Out of the comfort zone, into the combat zone: instructor jumps at chance to help train Iraqi noncommissioned officers

Airman, Feb, 2005 by Louis A. Arana-Barradas

Sergeant Parsons returned to Mountain Home in June. He went to Iraq, he said, to leave an impression on the troops he trained. But it was the students who left a lasting impression on him.

Career field Facts

AFSC: Special duty identifier 8T000, professional military education instructor

Assigned: 647

Duties: Special duty assignment. Conducts professional military education programs for Airmen and noncommissioned officers. Also provides management consultant services. Plans, organizes and directs PME programs and activities and requirements for education, facilities, space, equipment, visual aids and supplies. Develops and revises curriculums.

Civilian application: Any educational vocation.

Tech. Sgt. Rich Parsons

Professional military education flight instructor, 366th Mission Support Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho

Years in Air Force: 12 1/2

Hometown: Durham, N.C.

Reason for joining: To do something constructive and gain direction and structure in his life.

Assignments: Andrews Air Force Base, Md.; Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany; Mountain Home.

Coming up: Wants to become a chief master sergeant one day and have an impact on the future of the Air Force. "I want to be the best I can be, the best at what I do and make a difference."

The best thing about the job: "That I have a hand in developing and molding first-line supervisors who, in turn, influence the first-term Airmen they supervise."