Top leaders: Products of ALS Published March 13, 2013 By Senior Airman Jessica Haas Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Most people view Airman Leadership School as a place for senior airmen to go when they are getting ready to become supervisors. What many don't know is that ALS offers a lot more than just education on how to write an Enlisted Performance Report. "The general purpose of ALS is to equip Airmen with the tools to not only be a supervisor, but an effective leader," said Master Sgt. Jodi Flugel, 5th Force Support Squadron ALS Commandant. "ALS prepares senior airmen to be professional, war-fighting Airmen who can supervise and lead teams in the employment of air, space and cyberspace power." The current program of study has been updated to a more intense workload that instructors say is now much more applicable to the needs of today's front-line supervisor. "Some of the changes to ALS include the addition of writing assignments such as an EPR, an award package and a medal citation," said Flugel. "Additionally, the course went from two summative tests, with one at the half-way point, to only one test at the very end of class." Aside from these changes, ALS remains constant in its ability to provide students the opportunity to learn more about the different AFSCs in the Air Force. "Understanding how each career field contributes to the overall Air Force mission leads to more appreciation for Airmen outside of my career field, stronger esprit de corps and increased teamwork abilities when accomplishing the over-arching mission," said Senior Airman Jake Dugat, a recent ALS distinguished graduate and 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron missile maintenance technician. Dugat attended ALS as part of the 13-C class, the most recent class to graduate. Dugat earned both the Commandant Award and Distinguished Graduate. With that said, he had the following tips on how to succeed in the demanding course. "It needs to take priority," said Dugat. "The Air Force is paying us to go through ALS - it's our job for six weeks. The best advice I can offer to Airmen going into ALS is to take it seriously. ALS has a lot to offer in terms of growth and leadership. Take advantage of everything ALS has to offer." Another big lesson learned through ALS is that of teamwork. "Teamwork was absolutely essential to succeeding in ALS," said Dugat. "We practiced teamwork in every facet imaginable - playing and winning against the chiefs in volleyball, practicing speeches, reviewing assignments before they are due, and making sure to help anyone who was struggling with the material. I wouldn't have succeeded without my classmates." With teamwork being such a big part of the curriculum, graduating ensures that Airmen are capable of working with others in their shop, as well as having the ability to apply and teach their newly acquired skills. With everything that goes into ALS, there is really only one main goal: competency in leading. "Going from Airman to NCO is the biggest step in a person's career," said Flugel. "ALS provides the tools the Air Force wants them to have as supervisors in today's most incredible military force. The overall goal is to build competent supervisors and future leaders. We [instructors] want every student to be successful and confident in carrying the skills they've learned back to their work centers."