OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 55th Wing here introduced a Leadership Pathways program in an effort to encourage participation in leadership education March 15.
Service members, civilians and families can earn recognition at the flight, squadron, group and wing level by completing courses, achieving levels of Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum recognition.
"Leadership Pathways is a key part of our mission as members of Team Offutt," said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Morris, command chief of the 55th Wing. "We want to empower service members, civilians and their families to not only take control of their lives and finances in a positive way, but also prepare them to be better leaders."
Ultimately, the classes are intended not only to help service members, civilians and families learn important life skills, but also to aid in preparing individuals for leadership positions.
Students can take classes from experts in the Equal Opportunity office, the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the Health Promotions Flight and chaplains, among others. The Professional Development Center will also be offering courses through The John Maxwell Company.
The John Maxwell lessons have already been put through a trial run at two separate Professional Enhancement Seminars here, facilitated by U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Chastity Matheny, the Career Assistance Advisor.
“I have received nothing but positive feedback and support,” she said. “One of the best feelings was to hear the excitement in these young leaders’ voices regarding the development opportunities that Leadership Pathways will offer.
The ultimate goal of this program is to make the leaders good, the good leaders better and the better leaders great, said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Keith Taylor, a community support NCO and one of the architects of the program.
“Everybody has leadership in them, but not everyone has the tools to utilize it,” he said. “We’re trying to give everyone’s toolbox a few more tools.”
Students will have a hard-copy process sheet to take from class to class with them, and as they complete courses instructors will sign them off. Members will be able to track their own progress toward achievement. Once they’ve finished a level, students can bring the process sheet to either Taylor or Matheny, who will sign it and approve their being recognized.
Classes can be backdated as far back as Oct. 1, 2015 for credit toward the program.
“We’re treating it like a college – these are the available courses, and to get your degree you have to accomplish these basic courses with some electives you get to choose,” Taylor said. “There are only around 10 classes that are mandatory, the other 40 you get to choose from. It’s tailored to fit your needs.”
Those interested in taking classes can sign up via Appointment Plus, which can be accessed from personal computers as well as government.
“It’s a one-stop shop, and you don’t need a common access card to register or log in, so family members can use it as well,” Taylor said. “We want this to be a community experience, not just a military one.”
For more information, visit www.offutt.af.mil/Home/LeadershipPathways.aspx.
Users can register for Appointment Plus accounts at www.booknow.appointment-plus.com/7rg6mj26/.