First AF reservist graduates Marine leadership course

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Samuel King Jr.
  • 919th Special Operations Wing public affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  More than 110 gunnery sergeants in pressed khaki shirts and green pants marched up individually to receive their Marine Corps Staff NCO Academy, Advanced Course certificates. Near the end of the ceremony, a lone Airman in blues stood up, walked to the front and received his certificate of training as well. Upon accepting, the senior master sergeant became the first Air Force reservist to complete the Marine leadership course.

On October 14, the 919th Special Operations Wing's Senior Master Sgt. Bruce Tims, became not only the first reservist, but just the seventh Airman to ever graduate from the Marine's seven week course. The professional military education course, held at Camp Lejeune, N.C., is similar to the Air Force's Senior NCO Academy, but focuses on Marine-specific topics such as combat operations, close air support, professional briefings, physical training and joint doctrine in a deployed environment.

"It was such a great experience," said Tims, who received his senior stripe via the promotion enhancement program while completing the course. "The physical training helped tremendously and the lessons I learned could be taken and integrated back at my unit."

Tims admitted to being a little hesitant and intimidated about attending the Marine academy at first. When he applied, he'd hoped to get chosen for the Coast Guard course.

"Senior Tims came off a little quiet at first, but after hanging out with us that changed real quick," said Gunnery Sgt. Douglas Haynesworth, from the 4th Marine Corps District, who attended the course with Tims. "He brought a more laid back approach to the class that still got the job done."

Tims' being in the course at all said a lot about him, according to former Marine NCO academy instructor, Sgt. Maj. (ret.) Scott Standfast.

"The fact that the Air Force would trust the Marine Corps in his professional training and development as a leader is a compliment," said Standfast. "He would be treated the same as any other and his fellow students would go out of their way to help him in all aspects of the school."

Tims said he needed the help, too. There was no slow transition in the Marine Corps' customs and way of life. Tims had to learn quickly with the help of the Marines in his group.

"There was no easing into it. It was pick it up as you go along, similar to being placed into a different culture," said Tims, whose only joint experience was his deployments with the 919th in 2007, 2009 and 2010. "The hardest part about it was trying to understand and interpret the situation and apply it to an Air Force experience."

Marines would learn from him also, according to Standfast.

"Having a member of a sister service provides a unique perspective due to his experiences and career," Standfast said. "Those comparisons can be used as teaching points and all can gain knowledge from them."

Tims said the most challenging aspect of the course was the physical training. Every morning began with a run in the utility uniform, minus the blouse followed by various exercises that changed daily. Meeting the Marine Corps physical fitness standards and completing the combat fit test were required for graduation. The CFT is a combat obstacle course with various timed events simulating circumstances found in real-world combat situations.

"Physical training has never been my strong suit," said Tims, who not only stood out as the only Airman, but also one of the few people over 40, attending the course. "As the only Air Force member, I was determined never to fall behind or be the slowest person. I knew I'd never hear the end of it and I didn't want to be "that guy." Trash-talking was a great motivating tool and used by everyone there."

Tims said the physical training became his favorite part of the course and the workouts paid off.

He scored a "first class" on the CFT, scoring a 287 out of a maximum 300 points. After the October graduation, his Air Force PT score rose significantly when he tested at the November unit training assembly.

Tims said he volunteered for a joint PME course because it was 'outside the box,' and would encourage others to take the chance if offered.

"It's a rare opportunity," said the 19-year veteran and air reserve technician. "If there's an opening for a course like this, jump on it. If you're interested, don't wait, seek it out."

The 919th's command chief, who brought the course to Tims' attention, also highly recommended a joint PME course.

"It's a great experience for our Airmen and great for those sister services." said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Klausutis. "While we learn about them, they are learning from us as well. It's always good to see things from a joint perspective."