One hundred twenty-six technical sergeants graduated the Paul W. Airey NCO Academy at Tyndall Air Force Base Sept. 26, 2017.
The academy can graduate up to 924 non-commissioned officers every year. This number is significant because the NCOA develops Airmen into effective leaders and communicators, enriching the functionality of their units upon their return.
“We are the second leading academy when it comes to number of operating flight rooms,” said Tech. Sgt. Brittni L. Kulp, Paul W. Airey NCO Academy instructor. “That means we are capable of training the next generation of leaders due to our trained faculty. If we did not have a full cadre, trained and ready, we wouldn't be able to meet the needs of the Air Force.”
The curriculum covers self-improvement through feedback, human performance, adaptable leadership, leadership and followership, leader influence on subordinate behavior and effective negotiations.
“We focus a majority of the curriculum on giving and receiving feedback. Being able to take that feedback and change your behaviors to improve and lead your people in a more effective manner is key,” Kulp said. “We also have large segments that focus on becoming an innovative leader during ambiguous working groups. This allows the members to creatively find solutions to everyday problems that they could take back to their work sections and help revitalize their squadrons.”
The students are expected to accomplish a rigorous course of 180 academic training hours, complete eight college level papers and present two briefings and receive up to 48 individual feedback sessions.
“This is all done, in most part, being detached from family and work obligations,” Kulp added. “This last class specifically accomplished all of this while some of their family members were being evacuated due to Hurricane Irma. Being able to accomplish this is no small task, and every single one of them was able to complete the course as a true professional.”
Tyndall is proud to congratulate the following NCOA graduates: