Otis holds flight commander's course

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Thomas Swanson | More than a dozen officers from the 102nd Intelligence Wing participated in a flight commander’s course May 4-5 here, focusing on leadership and base-specific content. This training was modeled after the Flight Commander’s Edge program through Air University, which was released in Nov. 2018 and allows units to adapt the curriculum to their specific needs.  

OTIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, MA, UNITED STATES

05.05.2019

Story by Capt. Bonnie Blakely 

102nd Intelligence Wing   

More than a dozen officers from the 102nd Intelligence Wing participated in a flight commander’s course May 4-5 here, focusing on leadership and base-specific content.

The training was modeled after the Flight Commander’s Edge program through Air University, which was released in Nov. 2018 and allows units to adapt the curriculum to their specific needs.

Otis is the first base in Massachusetts to roll-out this course, personalized with an Air National Guard flavor, said Col. Virginia Gaglio, commander 102IW.

The students learned about a variety of subjects briefed by other senior leaders throughout the base.

“I found that this inaugural course was designed and implemented very well,” said Capt. Nate Horwitz-Willis, a public health officer here. “The instructors’ breadth and depth of expertise was imparted in a very useful way in the course that challenged us to be better and effective leaders.”

“All of the groups were represented well by dynamic individuals, poised to keep the 102nd Intelligence Wing and Air National Guard at its best,” Horwitz-Willis said.

Some lesson topics included their role as flight commanders, how to prepare for command, progressive discipline, effective command-level communication, and how to develop and mentor others.

Col. Gaglio also discussed the importance of mission, people, and being a sincere leader.

“As long as you’re being genuine, you’ll come through to your people,” Gaglio said. “Try to be authentic. Be yourself. Use your own talents.”

The wing looks forward to continuing to implement this program for future flight commanders.

“I think a lot of our Airmen will see more leadership, mentoring, and development occur across the wing this year as a result of this course,” Horwitz-Willis said. “I am grateful for having this opportunity.”

• Date Taken: 05.05.2019
• Date Posted: 05.06.2019 07:03
• Story ID: 320831
• Location: OTIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, MA, US