Freedom Wing hosts NCOLDC, develops leaders

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jonathan E. White
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE DIX LAKEHURST --  After 10 days of training, 24 Noncommissioned Officers from the Freedom Wing walked across the stage as graduates of the Air Force Reserve Command Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Course (NCOLDC) here Sept. 26.
        "NCOLDC presents an opportunity to explore various aspects of teamwork, communication issues, leadership, problem-solving and motivation," said Master Sgt. Roland T. Gray, NCOLDC facilitator & NCOIC of Optometry for the 914th Aeromedical Staging Squadron.
        The NCOLDC was established in 1989 to provide meaningful, challenging leadership training to mid-level enlisted personnel. In addition, the course fosters an educational environment for NCOs to explore current AFRC issues along with helping them achieve their potential as supervisors. Upon completion of the course, graduates are awarded two college credits in management from Central Texas College
        The majority of the course took place in the auditorium of building 2216. The 10-day program was presented in two phases. Phase one (Sept. 15-19) touched on topics such as the management process, leadership and military heritage. Sept. 22-26 featured phase two of the program in which communication skills, principles of counseling, time management, stress in the workplace and effective writing were covered. Both phases consisted of activities in which military facilitators had students apply techniques learned to a military environment.
        In one exercise, teammates had to cross a minefield blind folded. Only one teammate was allowed to serve as a guide who provided verbal commands for the blind folded subject to avoid empty water bottles on the carpet used to simulate land mines.
        "Another team building activity simulated immediate deployment under silent conditions. Each team had to assemble in a very tight quartered Marine Landing Craft. We used a 1x2 taped area on the floor to simulate the landing craft. The objective was for each team to devise a method that would permit the entire team to occupy the rectangular craft without feet touching outside of the taped line," Gray said.
        Gray has been serving as an NCOLDC facilitator for 16 years. He and Tech. Sgt. Paul Eason have been teaching this course together for six years. Not only can Gray view this course from the perspective of a facilitator, but he can also observe the program from the eyes of a former student.
        "As a previous student of NCOLDC, this course changed my life and the information I received kept me motivated to stay in the military," said Gray. "As a facilitator, I really enjoy providing meaningful and challenging leadership training to students. Most rewarding is when I see the light bulb suddenly shine or a concept grasped in my students."
        "The course is given two times a fiscal year. Nominees must be recommended by their supervisor/commander," said Master Sgt. Jonathan Whitfield, NCOIC of education and training with the 514th Force Support Squadron. "Contact your unit/base training manager or command chief for class updates and specific enrollment procedures."