WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- In October and November of 2022, 28th Intelligence Squadron Reserve Citizen Airmen Master Sgts. Lisa Abell and Rosalyn Kirol engaged in Total Force Integration, assisting Regular Air Force partners with critical readiness support. Having both served as unit training managers (UTM) and as recognized experts in that role, Abell and Kirol were requested by name to assess and develop UTM capabilities at partner units in need of support.
The 28th IS is a geographically separated unit located at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and is part of the 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
The squadron and their Regular Air Force partners throughout the 361st Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group have maintained a USAF-leading operations tempo over the last 10 years throughout the Global War on Terror. Given this tempo, combined with scarce personnel and monetary resources, duties like UTM have often been assigned to already-tasked intel operators as additional requirements.
While the function of UTM has often been assigned as an additional duty, the role of the UTM has remained critical to the ability of 361st ISRG units to meet the demanding readiness requirements commensurate with their unique skills supporting special operations requirements. For this reason, robust UTM functionality within 361 ISRG units is of the highest importance.
Abell and Kirol were humbled and excited when they were approached to help assess and develop select 361 ISRG UTM capabilities.
"I was happy to pass on the skills I have gained over my career serving as a UTM. I know it is a critical part of our mission and I know our partners need the help," said Abell.
Kirol added, "As reservists, filling the gaps of our Regular Air Force partners when they arise is central to our mission. I am glad we were able to share our expertise.”
Lt. Col. Elisabeth Applegate, commander of the 28 IS, added to the sentiment, "Our Airmen and their specialized knowledge and skills are our greatest assets; having the ability to share that knowledge and make our teammates better will ultimately make us a more lethal force."
The key insights that Abell and Kirol provided are the first steps in building a robust and sustainable UTM capability within the mentioned 361 ISRG units. As with most change efforts, additional implementation guidance is likely required in the future. The 28 IS leadership and UTM teams are committed supporting their Regular Air Force partners throughout this transformation.