NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 926th Wing welcomed a new command chief Aug. 1, 2019. Chief Master Sgt. Jeffery Scott comes from Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, where he served as the superintendent of the 310th Operations Group.
We recently got a chance to talk to the new command chief to get to know him and what he most looks forward to while working at the 926th Wing.
Here are the questions we asked Scott:
What is one thing about you that would surprise most people?
Scott: I enlisted a bit later in life than most people. When I initially attempted college right out of high school, I quickly discovered I did not possess the maturity or dedication to see it through. I tried a few different jobs as time went on, always looking for my true calling. At 29 and with strong encouragement from my younger brother, I found myself on a path to the Air Force Reserve in the Enlisted Space Operations career field. By the time I was trained and certified in my first mission, I knew I had found my calling. The opportunity to work with amazing people and incredible technology was something I had never even imagined or realized was possible. Before I knew it, I progressed through the ranks and wound up in various leadership roles. The passion I had when working with programs has since shifted to developing future leaders. I was given a chance. I now enjoy affording others similar opportunities and hope they take them and run with them. I have proven to myself that the sky (actually outer space) is the limit. My passion is to help others reach their personal and professional goals just as others have helped me achieve mine.
Name one principle you live by. Tell us the story of how you learned about this principle, applied it and then embraced it.
Scott: My parents were my first and remain my most valued role models. They taught me and my brothers to be the best at what we do, no matter what it is. They taught us that a strong work ethic is essential in life regardless of the profession we choose. I have worked in several fields in the civilian sector and at multiple levels in the military. I am hard-wired that no matter what I do, I always give it my best. I learned to take personal pride in my actions at a young age and always try to be an example for others to emulate. It means a lot to me to make my parents proud as the values they instilled in me placed me on the path to where I am in my career today. They have been with me every step of the way throughout my life and career.
Approximately one percent of enlisted Airmen become chief master sergeants. Fewer than that become command chiefs. What made you decide you wanted to pursue a command chief position?
Scott: Throughout my Air Force career, I have had the opportunity to impact the lives and careers of many Airmen. Helping people establish and achieve personal and professional goals is extremely rewarding. As a command chief, I get to realize an even broader level of mentorship. Though I did not initially set out to pursue a command chief role, I believe the Airmen I have encountered throughout my career developed me and actually pushed me to this level.
What intrigues you about the Air Force Reserve?
Scott: I sincerely appreciate the extreme diversity in thought throughout the [Air Force Reserve] command. There are multiple statuses one can serve in as a Reservist and everyone has their own reason as to which status and location they prefer. I like to learn about people and about what motivates them. Everyone has a story and they are often quite fascinating. As a volunteer force, we all serve because we choose to and I enjoy learning what everyone desires as well as what they are willing to do in order to reach the goals they set for themselves.
What are some challenges Airmen face today?
Scott: To me, balance says it all for today’s Airmen, specifically Reservists. Airmen have families, civilian careers, education, certifications, skill level upgrades, Professional Development, physical fitness, friends, hobbies, and many other aspects of human life. Keeping everything in line and prioritized is daunting. The key is to know when to raise one’s hand and ask for guidance or assistance. If we do not have balance in our lives, we may fall, which is okay, as long as we surround ourselves with people who will get us back on our feet.
What was the best career advice you ever received?
Scott: Passion for my career is a lesson I learned from my parents. Whatever you do in life, enjoy it. We all need to be productive members of society. However, if we are miserable and do not like the work we do, we will likely make those around us miserable as well. The lesson is: have fun. Everyone needs to find their calling and do what brings them personal and professional gratification. It is okay for people to realize they may have selected the wrong career path. At that point, they should pursue something, which brings them personal and professional fulfilment. If a career path does not bring job satisfaction, people should find the type of work, which is right for them. When a job or career stops being fun, it is time to chart a new course.
What are you most looking forward to working with the men and women of the 926th Wing?
Scott: I look forward to getting involved in the Wing’s missions. To me, the leadership team does not exist without the Airmen they are charged with developing. I like to join Airmen in their work center and look forward to conversations with everyone, hearing what they want out of their life and career, then offer my thoughts on how they can attain what means the most to them. I would only change the question to what I look forward to about working “for” the men and women of the 926th Wing. The Chief works for everyone and I will do everything in my power to ensure I earn the right to serve them every day.
What do you want the men and women of the 926th Wing to know?
Scott: I work for them and will do anything in my power to ensure they have a successful and fulfilling career. Again, the leadership team does not exist without the Airmen they serve. For anyone willing to come by and see me or invite me to their workcenter, I would like to know what they want out of their career. I make no promises and will not necessarily have all the answers, but I will make every effort to help all Airmen chart a realistic course to follow in order to realize their life and career goals.
Anything else you would like to add?
Scott: I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve at this level. Over the next two years, I would like to spend as much time as I can working alongside the men and women of the 926th Wing. There are always responsibilities in the office, but if they will have me, much time will be spent with the team.