#IAMIMSC: Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Lanci
Duty title and unit: Emergency Management Publications NCO in charge, Air Force Civil Engineer Center, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida
Primary duty responsibilities: I ensure publications related to the emergency management career field meet the needs of our warfighters in the field. I also assist with multiple North Atlantic Treaty Organization panels, providing subject matter expertise on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear matters. Additionally, I am part of a multi-service working group that develops CBRN tactics, techniques and procedures for the entire Department of Defense.
What’s the best part of your job?
Traveling and being able to interact with all Department of Defense branches and allied partners, and seeing how they accomplish their mission is my favorite part. I really enjoy collaborating with the other services and learning new ways of tackling CBRN challenges.
Why are you and your job important to the Air Force and AFMC?
More than ever, the state of readiness is key to the Air Force projecting and sustaining air superiority in any situation. As an emergency management specialist, I support readiness through a multitude of different ways, including provide CBRN defense training to Airmen and giving risk-based recommendations to commanders, as well as CBRN response technician capabilities to incident commanders during hazardous materials or weapons of mass destruction events.
We also administer the base emergency management program, ensuring the right people are trained to fill key positions in the disaster response force, including outreach programs to educate the base populace on local disaster threats and hazards. In a time of record hurricanes, wildfires and pandemic, the ability to protect and sustain the mission has never been more challenged.
In my position, I am able to help develop and shape new publications, technology and systems that bolster the state of readiness and mission support across the career field, total force, joint-service CBRN community and NATO partnerships. This helps AFMC continue to provide war-winning capabilities in support of the National Defense Strategy.
What’s a recent project that gave you a great sense of accomplishment?
Sitting on the NATO Knowledge Management panel as a U.S. representative was an amazing experience. I was able to provide subject matter expertise on CBRN doctrine that is used by all allied nations and help ensure the United States position is represented.
Any claims to fame?
I have gotten two Air Force bases Storm Ready Certified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This certification ensures an installation has the infrastructure and warning mechanisms in place to alert and protect the populace in the event of a weather disaster.
Do you follow any mantra?
I normally find myself saying, “it is what it is.” I am a believer of some things in life are outside our span of control and the unexpected happens. When this does, we can try not to dwell on it and move forward because that is what we can control.
Which AFIMSC value do you identify with the most and why?
I feel trust and transparency is key to ensuring mission success at any leadership level. If you can earn the trust of the people around you while helping them to understand why certain decisions are made, then you will be able to deliver unmatched support to your customers.