Refined Curriculum designed to breed stronger leaders

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The U.S. Air Force is constantly looking to better their noncommissioned officers, which is why a new Airman Leadership School curriculum has been created with emphasis on improving communication and leadership skills.

With the approval of the Barnes Center of Enlisted Education, Misawa's ALS instructors are scheduled to begin using a new curriculum Nov. 6, 2012.

The curriculum is engineered to focus on real-world applications and situations. The ALS courses will also include interpersonal counseling content and identifying and addressing risk related behaviors.

"This curriculum will give them [the students] a little bit more realistic view of the expectations that are out there," said Master Sgt. Jerome Bristow, ALS commandant. "Also, this will help them really think about what they have to do to lead their future Airmen down the right road."

According to test class surveys, the new curriculum works. Ninety-five percent of students commented on how useful the curriculum was and how they felt better prepared to be adept leaders and supervisors.

The commandant couldn't agree more.

"Our mission is to take care of the students and mold them into excellent supervisors and knowledgeable leaders," said Bristow. "I feel the curriculum helps us do that."

However, this teaching guide does come with a challenge. Already instructors are apprehensive about familiarizing themselves with the 192-hours of replacement curriculum. Especially with a new class coming in so soon.

But the commandant is confident that, with time, discussion and patience, this transition will go very well.

"It's going to be a challenge because the amount of hours, but we are working hard to do our part," said Bristow. "If they [the students] do their part and their duty when they come to these professional military education courses, then I don't foresee anything but success."

Overall, the commandant believes the new curriculum is well worth the effort.

"With this curriculum I foresee leaders walking out of here [ALS] with a plan for themselves for the Airmen who will work under them," said Bristow.