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Military Training Leaders shape future through special duty assignments

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  In order to fill its unique mission requirements, the Air Force employs servicemembers in specialized positions to perform a specific duty. These special duties allow Airmen to step outside their conventional role and experience a completely new side of the Air Force.

One such position is the military training leader, a position held by Staff Sgt. Ali Bueshi, 373rd Training Squadron Detachment 3 flight chief, and Staff Sgt. Jessica Nienhueser 373 TRS Det. 3 assistant flight chief.

"The MTL is responsible for constantly enforcing high standards of conduct, accountability and discipline for Airmen completing technical training," said Sergeant Nienhueser. "[The MTL] serves as the middle-man between the Basic Military Training environment and regular Air Force life."

Both Sergeant Bueshi and Sergeant Nienhueser have served as MTLs for approximately one year at Dover Air Force Base, Del, supervising dozens of Airmen training to become C-5 crew chiefs.

"One of the main benefits of being an MTL is learning to deal with many types of different personalities and challenges," said Sergeant Nienhueser. "A typical supervisor might manage a handful of Airmen per year; we've handled more than a hundred."
MTLs are involved in nearly every aspect of the Airmen's training process, from drill practice to course studies.

"One of the most important duties of the MTLs is overseeing the Airmen's physical training regimen," said 1st Lt. Ben Derry, 373rd Training Squadron Detachment 3 commander. "Sergeant Bueshi possesses a Level 1 Cross-Fit Certification, so the Airmen receive a better fitness experience than most servicemembers on base."

However, Team Dover's MTLs had to follow before they learned how to lead. The first step to becoming an MTL begins with the submission of a special-duty application. Applicants must submit a photo of themselves, their past Enlisted Performance Reports and must have served 48 months time-on-station. A two-week training course is conducted at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, where MTLs learn the essentials of their new duty.

"An MTL must be able to demonstrate what they expect out of their Airmen," said Sergeant Bueshi.

MTL training teaches a number of important skills, including drill and ceremony procedures, scenario-based counseling, public speaking and human resource management. Yet training is not enough to become a successful MTL, said Sergeant Nienhueser.

"Those who aspire to become an MTL shouldn't do it for the assignment location or incentive pay," said Sergeant Nienhueser. "With the job comes long hours, 24/7 on-call status and the challenge of helping many Airmen with personal issues; it is tough work, especially if your heart isn't in it."

Yet in the end, Team Dover's MTLs can say they have played a key role in the careers of dozens of Airmen. Their hours of mentoring and supporting are rewarded by a "thank you" and a handshake from graduating Airmen, soon departing to their first duty station.

"The job satisfaction is what keeps you coming back to work each day," said Sergeant Bueshi.

"When the Airmen leave Det. 3, they are 100 percent squared away and prepared thanks to the efforts of their dedicated MTLs," said Lieutenant Derry. "MTLs exhibit and instill the demeanor of success."