NCOLDC prepares future leaders Published March 28, 2011 By Senior Airman Damon Kasberg 434th Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- "Men make history and not the other way around," said Harry Truman, 33rd President of the United States. "Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better." And, seizing that opportunity is just what one group of Grissom Airmen are doing at a Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Development Course being held here March 21 - April 1. The Air Force Reserve Command NCOLDC was established in 1989 in response to a need to provide meaningful, challenging leadership training to mid-level enlisted personnel. "The course is like a batting cage for their careers," said Senior Master Sgt. Ken Sloat, 10th Air Force historian. "It gives them time to practice against curve balls and fast balls, it helps prepare them for situations that might arise in the field and this is a wonderful time to practice team building." The 10-day course teaches NCOs how to recognize good leadership practices in an organization, how to recognize the impact of power in a group, how to develop team-building skills and other leadership qualities. "It has been a great opportunity," said Staff Sgt. Eileen Zlaty, 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron medical administrator. "We have learned leadership and management techniques that we can use in real-world situations." Upon graduation the Airmen will use the skills they learned to become more effective leaders. The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
