A United States airman at Joint Base San Antonio joined rare company recently when he was adorned with the khaki cover and fouled anchors awarded to the Navy’s newest chief petty officers.

Air Force Master Sgt. Atif Siddiqui officially entered the chief’s mess upon completion of a six-week program that puts CPO hopefuls through all manner of mental and physical trials.

Siddiqui, a member of the 326th Training Squadron, 37th Training Wing, was nominated to participate in the course by a fellow airman who had similarly earned the unique achievement, according to a service release .

Nomination by a fellow chief petty officer is one of numerous approvals needed prior to beginning the program, according to the Navy .

Due to the significant time investment, noncommissioned officers like

See Full Page