ACC's newest chiefs to attend Executive Chief's Course here Published Jan. 28, 2013 By Tech. Sgt Markus M. Maier 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Approximately 120 new chief master sergeants, and chief master sergeant selects, from throughout the command are scheduled to travel to Offutt to attend the 2013 Air Combat Command's Executive Chief's Course here Jan. 27 - 31. The four-day orientation is designed to help prepare ACC's new chief master sergeants with the tools necessary to make the transition to the highest enlisted rank, and understand the challenges and expectations that will be set forth for them, according to Chief Master Sgt. Mark Canfield, 55th Comptroller Squadron and wing staff superintendent. "This orientation is a critical component in preparing our newest chiefs as they go forward to lead our enlisted force throughout the command and the Air Force," Canfield said. "It's also an awesome opportunity for the attendees to network amongst their peers and hear from senior enlisted leaders with many years of experience on critical topics such as suicide prevention, operating with constrained budgets, expeditionary operations, social media, understanding manpower, resiliency and more." This year's guest speakers include Chief Master Sgt. (ret) James McCoy, the 6th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force; Chief Master Sgt. Richard Parsons, ACC command chief master sergeant; Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Alston U.S. Strategic Command senior enlisted leader; and Chief Master Sgt. William Thomaston, 55th Wing command chief.