Airman Leadership distance course marks change, release

by Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
I.G. Brown Training and Education Center

5/2/2013 - MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. -- Officials at the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education announced the release today, May 1, of a new version of the Airman Leadership Distance Learning Course (ALDLC) entitled, "Course 00003."

The updated course is used by Air National Guard members for distance learning of the normally in-resident instructed Airman Leadership School, which is a requirement to become a noncommissioned officer.

The revised course - downloaded as an electronic soft copy - improves lesson objectives and content, said officials.

Like the previous distance courses, successful completion provides Community College of the Air Force Credits as well as Extension Course Institute points toward annual retirement credits.

Identical in its organization to the current course, ALDLC consists of two sets of sub-courses. The first set includes three volumes: Course Introduction; Military Professional; and Expeditionary Airman. The second sub-course includes volumes: Supervisory Communicator; and Supervisor of Airmen.

"This is a challenging course," said Frank A. Mileto, distance learning manager for the Barnes Center in an email announcement. "Potential students should plan to devote time and serious effort toward its successful completion."

Mileto went on to say that the leadership training prepares Senior Airmen as "effective supervisors and leaders."

Officials pointed out that enrollment for the course is now accomplished on-line, via self-registration through the Air University Student Information System website, located at https://ausis.maxwell.af.mil/SIS/app.

Sub-courses include closed-book exams administered by designated test control facilities, said officials. Chapters include test preparation exercises and assignments. Students who fail initial exams are allowed to retest after 72 hours.

Mileto said that students are also challenged to consider thoughts and emotions as part of the leadership curriculum.

"While the course includes all the material necessary to meet the developmental educational objectives, critical thinking will be required to comprehend the material and pass the exams," he said.

Once enrolled, students have 12 months to complete the course. They may request an automatic four-month extension prior to the end of the initial 12 months of enrollment; however, any other subsequent extension will be considered an exception to policy and must be approved by the Operations Directorate, Barnes Center for Enlisted Professional Military Education/Academic Affairs, said officials.