Select NCO's graduate from leadership course Published Aug. 6, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Chelsea Smith 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Seventeen Dobbins Staff and Tech. Sgts from various base units graduated from the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Development course held here Aug. 5. Service members participated in a two-week course designed to provide college-level academic management and leadership instruction through practical, hands-on application. "This course lays the foundation for these airmen to continue to grow," said Col. Tim Tarchick, 94th Airlift Wing commander. "I'm confident everyone has something to take back - whether in your military or civilian career, the goal is to produce more effective leaders." The course also provided the only formal type of in-residence professional military education for reservists here, said Senior Master Sgt. Joy Hughes, 94th Airlift Wing chief of education and training. "It's currently not a mandatory course," said Hughes. "But the course is beneficial in that it provides good interaction with other reservists outside the shop." "I took the course for further knowledge and a chance to stand-out amongst others," said Staff Sgt. Derek Thompson, 80th Aerial Port member. "I enjoyed the instruction from the military facilitators and interaction with the class." Thompson said he hopes completion of this course will help him with future promotions as well. Graduates received two management credits towards their Community College of the Air Force degree along with a certificate from Col. Tarchick and Texas College. Classes are held three to four times per year for eligible service members including fast-track senior airmen, staff and tech. sgts from any unit on base. According to the Air Force Reserve professional development center, 79 percent of all NCOLDC graduates choose to continue their reserve career after completing the course, reflective of the effectiveness and success of the program. Interested members may contact their unit/base training manager or first sergeant to be considered for enrollment.
