ALS molds newest AF leaders

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Melanie Holochwost
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  As part of the Air Education and Training Command, Luke Air Force Base trains not only pilots and maintainers, but leaders as well. One stop on this path is Airman Leadership School.

The John J. Rhodes Airman Leadership School is a six-week course designed to develop Airmen into effective supervisors by enhancing leadership abilities and communication skills.

The 192 hours of curriculum enhances the career development of senior airmen by strengthening their ability to lead, follow and manage while they gain a broader understanding of the military, said Staff Sgt. Brian Tisdall, 56th Force Support Squadron ALS instructor.

"The program is separated into four modules: Supervisor of Airmen, Supervisory Communicator, Military Professional and Expeditionary Airmen," he said. "We also teach proper drill movements and how to march a flight along with how to properly conduct reveille and retreat."

The Community College of the Air Force grants 10 college credits upon completion of ALS.

"ALS is also the first professional military education enlisted Air Force members encounter," Sergeant Tisdall said. "It is a great opportunity for our future combat leaders to network, gain knowledge outside of their career fields and see what the 'other side' of the Air Force does."

ALS has a rigorous physical training program that focuses on team building.

"Flights compete against each other in workouts like the Amazing Race and Ping Pong sprints," Sergeant Tisdall said. "We have also incorporated CrossFit and distance running into our regimen. During the last week of school, ALS students compete against first sergeants in a series of challenges including a CrossFit 'throw down' and a volleyball game."

For mentorship, Luke's Top Three Council sends a senior NCO volunteer to each ALS class.

"These mentors come to the school house and sit in on lessons," Sergeant Tisdall said.  "They provide insight and share personal experiences to aid the students in their learning process."

As each ALS class prepares for graduation, students leave a legacy for future classes to remember them by.

According to Staff Sgt. Heather Serra, 56th Medical Operations Squadron medic, her class left behind a shadow box of ribbons that shows what they mean and where they came from.

Sergeant Serra said her time in ALS was very busy with lots of homework, group work and projects.

"I have learned a lot about leadership and time management during the last six weeks," she said. "Leadership and followership go hand-in-hand; you can't have one without the other. The course is heavily focused on teamwork. You have to work together in order to be successful."

Sergeant Serra believes ALS has prepared her to be a good supervisor.

"Going from senior airman to staff sergeant is a big jump, but I'm ready to take on my new responsibilities," she said. "Luckily, I have had great supervisors throughout my entire career, so I will try to be like them. I want my Airmen to know they can talk to me about anything. I want to help them achieve their career goals, and set good examples for them. I want to be someone they look up to."