An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Jan. 15, 2025

Lankford Center Hosts 1st ALS Commandant Conference

By Master Sgt. Regina Young, I.G. Brown Training and Education Center

MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. - The Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center hosted the first Airman Leadership School Commandant Conference last week.

The event brought together ALS commandants from CONUS and OCONUS schoolhouses, alongside leadership from the Barnes Center for Enlisted Education, to focus on enhancing enlisted professional military education delivery across the Air Force.

Held at the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center, the conference centered on key EPME initiatives, including developing and implementing the Airmanship Continuum and integrating foundational leadership courses. The mission was to provide professional development for attendees while fostering collaborative planning to address challenges and opportunities in ALS standardization.

“This conference offers a unique opportunity for commandants of the 68 schoolhouses to come together to exchange ideas, discuss policy and collaborate through face-to-face conversations,” said Col. Damian Schlussel, commander, Barnes Center for Enlisted Education. “Having it here at the TEC highlights our partnership and offers a firsthand look at what a Total Force campus looks like, showcasing the innovative tools and technologies used to overcome obstacles and drive success.”

For the first time, ALS commandants had the opportunity to discuss their challenges, share solutions and align strategies — with guidance and support from BCEE leaders. 

Hosting the milestone event was a testament to the Lankford EPME Center’s commitment to Total Force education. The center delivers ALS and NCO Academy courses to Airmen from the regular Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Coast Guard and international military partners.

“While our ALS operation differs from an Active Duty Air Force ALS in many ways, we’re similar in others,” said Chief Master Sgt. Paul Butts, commandant, Lankford EPME Center. “I’m optimistic that we’re making great progress toward improving enlisted PME delivery across the entire Total Force enterprise.”

The TEC comprises three divisions: the Chief Master Sergeant Paul H. Lankford Center for Enlisted Professional Military Center for EPME, TEC-U and the Mission Support Division. These divisions represent all components of the Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, and civil service members, who serve together to develop today’s Airmen for tomorrow’s fight.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. service members pose for a group photo after offloading toys on Marine Corps Air Station New River, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Dec. 3, 2024. The delivery is part of a Toys for Tots delivery supported by Marine Aircraft Group 49 to deliver over 4,000 toys to families affected by Hurricane Helene.
New York Airmen Bring Holiday Cheer to Hurricane Victims While Training
By Staff Sgt. Rebekah Wilson, | Dec. 6, 2024
STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. – Airmen from the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing helped out Santa Claus by delivering over 4,000 toys earmarked for North Carolina kids whose families are recovering...

Participants in the 30th Annual International Junior Officer Leadership Development course pose for a photo in front of a KC-135R Stratotanker assigned to the 134th Air Refueling Wing, Aug.14, 2024, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. IJOLD is an annual event designed to expand International Air Reserve junior officers to leadership concepts while collaborating with other NATO nations to better understand differing military cultures.
Air Guard Hosts Junior Officer Leadership Development Course
By Lt. Col. Amber Schatz, | Aug. 29, 2024
ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air National Guard hosted 60 company-grade officers from nine countries for the annual International Junior Officer Leadership Development Course at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base and in the...

Participants in the Toxic Swell exercise train for CBRN warfare Aug. 5, 2024, in Oahu, Hawaii. Toxic Swell 2024 brought together military personnel from across the forces to prepare for any threat in the Indo-Pacific region.
Air Guard Deploys for Toxic Swell Joint Training Exercise
By Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Perez, | Aug. 28, 2024
OAHU, Hawaii - The Air National Guard, the U.S. Marine Corps and international partners enhanced chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense capabilities during the two-week Toxic Swell exercise.In the face of...