TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - As with all enlisted branches of the military, structure is important, and there are ranks, job tiers and special duties. The need for someone to coordinate mission cohesion at many levels falls into the lap of the unit superintendent.

 

 This special duty position is given to senior NCOs. The Air Force looks at the individual's grade, the need of the base and potential for a good fit. Candidates have to show drive and have an understanding of the career field.

 

Prospective superintendents must go through a vectoring process. They receive a form to fill out, giving them the option to state where they would be a good fit and why, said Senior Master Sgt. April Dereus, 325^th Comptroller Squadron superintendent.

 

Superintendents are around for a multitude of reasons, but one is to mentor those around them.

 

"The job is a potpourri of things," Dereus said. "A lot of it is dealing with meetings that have to do with training, organizing and equipping our forces. Also, a substantial part of my day is dealing with personnel issues; that can be mentoring or it could be dealing with a supervisor that has an issue with one of their Airmen, and they come to me for help."

 

 A senior NCO see Airmen from a multitude of different has the knowledge and perspective that is a perfect source for mentoring.

 

 "My favorite part of my job is mentoring Airmen," said Dereus. "It takes a lot of time because it entails listening to people and understanding their needs. It's not always working through problems; it may be career counseling, giving advice on how to get promoted or how to write an award package."

 

The amount of Airmen and NCOs she counsels is about even, Dereus added.

 

"I can always count on her for the right advice," said Tech Sgt. Christi Skiles, 325^th CPTS NCO in charge of financial analysis. "It may not always be fun to hear, but you know you are getting the most honest advice from her.  She is what everyone should look for in a mentor." 

 

People come to her to solve problems that require an overall understanding of the mission.

  "The most difficult thing I encounter during the day is trying to understand all of the different Air Force Specialty Codes and agencies and making sure everyone has a fair share in the process," said Dereus. "For example: there are several different agencies that can't do certain things based on limitations of their job. My job is to balance all the needs and determine the best way to make sure the mission gets done."