AEDC leaders recognize graduates of first Flight Commander Leadership Course

  • Published
  • By Bradley Hicks
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  Graduates of the inaugural AEDC Flight Commander Leadership Course were recognized June 12 at the Arnold Lakeside Center.

The new course is designed to prepare participants for leadership responsibilities at the flight level. The course objectives focus on enterprise-level tools and concepts and provide guidance on how to use these tools to succeed as flight commanders and leaders.

Thirteen participants made up of Airmen, DOD civilians and contract employees at Arnold took part in the course, which ran from June 10-12. The FCLC was implemented as an Air Force Headquarters requirement for every wing to offer it at least once per year.

The course is comprised of mandatory blocks directed by Air Force University as well as elective blocks which, according to AEDC Superintendent Chief Master Sgt. Robert Heckman, give each base the flexibility needed to make the course “their own,” allowing curriculum to target specific needs at the installation.

The FCLC can run from two to four days and culminates with an official graduation ceremony.

Those graduating from the course were Brittany Mixer, Kristina Morton, Suzanne Heckman, Tech Sgt. Alexisa Humphrey, 2nd Lt. Adam Doyle, Richard Roberts, Reginald Floyd, Melissa Minter, Joshua Johns, Capt. Ryan Thompson, Tech Sgt. Beverly Spademan, Becky Morris and Jessica Means.

Course instruction for the first-ever AEDC FCLC was accomplished by leaders at Arnold sharing their perspectives and experiences on a variety of topics, including manpower utilization, conflict management, developing others, communications, and the squadron commanders panel.

“The participants will benefit from the course because it does a good job of preparing them to not only be a flight commander but also promotes good followership in AEDC’s organizations through information sharing and teaching personnel how to use that information to get after challenges in their respective work centers,” Heckman said.

The course was organized by Master Sgt. Ricardo Hollingsworth and Master Sgt. Lashonda Morehead. Organizers will rely heavily on participant feedback, which will be used to improve future courses.

Another FCLC is set to be held this October. The course will continue to be conducted at least once annually after that, but Heckman said it will be offered as required to meet personnel demand.

Those interested in enrolling should first get approval from their leadership teams and, once approved to attend, may contact Hollingsworth or Morehead.