JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKENURST, N.J. --
Rivalry and friendly competition are no strangers to the armed forces. Being a part of a joint base is a natural breeding zone for competition and the desire to showcase our service’s strengths and abilities.
Ultimately, we rely on each other to accomplish the mission. Each service is unique and when we work together amazing things happen. From boots on the ground, U.S. Army Soldiers, to the world’s greatest Air Force; together we are a force to be reckoned with.
It is no surprise that when we train together and learn each other’s differences and capabilities, it makes us stronger and strengthens our unity.
Senior Airman Erica Funke, an aerial port specialist assigned to the 35th Aerial Port Squadron, is integrating forces and training with the Army at the non-commissioned-officer-academy.
“Technically it doesn’t count towards promotion, however, I thought that it was a great opportunity to get to know another service,” said Funke. “It made me more appreciative of what the Army does, and also teaches me how to be a better leader, because they do things that I have never done before.”
Funke and her unit were not aware that the course was available for Air Force members, so it was a learning experience for everyone involved. She was the first person in her unit to be able to attend the course, and will not be the last.
“I’ve been looking to learn more leadership skills and when this came about we weren’t even sure what this was all about,” she said. “My unit asked me if I wanted to be one of the first to experience it, and I thought it was great opportunity to gain more leadership skills.
Her unit managers are really proud of what she is doing, and are excited about the future of both branches.
“My goal in life is to give Airmen the best opportunities and it may sound cheesy but it’s the truth and it comes from the heart, said Chief Master Sgt. Dawn Theroux, transportation manager, 35th APS. “This really helps bring the branches together so that when they deploy they are already familiar with each other.”
The course is 22-days-long and consists of classwork, land navigation and even incorporates basic military training standards such as dormitory inspections.
“This course teaches the students attention to detail which is paramount as a leader, and it instills precision and teaches them to follow instructions,” said U.S. Army Master Sgt. David Kennedy, course manager for the Army NCO Academy. “We are very firm with them so that they learn how to be firm and successful leaders.”
Funke was even coined by Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey, chief of U.S. Army Reserve Command.
He recognized me for the bravery of the Air Force, and being here because I’m doing everything by Army standards,” said Funke. “I’m learning the Army regulations and taking their tests which are very difficult.”
She even got a chance to ask him a question to find out more about the future of the course.
“When General Luckey was here I asked him what the main goal was, and he said that he wants us to experience each other’s world,” she said. “So he wants the cadres from over here to go over to the Air Force side and vice versa, so that everybody has a better appreciation of the other branches.”
The training pushes the students to the limits physically and mentally through the fitness standards and also through the land navigation course.
“This is Airman Leadership School on steroids, it’s almost like basic training so it is very strict.” she said. “The PT test consists of a two mile run and their sit-ups are much harder than the Air Force sit-ups.”
Anything that they do wrong they will get sent home and not be able to complete the course, she said. If they fail a test they have only one more chance to pass it, which makes it very stressful.
Funke is nervous but excited about the navigation course that she will have to complete in order to pass.
“We are going to have to do land navigation so they are going to give us a compass and a map, and we have three hours to find our way back,” said Funke. “I make jokes to them that I am going to get lost and they are going to have to get dogs to find me.”
“We had a small preview session on how to find north on the map which seemed pretty easy, so if all I have to do is just find north, I think I am good,” she said.
Since she has been working with the Army she has gained a different perspective and greater appreciation of her sister service. At first the physical aspects were daunting to her but with help from her Army counterparts she has been successful.
“They told me I was going to be fine and they would help me by taking me to go workout,” Funke said. “So they influenced me and they influence each other because they are very close, and it is really beautiful to see.”