Building Better Leaders: CTANG S.T.A.F.F. Conference Develops the Next Generation of NCOs
CAMP NETT, Conn. — “You all got here because someone saw the potential in you. But the time for ‘potential’ is over. It’s time to look at what you might do. It’s now time to work at realizing whatever potential you think you might have.”
Those words from retired Brig. Gen. Marcus Jannitto brought a week of leadership development, professional growth and connection to a close as Air National Guard members completed the 2026 S.T.A.F.F. Conference at Camp Nett in Niantic, Connecticut.
Hosted by the 103d Airlift Wing Sept. 14-18, the five-day conference brought together 56 staff sergeants representing six states with a shared goal: developing, empowering and connecting the next generation of Air National Guard NCO leaders.
Throughout the week, participants heard from engaging military and civilian leaders, took part in hands-on workshops and team-building activities, and explored the responsibilities that come with becoming a frontline leader. Sessions challenged attendees to consider their individual leadership styles, strengthen communication skills and examine how NCOs influence the culture and climate of their organizations.
Speakers included Jannitto, who formerly served as the chief of staff and deputy adjutant general for the Rhode Island Air National Guard, and Nathan Wheeler, an 11-year Army veteran who served with the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and now specializes in motivational speaking, leadership and financial empowerment. Airmen also heard from Dr. Michael Frost, a professor and organizational change agent with more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement. Each speaker offered impactful advice and hard-earned perspectives on leadership.
“I like that they pulled in speakers from outside the military,” said Staff Sgt. Griffen Smith, an MQ-9 sensor operator with the 174th Attack Wing in New York. “They did a great job engaging us, and it made it really different from almost every other military event I’ve gone to.”
Reflecting on the advice that had been most impactful throughout the week, Smith said that multiple speakers had emphasized the importance of connecting with the people you supervise.
“No matter how busy you may be,” Smith said, “it’s important to always look out for your people.” Staff Sgt. Kyle Marsh, a security forces specialist with the 157th Air Refueling Wing in New Hampshire, said one message from Brig. Gen. Thomas Olander, Connecticut Air National Guard chief of staff–air, particularly resonated with him: the immense impact NCOs have on the National Guard.
“We’re in charge,” Marsh said, recalling Olander’s message.
Participants also spent time at Stones Ranch on Wednesday, completing challenges on the Leadership Reaction Course. Each obstacle required small groups to pause, plan, adapt and lead. In one challenge, participants were given a single plank of wood, a piece of rope and instructions to get their entire team over a fence using only the limited materials provided. Working under time constraints and often alongside colleagues they had only recently met, participants had to communicate, problem-solve and put their leadership skills into practice to accomplish each task.
The week ended with a graduation ceremony attended by state leadership, during which participants were addressed by Col. Robert Krueger, commander of the 103d Airlift Wing; Chief Master Sgt. Rick Marks, command chief of the 103d Airlift Wing; and Maj. Gen. Francis Evon, adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard. The focus throughout the final day shifted from what participants had learned at S.T.A.F.F. to what they would do with those lessons when they returned to their units.
“Now that you’ve entered the world of leadership, grab onto some of these things you’ve learned,” Jannitto said at the close of his remarks Sept. 18. “It’s much easier to talk about your potential. Anyone can do that. But will you squander it?”
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