Airman benefits from National Guard Bureau assignment

0
822
U.S. Air National Guard photo/Staff Sgt. Michael Quiboloy

Ever wonder what it would be like to serve at the National Guard Bureau (NGB)? Staff Sgt. Ricky Evans of the then 163rd Reconnaissance Wing, March Air Reserve Base, recently returned home from a tour at the Air National Guard Readiness Center, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, where he served in the NGB Human Resources Directorate.

“I had the opportunity to see firsthand and learn the bigger picture of our Air National Guard,” said Evans. “I was able to learn more about my Human Resources Air Force Specialty (Code) to better help others and better myself in my career.”

Evans, who applied for a six-month position, was on an Active Duty Operational Support (ADOS) tour to learn and assist at NGB while still assigned to the 163 RW. He was able to extend for another six months.

“I was wondering if I could keep up, and how I would earn the right to be there when I first arrived,” said Evans. “As a staff sergeant., I was the lowest ranking. The average rank was master sergeant and above.”

Evans explained that although he works as a personnel specialist at March ARB, working at NGB allows him to grow and continue to learn the duties of a civilian Human Resource Manager.

“I have a degree in Human Resources and to be able to work in every aspect of the position at NBG was a great opportunity to expand on my knowledge in the career field,” said Evans.

He learned of the opportunities at NGB through a previous supervisor who had told him about ADOS and statutory tours at NGB. After checking online for available opportunities, he saw the human resources manager position listed. He applied, submitted his package, interviewed over the phone, got selected and was on his way to the East Coast.

Evans worked on a three-person team with two master sergeants. His team was in charge of processing positions for the ANG directorates, which involved getting notifications from the directorates, drafting job descriptions and contacting applicants via email.

“We would reach out to the applicants if we found incomplete or missing documents and notify them if they didn’t meet the criteria of the position,” Evans said. “We would post to the website, check off qualified applicants and request interviews. I received and reviewed approximately 50 applications a day.”

Evans said he learned better time management and flexibility with last-minute adjustments in the fast-paced environment.

What advice does Evans have for someone interested in working at the NGB? “Be open to change.”

Evans, who was recently accepted for a full time position in the 163rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, advises those interested in working at the NGB to be open to change.

“The experience I received at NGB helped prepare me to take on new assignments as important as serving several squadrons at the group level,” he said. “The hardest part of working at NGB was being away from family and home,”

Evans, who began his career in civil engineering, has served in the California ANG for seven years. He later transferred to the Force Support Squadron to better align his skills to his degree in Human Resources. Since his return from ANG headquarters, he has been promoted to technical sergeant and the 163 RW has become the 163rd Attack Wing.

For information on how to apply for an Active Duty Operational Support tour or a statutory tour with NGB, visit ANG.AF.Mil/Careers/mva orang.af.mil/careers/ados/index.asp.