Training in the palm of her hand

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class James L. Miller
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Whether it is an airman fresh out of technical training school or a seasoned senior airman, the Air Force requires upgrade training to improve on-the-job skill sets.

Upgrade training enhances mission effectiveness, and is imperative to an Airman's progress in their career field; it can also affect eligibility for promotions and assignment selections.

This proves the importance of having a skilled base training manager that keeps all training on pace. 

Tech. Sgt. Naomi Palmer, 28th Bomb Wing base education and training manager, fills that position and makes sure training on base goes smoothly. This isn't always easy, with more than 600 Airmen in upgrade training here, and 293 of those working on their Career Development Courses.

"We always have something to do," said Palmer. "There will always be Airmen in upgrade training, so we will always be there to help them along the way and make sure they are progressing."

Palmer is responsible for the implementation of training and certification for all units in the 28th Bomb Wing. Thankfully, she has the help of seven unit training managers and 11 additional duty training managers to assist with the vast amount of Airmen in the system.

Before they begin their job, unit training managers, who cross-train into the position, must attend a six-week technical training school at Keesler AFB, Mississippi. Those selected for the additional duty must learn under the current additional duty training manager and complete classes both online and in person.

"Everyone who has this as an additional duty is important because they are the ones seeing the Airman and making sure the supervisors are keeping their records up to date," Palmer said. "They do this all while still having their primary job to do."

Palmer, who is at the top of the training triangle, makes sure all records are logged in and current, and informs base leadership of upgrade training progress.

When she is not busy ensuring base education and training are going smoothly, Palmer spends her time relaxing with her family, and has also been involved with a mentorship program for five years.

"Helping people better themselves has always been a part of who I am," Palmer said. "The military gives me plenty of opportunities to continue to be a mentor and I'm thankful for that."

Before become a training manager, Palmer worked in the services career field for 12 years, deploying four different times and being stationed at five different bases.

"It may not be as exciting as some of my previous jobs, but it is just as important," Palmer said. "As long as I am helping other Airmen, I am happy with my job."