills, as well as instilling Air Force values and fostering a culture where people look out for each other.

Reinhard retroactively included events that have happened already, such as the "Got Consent" sexual assault mock trial, as well as developing new events, such as the "Kirtland Talks," modeled on TED Talks.  For more information about the talks, visit http://www.kirtland.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123474472.

She's also excited about the upcoming "Wellness Expo: Life Matters" information fair scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 28 at the Air National Guard 150th Special Operations Wing main hangar. Coming for an hour counts as one wingman activity.

Reinhard said the activities allow Airmen and civilians to choose the topics most relevant to them and events that fit their schedules. She said the military is diverse.

"And people are at different points in their life, so they need different things," she continued.

Commanders can also arrange their own wingman activities based on their unit's needs. Reinhard can help organize those events.

Some programs will be open to only certain groups, while others will be open to everyone.

At larger events, she expects to have a controlled access card reader to keep track of who came. However, she said participation would work largely on the honor system and leaders making sure their people meet requirements.