Next generation of leaders graduate from NCOLDC

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chelsea Smith
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  The noncommissioned officer leadership development course graduation for class 12-03 commenced here Aug. 3 for 24 mid-level supervisors in the ranks of Staff and Tech. Sgts.

"Who's the best...LRS!" declared members of the 94th Airlift Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron, as they cheered on their graduating shop members upon receiving certificates.

The 10-day course, designed to provide meaningful, challenging leadership to mid-level enlisted personnel was conducted in two phases covering college-level academic management and leadership instruction through practical, hands-on application.

"Graduates of this class could be a first sergeant or command chief," said Col. Tim Tarchick, 94th Airlift Wing commander. "We're grooming the next generation of leaders who are passionate about leadership."

Command Chief Master Sgt. Wendell Peacock was also on hand to offer words of encouragement during graduation day.

"You're managing two careers and it takes a high level of dedication to do what you do," said Peacock. "Your two weeks of training will help prepare you for the way ahead and the way we're going, not just here at Dobbins, but in the Reserves."

Alternating between civilian and military instructors, the two-week training allowed participants to recognize the differences between leadership and management. Participants also were taught to understand the negative impact of poor leadership and understand and appreciate enlisted military heritage, among other key bullet points.

Master Sgts. Elizabeth Tinsley and Sean Colpitts from the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 446th Aeromedical Staging Squardron, facilitated the course to provide guidance and support during the two-week course. Overall, graduates leave with applicable tools not only useful inside the gates, but in society as well, they said.

"This training helped me to realize the importance of investing time in the people that are under you," said Anthius Bruno, 94th Airlift Wing Aerial Port Squadron air transportation journeyman. "It taught me a lot about being a potent leader, supervisor and the benefit of effectively managing people."

Graduates received two management credits towards their Community College of the Air Force degree along with a certificate from Col. Tarchick and Texas College.

A program initiated in 1982, more than 70,000 reservists, civilians, active duty, and other branches of the military have attended the course. Here, there are four courses scheduled through the fiscal year in which eligible Staff and Tech. Sgts. may attend.

Interested members may contact their unit training manager or first sergeant to be considered for enrollment. For more information about the next course, please contact the 94th Airlift Wing Education Office by phone at 678-655-4000.