The Washington Air National Guard (WA ANG) hosted the first leadership engagement for female leaders in the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) from September 9 to 13 at Camp Murray, Washington.
The University of Washington’s Milgard Women’s Institute led the discussions focused on strategies for building networks and mentorship. These discussions also addressed how to navigate unconscious bias in a male-dominated workplace.
Participants toured several installations as part of the program, including the 194th Wing and 194th Air Support Operations Group, the 10th Civil Support Team at Camp Murray, the Western Air Defense Sector at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and the 141st Air Refueling Wing.
For their part, RTAF officers presented on the role women play in their respective air force and other areas of opportunity.
“Women bring a unique perspective and leadership style to the military as well as a distinct way of solving problems,” said US Air Force Col. and Director of Staff Carrie Wentzel.
“This foundation will allow us to develop initiatives and strategies to remove barriers and empower females in our respective militaries,” Wentzel added.
RTAF Squadron Leader Karnchanok “Maestro” Chunyaruck, a C130 pilot and one of only seven female RTAF pilots, explained that this engagement can widen opportunities for women in the RTAF.
“We also have many, many talented [non-commissioned officers] but they just don’t have the chance,” she said. “This good beginning might be a good initiative that we can bring back and let those females have the opportunity like us to improve themselves, improve the Royal Thai Air Force.”
US-Thailand Relations
This engagement is part of the US Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program designed for capacity-building with partner nations’ national guard members for future missions.
The WA ANG and RTAF began their State Partnership Program relationship in 2002.
Additionally, 2024 marks the 191st year of the military and economic alliance between the US and Thailand.