NCO course urges Airmen to take part in AF future Published June 25, 2010 By Tech Sgt. Samuel King Jr. 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs DUKE FIELD, Fla. -- You are looking at the future ... all around you, said an instructor at the recent NCO development course I attended here. He was referring to the enlisted Airmen sitting around and beside each other with ranks ranging from senior airman to technical sergeant. The course focused on leadership, management and communication to provide helpful guidance to mid-level NCOs and first-line supervisors. About 60 percent of the course was civilian instruction, while the other was military and interactive. Having completed prior Air Force leadership courses and other college classes I felt "fully" trained in these primary theories. Yet, I haven't been able to fully put those theories into practice directly. And until now, honestly, I haven't wanted to. During my military career and while at my civilian position, I've fashioned my mentoring skills as the knowledgeable "cool uncle." The guy who can teach new things and help make Airmen better at their job, but career and personal issues I left for someone else. Upon rehearing the leadership and management classes and thinking about "what I'd do" in the scenarios led to an awakening and a willingness to directly contribute to the futures of new Airmen. I can't pinpoint the change of heart, but now, the idea of it sounds less like an additional duty and more of a welcome way of life. I had heard most of the subject matter before, but what I benefitted most from was hearing the issues of my fellow Reserve counterparts, many just as new to the Reserve process as me. I wasn't alone in experiencing the state of confusion that occurs in the transition from active-duty to the new Reserve way of life. We had new reservists from active-duty Army and Navy, who'd never had a leadership class with the Air Force. Many on-job differences, processes and experiences were brought up and seemed to benefit the group a great deal, just by being able to "vent" and talk it out. Many were concerned about current supervision and the difficulties of being included as a traditional reservist on a team of primarily civilians in uniform or Air Reserve Technicians. For all the difficulties and transitions the group faced, the one factor all agreed upon was consistent, honest and decisive leadership is needed. The instructors provided pointers to develop those traits and use them outside the classroom. During the class, we took surveys to determine our listening abilities, personality and leadership style, among others. Knowing these traits about ourselves can provide information on how to direct and guide others. The more we know about ourselves the easier it is to understand others. My work ethic and easy-going nature are two traits that surfaced during those tests and two qualities, I feel, help me to adapt to any situation and work environment I experience. My knowledge helps me assess the situation quickly and know how to be an asset. If this is a teachable skill, I'm willing to try and if not, the concept of adaptation can be learned. Leaving the class, I feel ready and willing (now) to take up the role the course prepared me for. Just as the instructor spoke of the future that's ahead of us as NCOs, there is also the Air Force's future behind us, and we must prepare them for what's to come.