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Bomber culture grows roots with corps development class

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Erin Trower
  • 8th Air Force Public Affairs
The 8th Air Force that exists today functions and operates based off the accomplishments of its ancestors from 1942 who surpassed mission expectations, took risks and made tremendous sacrifices all in the bettering of the nation. 

Because understanding this historical significance is crucial for the Airmen who serve under the “Mighty Eighth” command today, the 2-day-long Bomber Corps Development Course takes place to unite and educate all levels and specialties of bomber Airmen. 

Geared toward providing education about bomber history, heritage, culture and more, the course follows a 3-day-long Air Force Global Strike Command leadership enhancement course.

The most recent BCDC concluded today.

Thirteen Airmen assigned to four separate AFGSC bases attended the BCDC with objectives to gain a better understanding of 8th Air Force history and capabilities. Most importantly, they’ll take the information back to their coworkers to help advocate a better understanding of ‘why’ AFGSC relies on these highly trained experts, and how they contribute to Air Force priorities. 

“Our goal is to develop bomber Airmen,” said Maj. Christopher Miser, chief of the 8th Air Force commander’s action group. “This course is about building core bomber Airman ethos and is intended for them to take back what they’ve learned and apply it to the flight and squadron level.” 

The Airmen received an introductory brief by Maj. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, 8th Air Force commander, followed by in-depth discussions with both local and visiting subject matter experts.

“Don’t underestimate your ability to make a difference in a person, family or mission,” Bussiere said. “Making a difference in the mission or someone’s life, that’s what the 8th Air Force is all about.” 

Bussiere, and other speakers, stressed the importance that Airmen understand the mission in a larger scale, and how their contributions are vital to everyday success. As wings are generally more detached from the “big picture” multifaceted 8th Air Force mission, speakers stated it can be more challenging for them to take pride in the mission if they don’t fully comprehend its global significance and global strike capabilities. 

Dr. Mel Deaile, U.S. Air War College professor of nuclear operations at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, discussed the enduring aspect of the Air Force’s nuclear culture.

“The people coming into the Air Force have to understand why we do this mission, and why it’s important to the nation,” Deaile said.

Lastly, senior leadership held a question and answer panel, providing attendees the opportunity to clarify various current Air Force topics. One of the topics discussed key aspects of leadership and how to develop Airmen as leaders. 

As the BCDC course can only house a limited audience, it’s essential for these supervisors to gain advice from senior leadership so they can apply it to their own leadership styles, bettering the future force and productivity of their units.

“We have about 430 senior airmen and below, and the biggest hurdle is explaining the ‘why’ to them,” said Senior Master Sgt. Orenzy Turner, 509th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant. “I want to help them understand the mission and how what they do every day impacts the big picture. Guarding the B-2s not only affects Whiteman Air Force Base, but the rest of the world.”

Funding for both the LEC and BCDC course is provided by AFGSC and 8th Air Force. If you or someone you know may be interested in attending, please contact your chain of command.