MacDill CGOC makes a difference

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Patrice Clarke
  • Thunderbolt staff writer
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Professional development is encouraged at all ranks, but jumping head first into the Professional Development Guide or soaking up as much knowledge as possible at Squadron Officer School aren't the only options. Many professional organizations on base give the participants a chance to network and grow professionally.

The four main professional organizations on base are the Company Grade Officers' Council, the Top 3, Network 56 and the Junior Enlisted Council. This article is the first in a series focusing on these four organizations.

"The Company Grade Officers' Council is mostly a networking club for company grade officers," said 1st. Lt. James Simpson, CGOC president. "The council gives new company grade officers to the Air Force and to MacDill a place to make friends with officers throughout the wing and learn who to call for different projects or jobs they are working on."

Networking isn't the only thing CGOC has to offer, they also provide fundraising, volunteering and officer professional development opportunities.

During the last year, the CGOC supported the Air Mobility Command's MatchUp program when MacDill hosted a base wide picnic. Members have also visited the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, participated in Harvest Share and were actively involved during MacDill's Air Fest 2007.

For professional development, they have guest speakers at their meetings who speak on a variety of subjects.

"Our guest speakers are typically majors through colonels," said Lieutenant Simpson. "They usually speak on subjects like how the Air Force Personnel Center works, to assignments, promotions and how to get involved in your unit."

During a typical meeting, the officers have the opportunity to hear a guest speaker, meet new people and even participate in an impromptu pool or darts tournament.

Regardless of what goes on at the meetings, the experiences learned from being a part of the council is the important thing to take away.

"I was a part of a company grade officer council when I was a company grade officer," said Maj. Susie Lewis, 6th Air Mobility Wing deputy director of staff. "The mentoring and self-improvement activities made me a better officer, leader, and mentor. Those activities armed me with the knowledge and experience to share with my peers and subordinates, which I have done."

Company grade officers interested in joining the CGOC should contact Lieutenant Simpson at James.simpson-02@macdill.af.mil or 2nd. Lt. Gina Schneider at gina.schneider@macdill.af.mil.

"The company grade officers council is a very worthwhile organization and is always in need of motivated junior officers to continue the tradition of helping others and encouraging personal and professional growth," said Major Lewis.