Special duty special edition: Airmen Dormitory Leaders

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  In order to fill its unique mission requirements, the Air Force employs servicemembers in specialized positions to perform a specific duty. These special duties allow Airmen to step outside their conventional role and experience a completely new side of the Air Force.

One such position is the Airmen dormitory leader, a position held by Master Sgt. Joseph Himmel, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron ADL superintendant.

"The ADL is responsible for constantly maintaining the dormitories that house Airmen on base," said Sergeant Himmel. "We also assist them during processing and serve as mentors through day-to-day issues."

Sergeant Himmel has served as an ADL since January 2011, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. He is charged with overseeing the living quarters and responding to the personal concerns of more than 500 Airmen. ADLs also perform odd-jobs at various agencies on base when needed.

"There is not a typical day as an ADL," said Sergeant Himmel. "We are constantly dealing with new Airmen and new challenges."

Among the challenges ADLs faces during their two-year duty is keeping the dormitories well-furnished and livable. They oversee the acquisition and upkeep of furniture, kitchen supplies and utilities.

"We are constantly on the watch for ways to improve the Airmen's living experience here," said Sergeant Himmel. "For example, we offer the latest video games and controllers for Airmen to use for free."

ADLs also fill a unique position in the lives of dormitory Airmen. They serve as mentors and counselors for Airmen who prefer an alternative outlet. As one of the first and last Team Dover members an Airman will see during their tenure at Dover AFB, they strive to instill a lasting impression of professionalism.

"We are essentially the face-of-the-base for many arriving Airmen, so we have our game-face on at all times," Sergeant Himmel. "We demonstrate the standards Airmen are expected to live up to."

This professionalism came from constant on-the-job-training, since there is no dedicated training school for ADLs. From the start, new ADLs are challenged to master their duty, while assisting dormitory Airmen to excel at their job.

"Since every day offers a new situation, whether it's a facility or personal issue, it's a balancing act learning the job and the Airmen," said Staff Sgt. Michael Jones, 436 CES ADL. "Because of this challenge, ADLs lean on each other to get the job done."

ADLs learn facility and human resource management, repair and maintenance skills, and peer counseling techniques while on the job. Yet training is not enough to become a successful ADL, said Sergeant Himmel.

"ADLs are consistently on call, deal with leadership frequently, and must serve as role-models for hundreds of Airmen," said Sergeant Himmel. "However, this duty is excellent training for prospective first sergeants and supervisors."

At the end of the day, Team Dover's ADLs' hard work allows Airmen to go to sleep knowing their lights will turn on in the morning.

"It's a good feeling when I go home knowing Airmen are happy and safe in their rooms," said Sergeant Himmel. "We take care of them so they take care of the mission."

Anyone interested in applying for ADL duty must submit three Enlisted Performance Reports, a commander's recommendation, and must be eligible for release from their current duty. Interviews ensure applicants possess good communication skills and standards of conduct.