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.