Shaping new Air Force NCOs

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The Moody Airman Leadership School is the stepping stone for individuals preparing to become noncommissioned officers in the Air Force.

The mission of the Senior Airman Jason D. Cunningham Airman Leadership School is to prepare senior airmen to assume supervisory duties, to teach communication skills and to foster a commitment to the profession of arms.

"During the five-week timeframe, we provide the tools and knowledge necessary to become effective leaders and supervisors," said Staff Sgt. Aretha Sterling, Moody ALS instructor. "There is more responsibility with a new stripe and we stress the importance of that."

The four training modules of the 192-hour curriculum are: supervisor of Airmen, military professional, combat leader and supervisory communicator. In addition to classroom time, students attend physical training every day and are given time to practice drill.

"One of the activities we challenge students with is public speaking," said Staff Sgt. Brandy Hite, Moody ALS instructor. "They have the chance to discuss different topics and use critical thinking.

"These students also learn the importance of being responsible for themselves and their Airmen," she said. "Overall, our goal is to send out well-equipped NCOs to supervise junior Airmen."

Besides the curriculum, ALS instructors also play a role in shaping new NCOs.

"These students will be our future leaders so it's our job to set an example for them to follow," said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Buzzard, Moody ALS instructor. "All instructors are given the same curriculum to teach, but we bring to the table different personalities and leadership styles."

Instructors are chosen based on a package, recommendations and an interview. Then, they attend the Enlisted Professional Military Education Instructor Course at Maxwell-Gunter, Ala.

"Our role is to bridge the gap between the curriculum and real world supervision," said Tech. Sgt. Starr Williams, who's been a Moody ALS instructor for four years. "We share our experiences, which allow them to see that there are different ways to handle situations. We teach them to be open-minded and flexible."

Once senior airmen pass ALS, they can officially wear the PME badge and become supervisors.

"The transition from senior airman to staff sergeant is significant because it is a move up in the enlisted force structure tier," said Sergeant Hite. "Without ALS, individuals would not have the proper tools and knowledge to guide younger Airmen into a successful path in their career."

Upon graduating, these Airmen will not only sew another stripe on their uniform, but will assume the responsibility of becoming an NCO.