29/08/2026
The Yokota 5/6 and First Sergeants hosted an NCO Symposium bringing together current NCOs and Staff Sergeant selects for professional development focused on communication, emotional intelligence, and leading with deliberate intent on the foundations of being an NCO and empowerment to execute. The CMSAF “Why” series served as a foundation for the lessons, helping frame discussions around purposeful leadership and understanding the “why” behind what we do.
Through interactive scenarios and discussions, attendees worked through real-world challenges, exchanged perspectives, and put leadership principles into practice. Attendees also explored First Sergeant tools to better foster mediation tactics and interpersonal conflict-resolution resources.
The seminar included a Chiefs Panel to help foster an understanding of what today’s NCOs can handle, drawing from years of leadership experience. The Chiefs also shared what motivates them to continue serving and how they find purpose in their service.
To close out the symposium, the 374th Airlift Wing Deputy Commander, Col. Laskey, emphasized the important role NCOs play in developing the next generation of leaders. He challenged attendees to intentionally build leaders who are better prepared, more capable, and equipped to carry the force forward—reinforcing that one of the greatest measures of leadership is developing those who will ultimately surpass us and lead the force into the future.
