Protocol is here to help

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Cacicia
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Tucked away in the command section of the Wing headquarters building, a small 22 by 15 foot office, staffed by one officer and three non-commissioned officers, does more throughout Dover AFB than many would think.

Whether it is ensuring correct seating order at a conference meeting, reviewing a change-of-command script or setting up reserve parking signs for distinguished visitors, the 436th Airlift Wing Protocol Office is an available source of information and assistance for Team Dover personnel.

"Some people on base don't know we exist," said Capt. Andrew McFee, 436th AW/CCP chief. "We are a resource for people to use; our mission is protocol."

Protocol for military and government agencies is a code of traditional precedence, courtesy and etiquette in matters of military, diplomatic, official and celebratory ceremonies. Military protocol encompasses the knowledge, accumulation and application of established service customs.

Two months into his year-long rotation as chief of protocol, McFee wants base personnel to know that the protocol office is willing to assist in any way it can.

"We are here to help any squadron or agency with ceremonies," McFee said. "We are here to help any one that has some sort of event going on."

According to regulations, installation protocol offices, like the one at Dover AFB, establish quality protocol programs, identify requirements and execute their programs in compliance with this instruction. Protocol officers are responsible for protocol decorum, customs and courtesies during Air Force ceremonies, conferences and social events; for hosting distinguished visitors; and for honors afforded at military funerals. They work special projects requiring an understanding of international, diplomatic or political sensitivity to individuals and groups representing a variety of politics, nationalities and religions.

Master Sgt. Jason Fleegal, 436th AW/CCP NCO in charge and a loadmaster with the 9th Airlift Squadron, takes fulfilment out of his new special duty in the protocol office.

"The most interesting part of my job is watching the dynamics between civic leaders, high-ranking officials and our base leadership," Fleegal said. "We ensure the appropriate courtesies are paid to distinguished visitors."

One Protocol customer, Capt. Katherine Wilson, 436th Aerial Port Squadron Air Freight Flight commander, received ample and helpful support from the office during a recent retirement ceremony she emceed.

"They've gone through and reviewed the script, provided advice and they've answered unique questions," Wilson said. "They provide that experience when it comes to the protocol side of the house, the little details we don't normally deal with on a day-to-day basis."

What distinguishes the 436th Airlift Wing Protocol Office from any other in the Air Force is its role with dignified transfers.

"We have a support role," McFee said. "We handle the general or other DVs that come to the DT, because every DT has a general officer attending."

Each and every day brings something new and a different challenge to the office. Every day the office is asked a multitude of protocol questions and must respond in a timely manner. Sometimes the answers are not black and white, and the personnel must provide an answer confidently and to their best judgment.

"As a layperson, we don't normally think about this kind of stuff," Fleegal said. "This is a whole other world; this is an extremely important part of keeping the base jiving."