Tinker chiefs nominated for top spots Published Aug. 21, 2009 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Even in seventh grade, Scott Ferguson said he knew he wanted to join the Air Force. Now after nearly 27 years in the Air Force, the chief master sergeant said he cannot believe he's a Tinker command chief master sergeant candidate. Fellow nominees, Chief Master Sgts. Roddy Hartsook and Jackie Green, said they are also surprised, but feel honored. "If you'd ask me 27 years ago when I came in the Air Force if I thought I'd ever be a chief, let alone a command chief, I would have told you 'not a chance', and here we are on the brink of a pretty awesome opportunity," said Chief Ferguson, 3rd Combat Communications Group superintendent. Chiefs Ferguson, Hartsook and Green are only three of roughly 740 chiefs who were considered for command chief positions this year. Nominations were submitted in July. Of them, approximately 200 chiefs were selected and are currently being interviewed for vacant command chief slots or have just accepted positions, as Chief Hartsook had. Approximately 80 chiefs are expected to be hired. Chief Hartsook recently received word that he'll report to the 79th Medical Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., in September. "It's an honor," said Chief Hartsook, 72nd Mission Support Group superintendent. "I'm very fortunate. I truly never aspired to be a command chief. I never really aspired to be a chief. So, it's just humbling." But, Col. Allen Jamerson, 72nd Air Base Wing and installation commander, said he is not surprised by Chief Hartsook's accomplishment. "Chief Hartsook has a great understanding of Air Force missions, tradition and most importantly, what is best for our Airmen -- civilian, military and contractors," Colonel Jamerson said. "It is for those reasons and many more that he will make a fantastic command chief." The chiefs' records were graded using a six to 10-point rating scale. "Each record was evaluated based on its value and demonstrated leadership and experience," wrote Maj. Gen. Kip Self, 2009 Command Chief Master Screening Board president in a recent memo. "Like promotion boards, the board had available the last 10 years of performance reports and decorations, but emphasis was on the senior master sergeant and chief master sergeant reports." But, the process has changed since last year. In previous years, chiefs could self nominate. This year, chiefs were automatically nominated, assuming they met certain requirements -- chiefs couldn't have more than 28 years of service, but must have served at least one year as a chief master sergeant. They must be able to meet fitness standards and be recommended by a senior rater. "Chief Ferguson's strong desire to care for the troops and carry out the mission has been apparent throughout his career and it was my pleasure to nominate him," said Col. Thomas Byrge, 3rd CCG commander. "The Air Force will not only benefit from his experience, but also from his vision as a proven combat leader and warrior." If a qualified chief opts not to accept being a part of the nomination process or declines a command chief job offer, the chief must retire. But, if a nominee is not selected for a command chief position, the chief can keep his current job. "It goes with the responsibility," said Chief Green, 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron chief enlisted manager. "If the Air Force needs a chief for that job, we understand that. The Air Force has needs and if we're not willing to fill those needs, then we should retire." Chief Green said former 552nd Air Control Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. James Foltz first told him of the nomination process changes in April. Chief Green was willing to accept the nomination and Col. Patricia Hoffman, 552nd ACW commander, said he'd be a fine command chief. "Chief Green is the out-front warrior a commander needs to help lead a wing's Airmen," Colonel Hoffman said. "He's an inspirational leader both in garrison and deployed." Both Chiefs Green and Ferguson are interviewing and waiting to hear if they have new assignments.