MacDill leads the way in new AMC program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Danielle Conde
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 6th Air Mobility Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, and two other Air Mobility Command wings led the way in hosting a pilot course for the new Flight Commander/Officer in charge Leadership Development Program.

MacDill, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, each stepped forward to host the two-day course, with the opportunity to modify it to fit to their local mission requirements.

"The intent was to take advantage of AMC Airmen's innovative spirit and great ideas," said Dr. Darcy Lilley, AMC Enterprise Learning Office chief learning officer. "There were six AMC wings that regularly held flight commander courses, and the goal was to take the best of each and create a standardized course."

The program is designed for company grade officers and civilian equivalents. It emphasizes the importance of creating a mission-focused and positive culture where Airmen feel trusted and inspired through ethical leadership.

"They are entrusted with the responsibility of leading Airmen, the most important job in our Air Force, and are expected to be bold, courageous leaders," said Lilley. 

For this reason, the program includes leadership skill building opportunities, panel discussions, and squadron commander-level mentors.

The pilot course at MacDill took place March 24-26 and included members from across AMC.

"The last day was for training the trainers to ensure personnel at each base could return and facilitate the course," said Maj. Carina Harrison, 6th Force Support Squadron operations officer.

On April 27-28 the first official 6th AMW course, exclusively for MacDill members, was held.

"Not only did MacDill lead the way as one of the pilot courses, but they were instrumental by offering the course to their Airmen as soon as it was available," said Lilley. "Fantastic leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit from Team MacDill!"

The new program is one of AMC Enterprise Learning Office's efforts to transform AMC into a premier Air Force Learning Organization to help Airmen reach their full potential.

"The commander, Gen. Darren W. McDew, and AMC place a very high priority on Airmen development," said Lilley. "It is important that our Airmen are self-directed, life-long learners, and this is one of the great opportunities AMC is offering to support Airmen's leadership development."