Sumter officials finish AF leadership training

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SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (ACCNS) --   Two members of the local community received certificates July 23 for completing five weeks of leadership training at the Senior Master Sgt. David B. Reid Airman Leadership School here.

Ms. Cheryl Wilson, assistant director of communications at the Sumter, S.C., 911 Center, and Ms. Angela Rabon, a senior detective assigned to the Sumter Police Department's violent crimes unit, completed the training.

According to Master Sgt. Gary DeVault, ALS flight chief, Ms. Wilson and Ms. Rabon attended classes that targeted issues they face in their own workplace. Sergeant DeVault said local law enforcement officials benefit so much from the classes because their career progression is similar to the military's.

As their careers progress, they get added responsibility. The classes here cover areas such as problem solving, standards and discipline and counseling techniques. This very valuable information will help them as they transition into leadership roles in their field, he said.

Ms. Wilson said the training she received helped sharpen her leadership skills and that she can now better utilize the different personalities and learning styles staff members bring to her organization.

The confidence I've gained through this experience has better equipped me to handle any situation, Ms. Rabon said.

Everyone reaps rewards from the partnered learning experience, Sergeant DeVault said. The community benefits from the leadership classes, and the Airmen at ALS benefit from seeing their training is not simply a required formality, but truly valuable both in the military and civilian workforce.