SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. —
Creating the joint military leaders of tomorrow, 26 Airmen, including two Coast Guardsmen and two civilians, graduated Airman Leadership School at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 18, 2023.
For the first time, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River, teammates located in St. Louis, mentored the ALS class throughout the six-week program and worked out with the students.
“With the integration of sister services and Total Force into our program, this builds a cornerstone of future joint military success in a complex global operating environment,” said Master Sgt. Kerry Akins, 375th Force Support Squadron ALS Commandant.
Those attending ALS are prepared for positions of greater responsibility by strengthening their ability to lead, follow, and manage while also gaining a broader understanding of the military profession and their role within. They learn the tools and skills to become effective noncommissioned officers and supervisors upon completion of the course. This curriculum is also applied to civilians and other branches assisting them in their qualifications to be supervisors in their respective work spaces.
One of the civilians who graduated was Sara Stevenson, a 375th Force Support Squadron unit program coordinator. Stevenson now has the ability to supervise civilians and Airmen at her newest job in the Personnel Systems Management office. ALS opened an opportunity for her to be able to develop her leadership skills.
Stevenson said she sees the program as an eye-opener for both military personnel and civilians.
“Some people have a very big stigma between GS and military active duty members,” Stevenson said. “They don’t think that they understand each other. Having civilians come into ALS and learn about the Air Force Core Values, the mission and what they go through [can help you have] more of a personal relationship with them if you are going to supervise them.”
The process of integration has gone smoothly, and that interpersonal relationships and communication tools can be applied in any sector of the DoD, said Akins.
“We are all a part of the same winning team,” Akins said. “Regardless of the uniform we put on every day or rank or title we hold.”
