YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- The 910th Airlift Wing is leading the way in developing its Reserve Citizen Airmen to fulfill its mission of providing a current, qualified, mission-ready force.
Personnel from the 910th Airlift Wing engaged in a three-day course here, April 11, 12 and 13, focused on leadership topics and installation-specific content.
The program, known as The Flight Commander’s Edge, was established by Air University to support the development of flight-level leadership across the Air Force.
“We are the first wing to introduce The Flight Commander's Edge in Air Force Reserve Command,” said Master Sgt. John A. Falfas, wing career advisor for the 910 AW.
The program’s concept was developed by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David Goldfein and Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson to revitalize squadrons.
“They asked PACE, the Profession of Arms Center of Excellence, to develop a course to revitalize those squadrons,” said Falfas. “Once they developed a course, they beta tested it at a few bases, and then it was pushed out and directed by the chief of staff to be completed by June 1, 2019.”
Guidelines and tasks were developed to assist Airmen in implementing the program across the entire Air Force.
“One of those tasks was that the wing commander will have a flight commander’s course,” said Col. Joe Janik, commander of the 910 AW.
The program is structured to assist Airmen in refocusing their leadership skills.
“There’s nothing that they haven’t heard or utilized before,” said Falfas. “It’s just we’re regurgitating it to get this refocused back on the squadrons.”
Throughout the program, which was taught by YARS leaders, subject matter experts and local community leaders, Airmen were able to assess their leadership approach and change it if necessary.
“The people that are in this class are assessing themselves every step of the way,” said Falfas. “So it’s not only about learning, but it’s about assessing yourself as a leader.”
With The Flight Commander’s Edge program set to revitalize flight-level leadership, the Air Force can focus on retaining the Airmen already serving.
“Drive the power back to the squadron commander and the flight-level leadership,” said Falfas. “Revitalization allows the commander and leadership to lead correctly and mentor their folks.”
Participants have tasks to complete in the months following the course to ensure the training is applied to their leadership and work-centers.