Curtis Allen selected for chief master sergeant

  • Published
  • By Shawn Jacobs
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn --  Senior Master Sgt. Curtis W. Allen has earned the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force - chief master sergeant.

Chief master sergeants make up only one percent of the total enlisted population, adding prestige to the promotion.

It means Sergeant Allen, who is the Maintenance Division superintendent and senior enlisted leader (SEL), may be leaving AEDC in the near future.

"I'll probably be leaving," Sergeant Allen said. "Currently, there isn't a chief billet at AEDC, only a senior [master sergeant]. When the assignment list comes out ... I may get selected for a new assignment or I may not. It's hard to say at this point. It's a whole different ballgame after you make chief.

"I believe I'll be given a few choices of assignments. If not, they can assign me wherever they need my expertise most. It's all pretty new to me. Scott Air Force Base [Ill] would be nice. I'm an engine mechanic by trade, so a big engine shop would be great. Also, a flight line maintenance position would be all right."

Currently, Sergeant Allen oversees maintenance of the test facilities on base and, as SEL, advises AEDC Commander Col. Michael Panarisi on enlisted matters.

Sergeant Allen, a Minnesota native, joined the Air Force in 1985 and arrived at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) in May 2007. During his career he has worked on cargo, fighter, bomber and airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft and engines at bases around the world.

Sergeant Allen said it looks like he will receive the actual promotion March 1. Chief Master Sgt. Eric Jaren, command chief of the Air Force Materiel Command, is tentatively scheduled to be at AEDC Jan. 25, and a chief recognition ceremony is planned for that evening.

Looking back on his 25-year Air Force career, Sergeant Allen said it has been very fulfilling, but this promotion is the highlight.

"Making chief has been the major high spot in my career - that and helping people along the way," he said. "It's all been very rewarding."