Pathways to leadership: ALS comes to 501st CSW

by Airman 1st Class Zach Bumpus
501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs

2/1/2016 - RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom -- In an Air Force characterized by ever-tightening budgets, the 501st Combat Support Wing is defined by its innovations, even if those ideas come from outside of its normal mission.

For the first time in 501st CSW history an Airman Leadership School class is being held at RAF Alconbury, United Kingdom, a move estimated to save the U.S. Air Force $80,000.

Typically when an Airman from the 501st CSW attends an ALS class they will be sent to RAF Feltwell, where the ALS schoolhouse is located. Feeding and lodging the future noncommissioned officers gets expensive fast, especially considering the length of the course. To combat this, instead of bringing the students to the class, the class has come to the students.

"For me this makes perfect sense," said Tech. Sgt. Andrew M. Contreras, the ALS instructor teaching the class on RAF Alconbury. "If we can save $80,000 by having one instructor come here instead of having all 15 students TDY [Temporary Duty Assignment] up to RAF Feltwell. It's really a no-brainer."

However, this cost saving measure comes with the question of how it will affect the mission. According to Contreras, the move of the class to RAF Alconbury could be very beneficial for the students.

"Outside of the cost saving initiative, the biggest advantage that we have in bringing the course here is that the Airmen can go home to their friends and families at the end of the day," said Contreras. "The course is designed to push them outside their comfort zones already, and when on top of that they are TDY to a new place it puts extra stress on them. Here they have the opportunity to go home at the end of the day, decompress and come back to class ready to go."

As this is the first time the class is being held on RAF Alconbury, continuous process improvement is a top priority.

"We've never done something like this before, but we are always looking for ways to get the most out of what we have," said Contreras. "We will really be relying on airman feedback to see what can be improved for next time."

NCOA PME strengthens, molds mentors

by Senior Airman Jonathan Stefanko
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

1/29/2016 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Airmen throughout Germany gathered on Kapaun Air Station, Germany, to attend the Kisling NCO Academy's largest professional development course Jan. 22, 2015.

The course covered multiple topics ranging from knowing your role, professional military writing, stress management and much more.

Tech. Sgt. Rigoberto Vasquez, Kisling NCO Academy professional military education instructor, hosted the course to present approximately 135 Airmen the opportunity to learn and grow with hopes of improving their work and home life.

"The courses taught can be used by parents, sons or daughters, spouses, supervisors and subordinates," Vasquez said. "Everything discussed can be applied whether as a refresher or a new skill to add to their tool belt."

Along with discussing the various topics, guest speakers were also invited to tie in their own personal experiences so the audience could see how lessons can be applied.

"There is more to an Airman than a uniform and rank," Vasquez said. "Some of the briefers explained how their mentors helped guide them when they were going down the wrong track, and because someone cared enough to intervene they were able to change their ways and stay in the military."

Learning the importance of being a mentor inspired the crowd to apply these teachings to the way they lead their own troops.

"The one idea that will stick with me is to consider every aspect of a situation," said Staff Sgt. Lynne Penate Morrissette, Kisling NCO Academy commandant support administrator and course attendee. "Being able to recognize stress in your troops instead of thinking the worse could make the difference in their life and at work."

While the course catered more toward younger Airmen, Vasquez mentioned anyone who attends will gain something.

"We don't know it all," he said. "When you listen to the briefers who have years upon years of experience there is always something to gain. We had an audience from junior enlisted to officers and whether it's discussing the importance of knowing your role, ethics, or even staying humble these are skills we can always improve upon."

For more information on attending a Kisling NCO Academy professional development course, call DSN 489-8490.

Schriever builds ethical leaders

by 2nd Lt. Darren Domingo
50th Space Wing Public Affairs

1/19/2016 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Airmen attended a Total Force Leadership Development course to learn the importance of ethical leadership Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado.

The class was a video seminar entitled, "The Power of One," an ethical leadership study by John Maxwell, a speaker and author of several best-selling leadership books. The course drew its content from Maxwell's book, "There is No Such Thing as Business Ethics."

Chief Master Sgt. Alexander Hall, 50th Network Operations Group superintendent, opened the class with his thoughts on what it means to be an effective leader.

