Combat Logistics course teaches a broader perspective

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Andersen members from various career fields attended the Air Force Institute of Technology's Combat Logistics course here March 7 to 14 to broaden their horizons and strengthen themselves as professional Airmen.

The course is designed to prepare Air Force logisticians to operate in today's combat environment by providing a foundation of joint and multinational logistics doctrine, and how the doctrine relates to real world scenarios.

"The idea is to change the mentality from the traditional flightline idea of logistics to the theater level," said Jerry Stonecipher, the course instructor. "I hope this course will change their perspective and they will look at things from a broader perspective."

This course is designed for personnel assigned to logistics readiness, contingency contracting, maintenance and logistics plans positions at base-level to joint and unified commands. The course is also suited for personnel in other positions who must have knowledge of or interact with combat support and combat sustainment operations.

From Andersen, students were of various ranks from many different squadrons to include 36th Civil Engineer Squadron, 36th Medical Group, 36th Mission Support Squadron, 36th Contracting Squadron, 644th Combat Communications Squadron, 734th Air Mobility Squadron, 36th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 36th Contingency Response Group and the 554th RED HORSE Squadron.

Mr. Stonecipher said it was rare and interesting to have so many different organizations represented in the classroom, but they all will gain valuable knowledge.

"It's nice to have such a mix, and all coming from different starting points," the instructor said. "It's good for them to get this exposure, especially with a lot of joint operations now they will be better prepared to go out into the theater."

While this course has been taught at Air Force installations before, this is the first time Andersen members have had the opportunity.

"This is my first time taking a course like this and it's definitely offered me a bigger perspective of how things work in the world," said Capt. Mark Walkusky, 644 CCS director of operations. "We are learning a lot and the class has a good assembly of Air Force specialty codes and it's good to compare stories."

The captain said the class is taught at a masters degree level and the active-learning and open discussion approach is a great way for military members to learn.

"We are really absorbing a lot," said the captain. "I am usually always thinking of my job in combat communications but this class really pulls you out of your day-to-day job and opens your eyes to bigger operations. I am able to see that there is a reason certain things are done at higher levels and what things are looked at differently. The goal is to expand upon the skill sets you have."

Mr. Stonecipher has been teaching the course for six years and is a retired Air Force member who is grateful to be able to pass on his knowledge.

"It's a great opportunity to get out and bridge the gap," the instructor said. "There is a lot of stuff I saw and I wish I knew this information at a young stage in my career. Fortunately, now I am able to deliver it to them."