Samuel King Jr.
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Only a day before donning their freshly pressed blues uniforms and formally joining the senior noncommission officer tier, groups of technical sergeants had their knees in the dirt applying torniquets, patching wounds and carrying litters in the 95-degree Florida heat.
This was the final step in a new Eglin-specific professional development course called Centurion Crucible, designed to forge resilient, adaptable, and highly effective leaders. This specific focus ensures the course is aligned with Air Force and 96th Test Wing priorities.
The 72 Airmen, newly selected for master sergeant, were the first participants of the four-day course that took place leading up to their induction ceremony.
“There were times throughout the course that pushed me to reflect deeply on what it means to lead from a strategic standpoint,” Hutt added. “I am used to managing tasks and day-to-day operations, but during the seminar, I was challenged to shape organizational culture and the development of our future Airmen.”
The last day brought Centurion Apex, a field exercise, that put the Airmen in the field for small group hands-on readiness exercises like combat casualty care, triage, UXO identification and radio communication.
“Centurion Crucible is not merely a professional development, it’s constructed to test, challenge, and forge stronger, more effective leaders, ready to face the complex challenges of the 21st century,” said Jenkins.
Tech. Sgt.s Courtney Chapa, 33rd Fighter Wing and Kadeem Clifton, 53rd Wing, carry a simulated casualty out of the line of fire during Centurion Crucible Aug. 14, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Centurion Crucible is a four-day, Eglin-based professional development program for recently selected master sergeants. The course leads into the Airmen’s senior NCO induction ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.) 
Tech. Sgt. Sarah Huggins, 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron, fills out a report for a simulated casualty during Centurion Crucible Aug. 14, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Centurion Crucible is a four-day, Eglin-based professional development program for recently selected master sergeants. The course leads into the Airmen’s senior NCO induction ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.) 
U.S. Air Force Airmen carry a simulated casualty on a litter during Centurion Crucible Aug. 14, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Centurion Crucible is a four-day, Eglin-based professional development program for recently selected master sergeants. The course leads into the Airmen’s senior NCO induction ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.) 
U.S. Air Force Airmen provide casualty care during Centurion Crucible Aug. 14, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Centurion Crucible is a four-day, Eglin-based professional development program for recently selected master sergeants. The course leads into the Airmen’s senior NCO induction ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.) 
U.S. Air Force Airmen provide casualty care during Centurion Crucible Aug. 14, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Centurion Crucible is a four-day, Eglin-based professional development program for recently selected master sergeants. The course leads into the Airmen’s senior NCO induction ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.) 
U.S. Air Force Airmen drag a simulated casualty out of the line of fire during Centurion Crucible Aug. 14, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Centurion Crucible is a four-day, Eglin-based professional development program for recently selected master sergeants. The course leads into the Airmen’s senior NCO induction ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.) 
Tech. Sgt. Vincente Cristobal, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron drags a simulated casualty out of the line of fire during Centurion Crucible Aug. 14, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Centurion Crucible is a four-day, Eglin-based professional development program for recently selected master sergeants. The course leads into the Airmen’s senior NCO induction ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.) 
Tech. Sgt. Kyle Brice, 33rd Maintenance Squadron, takes aim down range during Centurion Crucible Aug. 14, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Centurion Crucible is a four-day, Eglin-based professional development program for recently selected master sergeants. The course leads into the Airmen’s senior NCO induction ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.) 
Airmen move with purpose down range during Centurion Crucible Aug. 14, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Centurion Crucible is a four-day, Eglin-based professional development program for recently selected master sergeants. The course leads into the Airmen’s senior NCO induction ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)