The instructors behind our future leaders

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class Yvonne Morales
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs
VANDENBRG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Some say that people are born leaders and others need someone to show them they have a leader within. Regardless what the case may be, the instructors at the Airmen Leadership School pride themselves in being a part of shaping the Air Force's leaders.

To some it may seem the instructor's work a typical Monday to Friday job, but that is only a portion of their day.

"The instructors have to be in the class room at all times, not being able to take care of additional duties," said Master Sgt. Alton Oser, 30th Force Support Squadron ALS commandant. "They might get a break to go get a drink of water, but then they are right back in the class room. During after duty hours they have to catch up on emails and grade papers."

Being responsible for developing over 120 Airmen a year who will become future supervisors and leaders is a big responsibility. The instructors go through their own demanding five week course, continuously being evaluated even after graduating and arriving at their first ALS.

"As the commandant I have to make sure they are teaching what the curriculum states," said Oser. "I encourage them to put their own stories and spins but they can't deviate from the curriculum. I make sure whenever there is test data analysis that they're not teaching the test. Basically that they are not in there kicking the podium."

In addition, Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Cunningham and Tech. Sgt. Joseph Ortiz, current 30th FSS professional military education instructors, have to prepare details for the graduation.

"Knowing I've got 12 individuals waiting on me and knowing I am here for them motivates me," said Cunningham. "I want to make sure I am doing my job to the best of my ability. That I am walking the talk and that I am doing exactly what I am teaching."

Upon graduation the students leave with knowledge and the ability to become effective front-line supervisors.

"We don't necessarily teach how to turn wrenches or put a rocket in space," said Oser. "We focus more on the future leaders and how they are going to handle their Airmen, so they can turn the wrenches and so they can make sure the space mission is supported the way it should be supported. Without leaders the mission is going to fail."

 

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