JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. - The Air Force selected the new enlisted leader of the First Sergeant Academy at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, recently.
In this new role, Chief Master Sgt. Danny R. Doucette will ensure all curriculum requirements set by USAF First Sergeant Duty Managers are incorporated into FSA courses and is responsible for the institutional integrity and accreditation of associated courses assigned to the FSA in accordance with Air Education Training Command, Air University and Community College of the Air Force guidance and instruction.
"As commandant at the Air Force First Sergeant Academy, it is my privilege and honor to mentor all future first sergeants over the next several years," Doucette said. "This is a task that I will not take lightly and will continue the heritage all the previous commandants who have served in that position."
Enlisted commandants are senior non-commissioned officers who lead the enlisted professional military education schools. They analyze data and provide direction and vision regarding the effectiveness of their school's efforts via curriculum evaluations, faculty assessments and development, student achievement criteria/feedback, and contact with senior leadership.
With such a pivotal role in the professional development of selected SNCO's Doucette describes his reaction when he learned he was selected for the job.
"I was ecstatic when I heard the news that I was going to be afforded this opportunity," said Doucette. "I'm grateful and thank my current and past leadership who mentored me ... to those I say, thank you!"
During his tenure, Doucette will continue to improve the First Sergeant Academy blended learning model to improve the learning experience for first sergeants. The FSA transformed its curriculum from a traditional "brick-and-mortar" education experience to a mixture of facilitated distance learning and in-resident classroom time to teach future first sergeants. What was once a three-week in-residence course is now four weeks of distance learning followed by two weeks at the academy at Gunter Annex, Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Since its inception, blended learning has created flexibility for students which adds to mission effectiveness and saves money.
Doucette's selection illustrates a continued move towards improving collaboration and cooperation between the active duty Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve which strengthens and institutionalizes relationships across the total force.
"Chief Doucette represents education, training and experiences, and depth and breadth of career progression," said Chief Master Sgt. James W. Hotaling, the command chief of the ANG. "He symbolizes the modern Air National Guardsman who can cross all three components and proves he can operate at some of the highest levels of our national capacity."
Doucette will serve as the 16th Air Force First Sergeant Academy commandant and is the first to be selected from the ANG. The First Sergeant Academy's mission is to develop through education and training, selected senior noncommissioned officers to serve as advisors to commanders on issues that impact our Airmen in successfully accomplishing our Air Force mission. The academy's vision is to execute a standardized, state-of-the-art program to maximize first sergeants' capabilities and develop enlisted leaders for the Air Force.