Master Sgt. Rachael Hall, Commandant of the McConnell Air Force Base Airman Leadership School presents Senior Airman Bohannon Stephens of the 911th Airlift Wing with the Commandant Award at his ALS graduation, June 27, 2013 at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The commandant award is given to the Airman that displayed significant contributions to the overall success of the class and exemplified professional military qualities in leadership. The five-week-long course, focused on teaching military professionalism, leadership skills, supervisory skills, and effective means of communication, prepares senior airmen to be professional NCOs who can supervise and lead Airmen. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy photo by McConnell Airman Leadership School)

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Airman Demonstrates Exemplary Leadership at ALS

Published Aug. 23, 2013
By Senior Airman Jonathan Hehnly
911th Public Affairs

PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- Every Airman starts his or her professional military education with airman leadership school; however, few are recognized individually upon graduation of ALS by the commandant of the school for displaying characteristics of an effective leader.

Staff Sgt. Bohannon Stephens of the 911th Airlift Wing, 911th Force Support Squadron, received the Commandant Award for his leadership abilities at the McConnell Air Force Base Airman Leadership School class 13-Echo graduation, June 27, 2013.

The Commandant Award is presented to the Airman from each ALS class who displays significant contributions to the overall success of the class and exemplified professional military qualities in leadership.

"This is a significant achievement, especially for a reservist," said Chief Master Sergeant Brian L. Zator, 911th Airlift Wing Command Chief. "Congratulations to him for representing the 911th AW so proudly."

ALS is required for all senior airmen to promote to staff sergeant, but reservists have the option of completing ALS through distance learning or an in-residence course. While 93 to 95 percent of reservists choose to take five sets of sub-courses and two tests, Stephens chose to attend the five-week in-residence course at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. made up largely of active duty personnel.

"I'd recommend it to anyone," said Stephens. "It was intense though and made to stress you out."

The five-week-long course focuses on teaching senior airmen military professionalism, leadership skills, supervisory skills, and effective means of communication.

ALS is the first level of PME enlisted Airmen must complete to progress in their Air Force careers as leaders and managers. The intense course of study prepares senior airmen to be professional NCOs who can supervise and lead Airmen.

ALS largely focuses on teamwork and working together through group and community projects, team physical training, and moving as one in drill formations.

Despite the team concept throughout the course, four awards are given out in recognition of individual achievements at graduation. Stephens' award, unlike the other accolades, is the only honor not based on academic standings but awarded for individual leadership abilities and contributions to the class.

Stephens, who was promoted to staff sergeant effective July 1, 2013 upon completion of ALS, said he is the only reservist to have his name placed on the Commandant Award for the McConnell Airman Leadership School.

"I would not have expected anything less from Staff Sgt. Stephens," said his supervisor, Master Sgt. John Wyland, Chief of Personnel Systems and Readiness.