Future NCOs receive training at ALS

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vesta Anderson
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  While "congratulations" echo from base to base to the Air Force's newest staff sergeant selects, most Airmen on the promotion list are preparing for another right of passage earning them the honor to proudly display the stripe on their sleeve that distinguishes them as supervisors.

Tyndall's Airmen gather their sharpest uniforms and begin the process of clipping loose strings and shining combat boots in attempt to put their best foot forward and through the doors of the Airmen Leadership School here.

At ALS, Airmen who are soon-to-be supervisors learn the fundamentals of leadership through four blocks of instruction: leadership, human relations, communication, and profession of arms. The five-week course encompasses 192 hours of instruction. The school-house graduates approximately seven classes per year with each class consisting of 40 Airmen.

"ALS is the turning point from Airmen to NCO (noncommissioned officer)," said Tech. Sgt. Jacob Peeterse, an ALS instructor from the 325th Mission Support Squadron.

"It's a necessary change all have to go through for a higher level of responsibility in a leadership position," said Staff Sgt. Marlin Anderson, an ALS instructor from the 325th Mission Support Squadron.

As Airmen step into supervisory positions, ALS teaches them the importance of handling each person they supervise as a unique individual, and further teaches them the most effective method to approach whatever challenges they may face as supervisors, good or bad.

"Everyone is different. They need to be treated with the respect they deserve," said Sergeant Peeterse. "Being good to the people you supervise is paramount."

The learning environment also plays a role. The students are Airmen from all aspects of the Air Force. In the classrooms, an Airman from the 95th Fighter Squadron could and, most likely, has sat next to another Airman from the 325th Security Forces Squadron.

"One of the most beneficial elements in ALS is meeting different Airmen from different career fields," said Senior Airman Jenay Resto, a current ALS student from the 325th Air Control Squadron. "I've learned how to deal with different people with different personalities and how to handle their problems by communicating effectively without coming across as indifferent."

In the classroom, students are able to share their personal experiences with each other regarding supervision.

"You get everyone's input from different jobs," said Senior Airman Wesley Sutton, a current ALS student from the 325th Fighter Wing, chaplain assistant. "It gives you a (broader) perspective."

Molding troops into professional Airman is part of being a supervisor, said Senior Airman Dominique Campbell, a current student at ALS from the 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron.

The school accomplishes this by teaching the students to become role models as well as leaders.

"ALS shows you the bigger picture of becoming an NCO and gives you the resources you need and a standard to go by," said Airman Sutton.

But even with all that is learned behind the doors of school house, it is sometimes difficult to crossover into the NCO world.

"Maintaining discipline with friends who are now subordinates is the hardest issue they will have to face when transitioning," said Sergeant Peeterse.

Sergeant Anderson agrees, "They aren't able to consistently enforce the line between work and play."

"They need to break the cycle by applying what they learned here at their work areas," explains Staff Sgt. Frances Wittenberg, an ALS instructor from the 325th Mission Support Squadron.

Class 076, who are projected to graduate Tuesday, look back on their endeavors over the past five weeks.

"This experience will open your eyes to things you may not realize and will better you as a supervisor," said Airman Resto to future students of ALS.

"Come with an open mind, not a preconceived notion of what the experience will be; doing this will allow you to absorb all the information given," Airman Resto advises.

"Take it seriously and be ready," said Airman Sutton. "It's not the easiest of curriculums; you have to be ready for it."

The students' motivated words echo their instructors' advice.

"The experience is what you make it," explains Sergeant Peeterse. "It's an experience that will stay with you for a long time."
"Have a positive attitude and get the information to become an effective supervisor," said Sergeant Wittenberg.

"ALS is a wonderful place to learn and grow. The concepts and training you receive will enhance your ability to lead, follow and understand those above, parallel, and beneath you," said Sergeant Anderson.

"Some things will go against the workings of your work center, but it's up to you to break the cycle and make the change. Just remember, before you change the mind, you (must) change the heart," Sergeant Anderson explains. "Here at ALS, we will initiate that change and it's up to (the students) to follow through."