ALS defines character in Airmen

  • Published
  • By Kiley Swopes
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The first level of an Airmen's professional military education begins with a rigorous five-week program through Airmen Leadership School.

ALS prepares Senior Airmen to be professional, war fighting Airmen who can lead and supervise Air Force work teams. The four main areas of focus include: Military Professional, Expeditionary Airmen, Supervisor of Airmen and Supervisory Communicator.

"The most important thing I gained from ALS was a better understanding of leadership," Senior Airman Cody McConnell, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron standardization load crew member said. "I understand my strengths and weaknesses and can use that to improve as a leader and help the mission move forward as a first-line supervisor."

Outside of class, students find themselves studying by spending their free time reading or by preparing written or oral communications. Aside from studying, Airmen practice drills and ceremonies along with flag details and community volunteer events.

"Attendance provides a unique time to pause and zoom out a bit," Master Sgt. Philip Carroll, 5th Force Support Squadron ALS commandant said. "When you consider the classes are comprised of multiple carrier fields and the networking between the students, any airman walking out the door at the end of five weeks has a much better understanding that they are a part of something much bigger than themselves."

Airmen who participate in ALS receive one-on-one mentoring and gain professional growth to help further their Air Force career.

"ALS has helped me sharpen my interpersonal skills," McConnell said. "I see things for more than just the face value. Now I can take a step back from a situation and use the critical thinking skills I learned to help in making the right choices."