JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. -- Meriam-Webster defines leadership as the “capacity to lead” and the Air Force works to equip the force with this capacity through professional military education.
However, PME isn’t constant so in the interim what can Airmen do? Air Combat Command’s Directorate of Manpower and Personnel has created an initiative to bridge the time gap between PME courses giving Airmen the opportunity to hone their leadership style and skills through tailored Sword Courses. ACC’s Sword Courses are targeted to specific groups of Airmen whether they are enlisted, officer or civilian, there is a course designed for all.
“The Sword Courses cover all demographics within the Air Force and focus on developing leaders and homing in on the ACC mission in an effort to connect the individual to the mission,” said Capt. Steven MarcAurele, ACC Directorate of Manpower and Personnel chief of training and development. “A lot of hours are spent going over the curriculum to help make each participant become a more effective leader.”
The courses are dynamic in nature and address a wide variety of topics and featured speakers covering everything from leadership advice to how the assignment process works. The environment allows for collaboration between participants and encourages them to share their experiences to build connections.
“There is something truly powerful about information and knowledge,” said Senior Master Sgt. Amy Wade, ACC Directorate of Manpower and Personnel enlisted force development manager. “Not only do these courses provide a learning environment for leadership skills, but it also allows for networking among the participants which can be such an enlightening experience for Airmen of every rank.”
ACC’s development courses are also open to members from other major commands in an effort to build relationships and understanding of mission sets throughout the Air Force. Here are the development courses currently offered:
Sq/CC and Spouse Course - New Squadron Commanders and their Spouses
Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) Course – New Senior Enlisted Leaders
Sword Look – Captains
Sword Bearer - Junior Non-Commissioned Officers (E-5/E-6) between 7 and 12 years of service
Sword Forge - Civilians in the grade of GS-09-12 and equivalent
Palace Acquire (PAQ) and Copper Cap (COP) - ACC Palace Acquire and Copper Cap participants