An opportunity to lead Published Dec. 2, 2013 By Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Chances are, when Airman Basic Curtis Williams enlisted into the delayed enlistment program at age 17, he didn't think over 30 years later, he would be wearing a star on his shoulders. He likely didn't picture the executive desk he now sits behind as he carries out his duties as the 22nd Air Force vice commander either. The Fort Worth, Texas native admittedly didn't have a plan right out of high school. However, his drive and determination soon took over. After training, he mastered the positions he held in administration and Judge Advocate General career fields. He enrolled in college courses at Saint Leo College during his non-duty hours. "I failed my first course, Geology" said Williams. "However, I learned from it. I never retook it. I never looked back, but that was my start in college!" Williams graduated with Associate and Bachelor degrees in Management and Criminology, and besides his first course, never earned a grade lower than a B. He left active duty in 1984 to enroll in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas. General Williams received his commission in 1986 along with his Master's degree in Public Administration. He wanted an opportunity to lead. "Being an officer is not for everybody," said Williams. "You can have a successful career as enlisted. Being an officer is just a different path. We must have people who are excited about what they do at all levels of the organization. It's up to senior leaders to recognize that and if we don't then shame on us." Williams, who is now a brigadier general, assumed his position at the 22nd AF headquarters April 21, where he assists the commander, Maj. Gen. Mark A. Kyle, in the management and oversight of more than 15,000 Air Force Reservists at nine wings and two groups. Through the years and ranks, Williams has served in the logistics plans capacity at the squadron and wing levels. He has served at Dobbins before as the 94th Mission Support Group commander, as well as mentor to Col. Marshall Irvin, current 94th MSG commander. "He has been mentoring since he met me," said Irvin. "He was firm and kind. He was able to teach me a lot from both the enlisted and the officer perspectives. He bridged the gap, and helped me bridge the gap. That is probably why he is a general - when a lot of other people don't make it. He has a lot of talents and abilities. He reaches across lines and aisles and connects people together." William's success story is one of many on Dobbins Air Reserve Base where dedicated enlisted Airmen makes good. He serves as a close-to-home example of the potential that lies within any on Dobbins. To qualify for ROTC positions as a current enlisted Airman: - Be a U.S. citizen - Have one year time in service - Have one year time on station - Be recommended by immediate commander - Pass the AFROTC Physical Fitness Test - Be willing to be stationed world-wide - Be admitted to a school offering AFROTC - Have qualifying Air Force Officer Qualifying Test scores - Be commissioned and enter active duty before the age of 35 - Must complete all degree requirements in two years or less - Have at least a 2.5 cumulative college Grade Point Average - Not be selected for a reassignment prior to submission Williams participated in the Air Force's largest and oldest source of commissioning. Enrolling in an ROTC program is not the only way for an enlisted member to attain a commission. However, if you meet the basic qualifications and wish to pursue a degree please refer to www.afrotc.com orwww.afoats.af.mil/ AFROTC for more information.
