Four Kenyan defence sergeants major from various branches of the Kenyan military were treated to a whirlwind familiarization visit to Ramstein Air Base to gain insight into professional military education programs designed for enlisted service members on September 12, 2010.

Major General Margaret Woodward, 17th Air Force commander, greeted the senior noncommissioned officers for their first appointment of the day and discussed the mission of the U.S. Air Forces in Africa to foster better understanding between the partner nations.

After the meeting, the Kenyan senior non-commissioned officers toured the First Term Airmen Center, Aircraft Maintenance Inspection Hanger, Airman Leadership School and Non Commissioned Officer Academy to familiarize themselves with Air Force professional training and techniques.

"Your system is very successful in narrowing the gap between the enlisted and officer corps," said Kenyan Defence Sergeant Major Joseph Kithome during the visit. "I am especially impressed with your development system; it builds confidence in enlisted members allowing them to readily assume more responsibility."

When touring the NCO academy, the Kenyan service members discussed the importance of established codes of professionalism in any military organization.

"We are a young military service and are quickly trying to adapt the best principles from others," said Kenyan Army Sergeant John Muthoka. "It has taken you (U.S. Armed Forces) many years to become what you are today. The Kenyan military is growing its defense forces and NCO development programs, and we are very interested in how the American military trains."

Other points of interest were eye openers during the day's visit.

"We are very impressed with the importance of the family in Air Force planning, said Kenyan Navy Sergeant Major John Mango. A happy family provides a foundation for a productive career."

In addition, the group found the role and depth of women in the U.S. Air Force especially noteworthy. The Kenyan service members expressed high regard for the meeting with General Woodward.

"In time we will have women in those positions too," Kithome said.

After the visit to Ramstein AB, the Kenyan SNCOs planned visits to other U.S. Army units in Germany to glean as much insight possible in hopes of enhancing their enlisted professional development programs.

"We want to take back the best and suggest improvements to our program," Kithome said.