Airman Leadership School guides, shapes future NCOs Published Oct. 12, 2006 By Senior Airman Holly MacDonald 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- An Airman may come to a point in his or her career when its time to take on new responsibilities. The Airmen need guidance and shaping from current NCOs to help them become an effective NCO. Airman Leadership School is an air education and training command, five-week course, which teaches future NCOs the skills they need to become a good NCO, said Staff Sgt. Eric Nelson, ALS instructor. Around 64 Airmen compose one class, 16 in each flight, and there is usually one local policeman in each flight. There are seven classes per year on average, he said. The Airmen in class have a line number for staff sergeant. Other students, who don't have a line number, may be Airmen who are going overseas or if there are spots available Airmen are chosen by longevity, Sgt. Nelson said. ALS teaches a variety of subjects which may help Airmen in and outside of work. The ALS curriculum mainly includes: 44 hours of profession of arms, 86 hours of leadership and 42 hours of communication skills. The class totals 192 hours of curriculum. The school also awards nine credits toward the Community College of the Air Force. The curriculum is the same Air Force-wide. Airmen also participate in volunteer work, physical training three times a week, uniform inspections and building inspections, Sgt. Nelson said. Some of the most challenging areas for Airmen are: speech, academics, and the added stress to home life. Some Airmen don't like speaking in public, some joined the Air Force to avoid academic situations and some aren't used to balancing homework and home life; so they may struggle with these areas, he said. Airmen may look to their peers for support to make it through the school. Some Airmen may struggle, but everyone makes it through. The flights use teamwork to help each other in areas where one may not be as strong as the other, Sgt. Nelson said. When graduation comes, the Airmen may feel relief and a sense of accomplishment. The Airmen receive a cumulative score, which rates them from first in class to last. The most prestigious award given is the John L. Levitow honor graduate award, the second is distinguished graduate. Both awards are based on a combination of academics and leadership. There is also an academic award for the highest grade and a leadership award for the Airmen who showed the most leadership qualities, Sgt. Nelson said. The graduation ceremony is usually performed with student speeches, a guest speaker, Col. Bill Hyatt, 20th Fighter Wing commander giving final words and Chief Master Sgt. Gary Rutledge 20th Fighter Wing command chief handing out diplomas. "The graduation is a proud moment for the future NCOs. After five weeks of hard work and academic dedication, the Airmen will have all the tools they need to sharpen their leadership qualities as an NCO," said Senior Master Sgt. Gary Devault, ALS flight chief.