"What do you need to be, to become a successful leader?" asked Hall. "I would proffer that you need to be trustworthy, assertive, flexible and self-confident. But above all in my mind, you need to be able to make good decisions."

Students filled in workbooks during video sessions and participated in group discussions between video sessions.

Master Sgt. Rontrell Boone, Wing Staff Agency superintendent, led the course and facilitated discussion.

Boone, a former military training instructor, shared many ethical decisions and dilemmas he observed and experienced during that four-year period of his service.

"I wanted to bring some of my past military ethical experiences so we could get a military perspective and make it hit home for the folks who attended the class," said Boone.

Students also asked questions and shared experiences dealing with ethical choices.

"I think it's very important to hold these classes; we had important cross-talk from senior and junior members so we could get on the same page," said Boone. "As a senior NCO, I want to know how our younger troops are thinking, and I think it's beneficial for them to know the perspective of [senior leaders]."

Senior Airman Chellandrea Cole, 2nd Space Operations Squadron GPS remote site liaison, said attending the course was an opportunity to grow as a leader.

"I'm interested in learning some leadership techniques, things to add to my tool bag," said Cole. "Coming out to [courses] like this will always give you pointers and tips. You can always do better and strive for more."

Cole enjoyed the lessons learned, but said she benefited more from group discussion and input from the class leaders.

"I loved [the class]; the input and cross-talk we had in here definitely opened my mind up to some new ideas," she said. "It was the people in the class that really made it [worthwhile]. Master Sgt. Boone and Chief Hall really did a great job of driving home the points that John Maxwell was making."

The course touched on topics including the importance of ethics, the golden rule and the "Midas Touch," the idea of going the extra mile in service of other people.

"My favorite part of the course was the Midas Touch segment," said Cole. "That is huge because mediocrity is easy for a lot of people. A lot of people are okay with just being average."

Cole explained the Midas Touch is important because it talks about helping people who can't help you in return.

The course was the second installment of leadership development at Schriever. Senior Master Sgt. Gregory Artis, 50th Space Communications Squadron, said there is another class scheduled for March.

"Originally our thought was to hold a course quarterly, but they may be more frequent because there are many more volumes and resources available," said Artis.

Boone is anticipating the lessons learned during the course will translate into the work centers throughout the base.

"I'm hoping the attendees will take what they've learned, bring it back to their units and apply some of the principles we talked about," he said. "It mainly boils down to treating people the way you would want to be treated and having a mutual respect."

Make a difference

By Chief Master Sgt. Mike Heath, 30th Medical Group / Published January 07, 2016

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- Will you make a difference in someone else's life today? We have all heard someone say, "Take care of your people and their families." Have you ever stopped to think why we hear this so often?

As Airmen, our number one responsibility is to accomplish the mission. However, without smart, dedicated, hard-working people and the unconditional support of their families, the mission would not get accomplished. This philosophy is not new. In fact, it's been a fundamental concept in our Air Force culture for many years, but are we truly putting forth our best effort on a daily basis to be involved in the lives of our people and understand the needs of our Airmen?

Genuinely caring for your Airmen is essential and helpful when providing honest and realistic performance appraisals. Mentor those whose development with which you are charged. Make sure they can do your job someday. Teach them from your experiences -- the good, the bad and the ugly.

Share your successes and failures and tell them how you handled them. Make it a teaching moment so you can make them better leaders.

Taking the time to develop Airmen is not an easy task and it's not something that can be done only online or by computer based training. It takes human interaction, patience, effort, and an ability to evolve. Enable and motivate people to accomplish the mission. Give a sense of accomplishment and make sure they are recognized for it. If done properly, no doubt you will instill confidence in others and ensure the success of tomorrow's leaders.

It's not about you. It's about other people. When you take care of your people, help them accomplish their goals and live up to their potential, and great things will happen. Not only will the mission get accomplished, but innovation and excellence will ensue. These things can happen when you realize it's not about you and you take care of your people. You and I share a common blessing in that we are members of the finest country in the world. I have faith that you will endeavor to make our country even better in the future by making a difference in someone else's life today.

