NCO's graduate leadership course

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy Mobley
  • 911th Communications Squadron
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  Twenty-five Airmen from 13 squadrons of the 911th Airlift Wing participated in the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Development Course (NCOLDC) May 2-13.

The course, run by Central Texas College (CTC), addressed leadership issues specifically faced by Air Force Reservists. The two week course included six days of civilian instruction and four days of military instruction.

The civilian portion of the course was taught by retired Air Force Col. George Updegrove, who taught that "leadership is an action, not a position."

Using numerous examples from his military career, both as a chaplain in Vietnam and as an educator at the Air War College, Updegrove illustrated lessons ranging from communication skills to stress management.
For student Technical Sgt. Ralph Van Houtem, formerly an Army Sapper, a military course about stress and emotions was a new thing.

"It taught me interaction between people," Tech. Sgt. Van Houtem said, "and to not be afraid to share your emotions."

During the first week of class, groups gave presentations on effective leaders in Air Force history, including Billy Mitchell, "Hap" Arnold and the Women Air force Service Pilots (WASPs).

"I liked learning about my military heritage," said Staff Sgt. James Wolfe. "Every other branch seems to know their history, while we in the Air Force are sometimes lacking in that area."

The military portion of the course was taught by two "co-facilitators," and included several scenarios, role-plays and team activities. Teams learned the challenges created by poor communication and how to overcome obstacles often faced in a bureaucracy.

"My learning experience during the First Line Supervisor course has not only increased my knowledge as an NCO," Van Houtem said.

"Not only will the NCOLDC help me become a more effective leader in my Air Force career, but in my civilian career and in my personal life," added Staff Sgt. Jessica Davis.

Since initiating the course in 1990, CTC is in a continual process of improving the course. New sections of the course included practical lessons on Evaluation Performance Report (EPR) bullet writing, awards and decorations.

While NCOLDC is typically limited to Staff and Technical Sergeants, Master Sgt. Nancy Aviles also attended the class for the college credit being offered.

"This will help me complete my CCAF degree," Aviles said.

On the last day, the class facilitators encouraged students to consider becoming a NCOLDC facilitator.

"This really is the best-kept-secret of the Air Force Reserve," said Senior Master Sgt. Ken Sloat, NCOLDC course evaluator.

"It's by far been the most rewarding experience of my Air Force career," added facilitator Master Sgt. Travon Dennis.