Protocol: preserving tradition, enhancing experiences

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The 354th Fighter Wing Protocol Office is the point of contact for distinguished visitors and also responsible for planning and coordinating all official functions and ceremonies for the wing commander. 

Their job is to also be sensitive to the needs of others. Their attention to detail-- adding that "touch of class" - can be the difference between a good visit and a great one. Customs and courtesies, etiquette, and manners are all a part of daily life in the military. Protocol plays a vital role in adhering to military tradition. 

Protocol personnel at Eielson learn that their job is based on a set of rules prescribing good manners in official life and in ceremonies involving governments and nations and their representatives. 

"It is the recognized system of international courtesy," said Senior Airman Anna Roley, 354th Fighter Wing Protocol Specialist, "essential to extending proper customs and courtesies on behalf of the wing." 

A successful protocol specialist relies on teamwork, motivation, hard work, honed skills, and just a little luck. Coordination is the key to a successful protocol event, whether it is hosting a distinguished visitor or large social function. Protocol gathers information needed then plans, identifies what could go wrong, then re-plans, and plans again. 

"Protocol is responsible for creating a distraction free environment for DV's," said Ms. Umit Spencer, 354th FW Deputy chief of protocol . "Even when it's not something we deal with directly, we mentor project officers and assist them with details to make everything possible for a pleasant visit." 

Preparation for a DV is extensive. When former President George W. Bush visited Eielson last August, the White House advance team had requirements in many areas including protocol--a huge undertaking on short notice. 

"Running an Air Force base is a large responsibility," said Col. Michael Jordan, 354th Fighter Wing vice commander. "Equally daunting is when the President of the United States decides to visit your base; it's these moments when you need a top-notch protocol office." 

Despite its importance, protocol is not yet an official Air Force specialty. Personnel are temporarily assigned there, they don't cross-train or go to a technical school, and the assignment is typically a year long. 

Ms. Spencer has attended a two-week training course at the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. 

"I am so thankful that I was able to go," said Ms. Spencer. "I have been able to share my training with others in the office. My schooling benefits the whole office-- meeting with other protocol personnel has allowed our office to make contacts, in case we have protocol questions." 

For those interested in a protocol position here, an e-mail requesting volunteers is sent out to the groups from the wing. Interested volunteers use their chain of command and their name is then submitted to the group, and upon further examination it's sent to the wing. Interviews are conducted and their Unit Personnel Record Group records reviewed. The decision to hire for the position is made based upon the applicant's attention to detail, organizational and administration skills. 

"I now have a broader view of how the Air Force functions and how leadership is structured," said Airman Roley, who can take her lessons learned back to her career as a crew chief once her protocol stint is complete. "Working in the Protocol office has made me realize that each member of the Air Force is valuable and that my contributions to the office are just as important as any member in our office. I've been given responsibilities typically reserved for those senior to me."