JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Over 50 senior noncommissioned officers from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations gathered in Texas, Nov. 4–8, for the agency’s annual induction ceremony, celebrating their transition into the senior enlisted corps.
During the week, attendees participated in professional development sessions, leadership panels and a Basic Military Training graduation, a tradition that reconnects senior leaders with the core values of discipline, teamwork and service.
The program began with sessions on self-reflection, leadership fundamentals and setting personal goals. By Tuesday, seminars focused on bias awareness and team-building strategies, providing tools for effective leadership in diverse environments.
Midweek, a chief master sergeant panel offered valuable insights on topics like mental health, resilience and trust-building within teams. Senior enlisted leaders shared personal experiences, giving attendees practical takeaways to navigate the challenges and rewards of senior leadership.
“One of the highlights for me was hearing our chiefs talk about mental health,” said Special Agent Thomas Nollie, Criminal Investigations branch chief, AFOSI Det. 518, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. “That panel showed vulnerability [by] sharing their experiences and challenges throughout their careers.”
For Master Sgt. Latoya Farr, AFOSI Det. 307 administrator, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, the induction week provided an opportunity to reflect on her unique role as a Pro Staff member working alongside Special Agents.
“Learning AFOSI is like learning a second language,” Farr said. “There are so many acronyms and a distinct culture to navigate. It’s been a challenge, but one I’ve embraced.”
Pro Staff members like Farr play a vital role in AFOSI’s success, offering critical administrative and operational support. The week’s focus on leadership growth gave her tools to continue excelling that role.
“This week, I’ve learned to look at myself in the mirror, figure out what I want to change and how to better myself to be a better leader for others,” she said. “How can you be an effective leader if you have things you need to work on but don’t even realize?”
In addition to professional development, the program emphasized building connections across the organization, both locally and globally.
“Being in an environment with [leaders] from around the world and our Pro Staff partners has been incredible,” Nollie added. “Building those relationships this week and knowing we can maintain them and reach out whenever needed is a huge benefit.”
According to Special Agent Logan Ireland, the program’s collaborative focus was one of its most rewarding aspects.
“This course has taught us joint interoperability,” Ireland said. “It has taught us to be humble to what we don't know. It's taught us to respect those that have come before us and to pave a way for those that will come after us in uniform.”
The week concluded with the SNCO Induction Ceremony, where inductees were formally recognized in front of their families, peers and AFOSI’s top leaders, including Brig. Gen. Amy Bumgarner, AFOSI commander, and Chief Master Sgt. James Hoy, AFOSI command chief.
“This week has been an eye-opener,” Nollie said. “Seeing well-experienced AFOSI Special Agents, Pro Staff and our security forces partners come together, hearing different perspectives, and reflecting on areas I can improve has been incredibly valuable.”
As the week concluded, Hoy believes the inductees not only celebrated their achievements but also carried forward a renewed sense of purpose to lead with integrity, collaboration and a commitment to excellence.
“Every year, whether watching the trainees march across the Parade Field or attending the induction ceremony, it reminds me of what this uniform represents,” Hoy said. “Based on the week I had with these senior NCOs, it’s clear the future of our agency is in good hands.”