'Leadership Pathways' to more educated Air Force

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Leadership Pathways, the Air Force's latest education program has officially begun its testing phase and is set for implementation in mid-2013.

Leadership Pathways is designed to encourage Airmen, their families and base personnel to not only further their education but to also help develop their Comprehensive Airman Fitness.

"By involving all Airmen, reservists, civilians and spouses through targeting the physical, mental, spiritual and social CAF pillars, Leadership Pathways takes a comprehensive approach to wellness and resiliency," said Capt. Erika King, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Action and Information Board executive director. "In doing so, individuals develop better skills, such as coping, parenting, leading, meditating and communicating, and thereby are better equipped to manage their own and assist others in managing life stressors."

The program will give personnel a consolidated way to sign up for and keep track of various classes offered by local base agencies. Leadership Pathways will be adding several new courses in addition to many of the classes that are currently available through base organizations for. The initial course catalog will offer more than 45 classes.

"By marketing the program to the masses with the goal of becoming better leaders, friends, partners and wingmen, it reduces stigma associated with attending some self help courses," said King.

The first, and current phase, of the program involves base leadership of all tiers participating in the classes. Once completed, the same participants are then encouraged to teach the classes to their subordinates. The top-down approach is meant to help supervisors and commanders encourage and strengthen resiliency in the Airmen and civilians at McConnell, said Alisa Norlin, 22nd Medical Operations Squadron Integrated Delivery System chair.

"Resiliency really does condition people to handle the objects in their path in a positive way," said Norlin.

Leadership Pathways also rewards people for their participation.

After completing 15 credits, the student is given a "one-star" diploma crediting their work, 25 "force support squadron bucks" to be used at various 22nd FSS functions and squadron-level recognition. Completing 35 credits grants a "two-star" diploma, 50 FSS bucks and group-level recognition. The highest level of completion, 60 credits, will be awarded with a "three-star" diploma, 75 FSS bucks and wing-level recognition.

Credits can also be used as a bullet on enlisted performance reviews and promotion packages in addition to the more immediate rewards, said Norlin.

More information on the program will be released in the future.

Classes offered through Leadership Pathways can be taken before the program is fully integrated. For more information on classes, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (316) 759-3740 or the Health and Wellness Center at (316) 759-4009.