I was entrusted with the incredible responsibility to be a supervisor more than 25 years ago. I started something that first morning as I prepared for work. As I was so proudly putting on my Air Force uniform I looked into the mirror and said, "Will you make a difference in someone else's life today?" I have asked that question every day since. When I get home at the end of my duty day, as I take off my uniform, I look in that mirror again and ask myself, "Did you make a difference in someone else's life today?" Sometimes the answer is no, so what do I do the next day? Try harder!

So I ask you; will you make a difference in someone else's life today? If you do, it could inspire an Airman for a lifetime.

Take time to explain ‘why’

By Col. Todd L. Osgood, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group / Published December 31, 2015

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar (AFNS) -- Good communication is a key element of successful organizations. As leaders, managers, or supervisors, we're sometimes so focused on communicating the what or the how that we fail to explain why the work someone is doing is so important.

Other times, we make decisions that impact work priorities or cause significant change, but don't explain why.

There are many reasons why leaders don't explain why. Explaining why takes time, and some leaders may not think that explaining why is important. Sometimes, leaders assume others understand the why, whether it is how day-to-day tasks relate to the larger mission or a decision the leader has made that causes significant change to the status-quo. Whatever the reason, it's worth taking the time to explain why.

For those who have toddlers, you may notice early in life toddlers begin to ask why a lot. No matter how trivial the task, children want to know why you're doing something or why they should do something they've been asked to do. If you don't do a very good job explaining to them why they should do something, they will usually respond with an emphatic no! As children grow older, their intrigue with their surroundings grows, and they ask why often. As adults, our desire to know why continues, but we're often reluctant to ask. Or, if we know why, we often don't take time to explain why to others.

About a decade ago, I was very fortunate to serve with a commander who ensured his squadron members understood why each person's job was important, and how each person's role was vital to the unit, base and Air Force. It provided each of us with a sense of purpose.

Other times, the commander would make a decision that would cause significant disruption to the status quo. He often met with us in small groups or individually to explain why he made certain decisions. Those that served under his command benefited in several ways. First, by the commander explaining how he reached a certain decision, he provided us with valuable insight into his decision-making process. It was as if he was preparing us to fill his shoes one day. Next, by taking time to explain why, we realized that he cared about us, not just the mission. Finally, by explaining why, even if we didn't agree or like the decision, we could better understand his perspective.

There's more to effective communication than explaining the what and the how. Explaining the why might take more effort, but it can pay big dividends to those you supervise. It can more clearly explain how their role in the organization makes a difference, and offer a greater sense of purpose. As a mentoring tool, it can help folks develop their own decision-making skills to use as their breadth and depth of responsibility grows. When practical, try it out if you haven't already. You may be surprised how many will appreciate it.

Volunteer for the right reasons

By Staff Sgt. Michael Battles, 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs / Published December 30, 2015

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFNS) -- The word "volunteer" is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as "a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service."

In a given week, I'm asked three to four times why I volunteer my personal time as much as I do to organizations that are not my primary duty. The answer has and will always be the same, that the organizations I choose to give my time to are my passion, not volunteerism.

In the past year, I have given more than 400 hours of my personal time to organizations across Incirlik Air Base, but never expected awards or recognition for it. The reason being simply, I never saw it as work, but more as fun, laughs and a way to share my knowledge with the community we have built here at Incirlik.

As Winston Churchill once stated, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

My advice to any person wanting to give back to the community is to find something that you truly love, and use that as your inspiration. For example, I love working out, so I became a fitness instructor, which not only allows me to work out, but interact and pass on my love of cycling.

There are many ways to get involved at any installation around the Air Force; I just ask that when you get involved do it for yourself, not for a bullet. I know when I enjoy what I'm doing, the level of hard work and enthusiasm shines through. Those traits really are what show the individuals involved that you care.

A lot of my passion comes from a quote that has an unknown author, but has inspired me to go after what truly makes me happy, "Work for a cause, not for applause. Live life to express, not to impress."

Throughout my military career these words have always remained in the back of my mind. Yes, I have received awards and recognition for organizations I've been a part of, but it's not something that should be sought after. Volunteer because you want to make a difference in lives around you, and the rewards will follow.