JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – Kish Airman Leadership School is responsible for shaping countless generations of future non-commissioned officers and their civilian counterparts from units across Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The curriculum evolves for every passing class and this new wave of upcoming NCOs experienced something completely new and unique to ALS at JB MDL.
After months of planning, the 87th Civil Engineer Squadron and ALS partnered to create the latest addition to the course; taking junior enlisted members from the classroom to the field for two days and two nights.
“The Air Force has been pushing more standards, more discipline and other policies that push us towards a warrior mindset,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Brent Hicks, ALS commandant. “Our goal is to get after those things so that we are far more prepared as a force.”
The adjustments made to the ALS course are designed to shape junior enlisted members into mission- ready leaders, allowing them to improvise, adapt and overcome any and every obstacle regardless of the occasion.
“Something that I think I can take from this is being able to make decisions on an NCO level,” said Senior Airman Lourdes Camarillo, 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance training manager. “It was a great experience, being able to adapt quickly with no hesitation.”
The field exercise presented multiple challenges, giving junior enlisted members the opportunity to take initiative in a simulated combat environment and appropriately interact with residents after aerial and ground attacks.
“The ability to lead peers and people of your same rank is not a natural feeling,” said Senior Airman Raymond Mocho, 20th Air Support Operations Squadron power production technician. “It was good to have the opportunity to see issues caused by my friends or caused by myself. It’s easy to just push things under the rug, but when you’re in the field it’s time to change.”
By overcoming the simulated trials and adversities, this new wave of present and future NCOs walked away with skills and experiences they will use to lead and mentor troops, preparing them for real world situations. Continuously strengthening the enlisted foundation will create an unbeatable force built to last for generations.