OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Offutt Air Force Base held a Flight Commander Development course from Jan 21-24 at the 557th Weather Wing conference room.
The course is designed to teach young company grade officers (CGOs) to handle the responsibility of leadership and give them the tools to be effective leaders in the Air Force.
“This course hasn’t happened in three years,” said Master Sgt. Nathan Schiers, 343rd Reconnaissance Squadron section chief. “I was selected to revitalize the program to focus on CGOs so that they are ready and able to lead our Airmen when they assume those roles.”
The course spanned four days where students interacted and learned from senior officers and senior non-commissioned officers on a variety of topics that ranged from writing awards and promotion packages to enforcing Air Force standards and mentorship.
“It is a great opportunity to engage with base leaders and learn about the intricacies of leadership,” said 1st Lt. Giovani Pomales, 55th Force Support Squadron sustainment services flight commander. “I have learned quite a few tactics that I’ll be taking with me back to flight, namely trusting Airmen at the lowest levels to take on more responsibility and do the best job they can everyday with a sense of pride.”
The sentiment was echoed by other students in the class.
“We’re learning a lot of skills we can use as flight commanders to build connections and resiliency among the flight,” said 1st Lieutenant Nichole Hinesley, 55th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron. “It is really beneficial for me as a young officer, learning how to leverage my NCOs and senior NCOs to have a more collaborative approach connecting the frontline workers with group and wing perspectives.”
Senior enlisted leaders participated in guiding the young officers throughout the course.
“As senior NCOs, this is part of what we are charged with doing,” said Chief Master Sgt. Tabatha Sanders, 55th Operations Group senior enlisted leader. “It is really about us trying to make sure our flight commanders are equipped and informed to lead the mission and lead their Airmen, taking care of them and their careers.”
Senior officers were on hand to help guide the new officers and reflect on the importance of this course.
“When I was a new officer there really wasn’t anything like this,” said Col. John Isacco, 55th Operations Group commander. “It is giving them the perspective that it is not about you but rather the people we lead. Flight commander is one of the most important positions we have to interact with younger officers and supervisors and effectively bridge the gap between the Wing commander’s guidance and vision to make it a reality at the lowest levels. This course has an enormous potential to strengthen the Air Force as a whole.”