Top military enlisted leaders visit USTRANSCOM

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – A group of command senior enlisted leaders visited U.S. Transportation Command here July 25, to broaden a working knowledge of all military services as part of the Keystone course.

The course, offered by the National Defense University, educates command senior enlisted leaders (E-9s) currently serving or slated to serve in a general or flag officer level joint headquarters that could be assigned as a joint task force.

During the course, attendees visit the combatant commandsJTFs and senior leaders (officer and enlisted) in the Washington, D.C., area to explore the relationships and challenges of operating in a joint environment.

According to Chief Master Sgt. Marty Klukas, USTRANSCOM senior enlisted leader, the TRANSCOM team delivered, providing the visitors a taste of what the command can do for the warfighter.

“Together, the USTC team delivered a peek into the dynamic mission and capabilities of the command to better help the fellows understand what the command can do for them as they prepare for roles as joint task force command senior enlisted leaders,” Klukas said.

The course covers the special relationship between the command senior enlisted leaders of JTF commander and the enlisted personnel from all the services operating under the commander.

Klukas joined the Keystone fellows for three days earlier this month, as they attended the Joint Operations Module in Suffolk, Va., and said they are the best senior enlisted members in our military forces.

"The fellows covered what they might be faced with standing up a joint task force including everything from the 'comprehensive approach to unified action' to 'integration within the joint task force staff.’ 

"No doubt, these SELs (senior enlisted leaders) will be better equipped to handle a rapid stand-up of a JTF,” Klukas continued.  “They were briefed by serving and former JTF-level SELs on the challenges of the joint environment and gained a better understanding of how they may operate when faced with similar challenges." 

While the group of military enlisted leaders only spent a day here, Klukas thought the time was well-spent.

"I think the Keystone fellows walked away with some very valuable information,” Klukas said.  “It will only be a matter of time before they are called to lead in a joint environment in everything from disaster relief and humanitarian assistance to combat operations.

“The future of our military is in great hands with the likes of these warrior-leaders,” Klukas added.  “They are now better equipped to help their forces get to the fight, help them sustain and ultimately get them home to their families."

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