NCO Leadership Development Course important to career Published Feb. 7, 2011 By Stacy Vaughn 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 445th Education and Training office offers a course for noncommissioned officers who want to get a step up to further their careers. The NCO Leadership Development Course is that stepping stone, providing crucial and life-long benefits. Developed in 1989, the NCOLDC was created when Air Force Reserve Command leaders recognized a need to provide meaningful, challenging leadership training to future supervisors and other mid-level enlisted personnel. The 10-day course incorporates leadership, management and communications skills for both traditional reservists and air reserve technicians between the ranks of senior airman and technical sergeant. Limited to 25 in a class, students are taught how to become effective communicators and leaders. "We can only take 25 students per course. Because of the size limit, we try to have every seat filled to maximize participation. This size of a class allows more hands on training and attention," Mr. Frank Hicks, 445th Education and Training office formal school program manager, said. Students can expect 10 days of on-going activities; six days of college instruction and a four-day military workshop. Phase one of the course incorporates leadership, management and military heritage. Phase two includes communication, effective listening, counseling and stress management. Students earn two college credit hours upon completion of the NCOLDC. Master Sgt. Linda Thrasher, 445th Force Support Squadron, was a November 2010 graduate. She said she got a lot out of the class and recommends the course for any junior NCO. "It was well worth the time and effort. The course is a great network opportunity to meet other NCOs in the wing and know we can help each other out with any future issues we can face together," Sergeant Thrasher said. The NCOLD sign-up is voluntary, but highly recommended for mid-level enlisted reservists. "This course is a great networking resource. We have future master sergeants meeting each other and connecting with each other ... a big benefit so they know who they can turn to for guidance and discussions on any future issues they may face," Senior Master Sgt. Jane Johnson, 445th Education and Training office chief, said. Another student from the November class, Staff Sgt. Shayne Thompson, 445th Logistics Readiness Squadron, said the class made and positive impact on him. The NCO Leadership Development Course was a great opportunity to learn necessary leadership skills as well as have a little fun meeting new NCOs from other units in the wing," he said. Future student Staff Sgt. Jennifer Hawkins, 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, is looking forward to attending the July 2011 NCOLD course. "I hope to learn how to handle any and all issues that might pop up over my years as an NCO and also how to improve working alongside other NCOs. I see many things right now that I would like to fix and make better for my other NCOs and Airman and I hope this course will give me the tools to do so," Sergeant Hawkins said. Mr. Hicks said he has received positive feedback after every course and has never received a bad critique. "Most of the comments we receive at the end of the course are very positive. They say that they really enjoyed the course and that it was well worth their time," Mr. Hicks said. Any reservist interested in signing up for the next class, which begins April 4, can contact Mr. Hicks at (937) 257-5092 or their unit training manager.