Safety Airman graduates Singapore Leadership School

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  A non-commissioned officer here was the third U.S. Air Force Airman to graduate from the Joint Advanced Leadership Program Jan. 28, at Pasir Laba Camp, Republic of Singapore.

Master Sgt. David Sawyer, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces Safety office, attended the training with more than 75 Singapore airmen and four international students.

"It's a tremendous honor to be selected to go over there and represent not only PACAF but the Air Force," Sergeant Sawyer said. "It's great to provide and receive inputs and views."

The program, which is equivalent to the U.S. Air Force's Senior NCO Academy, focused on communication, leadership, management, and mentoring and evaluation tactics. Singaporean lawyers were also brought in to teach Law of Armed Conflict and Singapore senior leaders gave their views on leadership and core values.

"You get a broad experience," Sergeant Sawyer said. "When you go to something like this, it's not only international but you get the other service perspectives as well. It really opens your eyes."

Prior to each class, a call for potential students is sent out to all Pacific Air Forces command chiefs. Airmen are nominated by their command chief's and ultimately selected to attend by the PACAF command chief.

"We are proud to have had the opportunity to send Sergeant Sawyer to the Singapore Joint Advance Leadership Program," said Chief Master Sgt. Brooke McLean. "Professionals like Sergeant Sawyer will help Singapore and U.S. Airmen foster beneficial relationships and enable them to work cooperatively in the future to meet regional challenges."

According to Senior Master Sgt. Steve Nichols, PACAF enlisted engagement manager, exchanges like this in professional military education is a great value to the member who attends, the students in the class, and the cadre of the school.

"The personal and professional exchanges grow into friendships, help us understand each other's cultures, and helps build strong relationships with partner nations," Sergeant Nichols said.