Photo By Sgt. Olivia Gum | Soldiers participating in the Tennessee National Guard’s First Line Leadership...... read more read more
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– Selected Guardsmen from across Tennessee gathered at Smyrna’s Volunteer Training Site, Dec. 12-18, to participate in the third iteration of the First Line Leadership Course. The course is designed to strengthen leadership at the squad level within the Tennessee National Guard.
The FLLC focuses on the development of non-commissioned officers to bridge the gap between NCOs and their subordinates within Tennessee units. Developed by senior NCOs, the week-long course has participants review proper vehicle maintenance, tactical movement drills, medical evacuation procedures, and land navigation. They also received classes and briefings on leadership fundamentals, like Soldier counseling and individual evaluation reports.
“The instructors threw a lot at us in a short amount of time,” said Staff Sgt. Sarah Ashley, the medical readiness NCO for the 301st Troop Command. “But I personally feel like I’m a better leader and will be a better asset to my unit and my Soldiers going forward.”
Ashley was one of 25 graduates of the class, all of whom range in ranks from sergeant to sergeant first class. These ranks are the first level of leadership to engage with newly enlisted Soldiers and are typically mentors to those Soldiers in the early stages of their military careers.
“We pride ourselves on our NCO corps,” said Maj. Gen. Jimmie Cole, Tennessee’s Deputy Adjutant General, while speaking to the class, Dec. 16. “You are the backbone that supports the Army. If you are not successful, then we are not successful; we want to empower you to be able to do your job well and be a positive influence within our ranks.”
The course was piloted in September 2021, and it has transformed each iteration to better address key developmental areas of the Guard’s leaders. Instructors listen to feedback from class participants and make necessary changes to ensure NCOs are getting the most essential training possible.
“NCOs listen to NCOs, and we are more than willing to adjust the training to fulfill the needs of our leaders,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Dustin Dunn, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the course. “Our goal is to teach these leaders how they are supposed to be teaching their Soldiers. Whether it’s how to operate a rifle range or properly counsel subordinates, we need to ensure that our leaders across the state are developing their Soldiers effectively, which will only strengthen our organization.”
At the graduation ceremony on Dec. 20, course participants received a certificate for their efforts. Additionally, two Soldiers received awards for their leadership and academic achievements.
Staff Sgt. Jeffery Ford, a combat engineer with the 890th Engineer Company, in Huntington, was named the course honor graduate, the title given to the Soldier with the highest grade-point average. He also was awarded an Army Achievement Medal for his efforts.
Participants voted for the classmate who best displayed leadership and professionalism throughout the week and the Soldier who won the vote was Sgt. Joseph Gass, a military policeman with Detachment 1, 252nd Military Police Company, in Oneida. Gass was awarded the Tennessee National Guard Individual Achievement Ribbon.
The fourth iteration of the FLLC is scheduled to take place in Spring 2023 and Tennessee National Guard Leaders are planning on expanding the size of the class to 36 participants.
| Date Taken: | 12.22.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 01.06.2023 15:34 |
| Story ID: | 435764 |
| Location: | SMYRNA, TENNESSEE, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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