One Airman, 79 Marines

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mariah Tolbert
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  After reaching the senior NCO ranks Airmen must attend a formal professional military education course. Typically, Airmen will attend Senior NCO Academy at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Ala., but one Airman here decided to take another route, by attending the Staff NCO Advanced Course at Camp Lejeune.

Master Sgt. Matthew Stathakis, 4th Medical Group first sergeant, spent seven weeks at Camp Lejeune studying leadership, communications and war fighting techniques with 79 Marines.

"It was an honor as an Airman to train with Marines and share information both ways about each other's branch," Stathakis said. "Camp Lejeune holds approximately 40,000 Marines and sailors, but for all I know I was the only Airman. The instructors and classmates made me feel like one of them, a Marine."

Airmen and Marines must complete the Senior or Staff NCO academy prior to pinning on their senior master sergeant stripes in the Air Force or master sergeant or first sergeant rank in the Marines; all of these ranks are E-8s.

"Having a member from one of our sister branches, although rare, is not unheard of and each time an Airman has attended the advanced course they represent themselves and the Air Force exceptionally well," said U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Thomas Hill, Camp Lejeune's advanced course faculty advisor. "The master sergeants from the Air Force bring a new perspective on situations which often lead to a better understanding for the Marines, as well as, the Airmen, of the lessons being taught."

In order to be selected for the advanced course, an Airman must have a slot for an Air Force's academy class and then apply for selection at a sister service's equivalent course. To be considered for the course the Airman must meet the physical fitness standards of the sister service, meet all Air Force Senior NCO Academy requirements and be ready to accept challenges with greater responsibility.

"If there was any effect of having an Airman in this class, it was that he pushed the Marines to work harder, just by his presence, and in turn he was pushed to work hard by the Marines," Hill said. "It was like metal upon metal. The two strengthened and sharpened each other and I think the Marines and Master Sgt. Stathakis are better honed weapons because of it."

Stathakis graduated from the Staff NCO Academy advanced course Feb. 24 and returned back to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base with a better understanding of joint training, stronger leadership qualities and a better idea of how Team Seymour can push themselves physically and mentally.

"From day one, Master Sgt. Stathakis' engaging leadership and unwavering professionalism were nothing short of impressive and resonated throughout the 4th Medical Group," said Col. Leslie Claravall, 4th MDG commander. "His recent graduation from the Joint Senior NCO Academy from a pool of 80 Marines clearly shows he can hold his own, exceeding not only Air Force standards, but achieving Marine Corps standards to include their more stringent fitness standards. I can think of no one better to represent the entire Air Force. He is an inspiration to the 4th Fighter Wing and has done the medical group, the wing and the Air Force proud!"