ALS instructors teach life-long lessons to Airmen Published Oct. 12, 2006 By Senior Airman Holly MacDonald 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The Airman Leadership School wouldn't be successful without its instructors. Becoming an instructor takes on the responsibility of guiding and shaping future NCOs. ALS instructor is a four-year special duty assignment. Members can apply online in the Assignment Management System. There are a few requirements to become an ALS instructor. The member must have, or be within a year of having, a Community College of the Air Force degree. The member must have speaking skills, present a positive military image and have no current disciplinary actions. The member should also have letters of recommendation, said Staff Sgt. Misty Moreno, ALS instructor. I wanted to become an ALS instructor because I was ready for a new challenge in my Air Force career, Sgt. Moreno said. When I went through ALS, I had a great experience. My instructor really inspired me, she said. The inspiration may only be a slight window into the benefits in store for an instructor. After a while, I'm starting to realize the benefits of teaching and influencing the students. You touch so many people directly and indirectly through teaching. I also think, because I've only been in for six years, it benefits the students because I can relate to them and teach with them instead of at them, Sgt. Moreno said. Also, the things we teach in ALS go in line with the promotion fitness examination. So, if applied correctly, you should benefit during promotion testing. However, because ALS instructors are the best of the best, the competition is higher than most career fields, Sgt. Moreno said. When interviewing for the position, it's made very clear not expect to be promoted because of the competition. That's one of the down falls, but there are so many other reasons to be an instructor. I really believe in what we teach, she said. The feeling of accomplishment and successful teaching may be one of the best benefits. The instructors work hard to earn that benefit. We teach an eight-hour academic day, but that doesn't include the preparations for the next day's lesson. To be an effective teacher, you may spend one to two hours a night working on a lesson, she said. The lessons taught in ALS can also be used in day-to-day living. As an instructor, you think outside of the box. The things we teach aren't just for the Air Force, it can be applied anywhere. You have the Air Force for 20 years, but you have these lessons for the rest of your life, Sgt. Moreno said.