JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The first Flight Leaders Course at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, took place from May 6 – 10, 2019.

The course is to help develop exceptional flight leaders who will strengthen their squadron by leading, developing, managing, and communicating with competence and confidence while executing the mission.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfien said, “Courses will focus on key skills needed to succeed in this first essential level of leadership.”

The 673d Civil Engineer Squadron Commander, Air Force Col. Michael Staples, served as the course sponsor and will continue to follow-up with the flight leaders quarterly over the next year.

“This is exactly what I needed before my first flight leadership role – the time and space to learn and reflect on new skills, build a toolset and establish a network,” Staples said. “Leadership, excitement and teamwork can be contagious. The Airmen who completed this course will provide the tone and momentum to carry through and reinvigorate their work centers.”

There were roughly 30 flight leaders comprised of civilians, noncommissioned officers, senior NCOs, company grade officers, and field grade officers from across the 673d Air Base Wing and 3rd Wing.

“Developing flight leaders is fundamental to the overall mission success at JBER,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Diamond Cookson, 673d Force Support Squadron commander.

Lessons ranged from the role of the flight leaders to organizational culture, and leveraged both Air Force and academic concepts.

To be selected, students are nominated by squadron commanders based on seat allocations. The next course is scheduled for August.