PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. — In an era where Airmen and Guardians must be prepared to operate in contested, high-stress environments, the Airman Leadership School at Patrick Space Force Base is pushing its students beyond the classroom and into realistic, decision-driven training.
During a recent field training exercise conducted at Malabar Training Site, ALS students were placed in simulated high-stress scenarios designed to test leadership, adaptability, and mission command at the most tactical level - honing skills critical to modern operations.
According to MSgt Carlos Gomez, 45th Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School Commandant, the exercise was built to mirror the pressures first-line supervisors face in real-world operations.
“Today’s primary objective was about putting mission command at the most tactical level,” Gomez said. “If they can accomplish these tasks in a high-stress environment, they’ll be able to do so in day-to-day operations and be better prepared for what they’ll face in the future.”
While the sight of students operating in full gear may traditionally be associated with security forces training, the exercise was intentionally designed to reflect the realities of Agile Combat Employment where mission success depends on cross-functional capability and adaptability across career fields.
That concept resonated with U.S. Air Force SSgt Christian Sanchez, 333rd Recruiting Squadron recruiter, who emphasized the value of seeing Airmen operate beyond their traditional roles.
“You have everybody stepping outside of their normal roles and excelling,” Sanchez said. “Seeing that in action shows that ACE is absolutely possible; it's a great move for where we’re headed.”
Beyond execution, the exercise also reinforced a deeper understanding of leadership fundamentals, particularly commander’s intent, under pressure. For U.S. Air Force Reserves SrA Ricardo Guerra, 308th Rescue Squadron, the training connected doctrine to real-world application.
“It really dives deep into understanding commander’s intent,” Guerra said. “From the simplest guidance to the most hectic situations, it blends everything together and gives you a true understanding of how the organization operates as a whole.”
The exercise also challenged students to balance administrative leadership responsibilities with operational execution—an evolution many see as essential to developing the next generation of warfighters. U.S. Air Force Reserves SrA Jeremiah Branthoover, 308th Rescue Squadron, highlighted how the training reinforced the Air Force’s multi-capable Airman concept.
“We learn the admin side, and that’s important,” Branthoover said. “But being able to step into the field and know what you’re doing that’s what this is about. We’re expected to operate in a multitude of scenarios, and that’s what prepares us to be the next generation of warfighters.”
The benefits of the exercise extended beyond traditional Air Force roles, offering Space Force personnel a rare opportunity to experience ground operations firsthand. U.S. Space Force Spc4 Angelia Bertram, Space Launch Delta 45 Intel, lead intelligence analyst, said the experience directly enhances how intelligence professionals support the mission.
“We spend a lot of time behind a desk or briefing leadership on threats,” Bertram said. “Coming out here and seeing how security forces operate, the risks and hardships they face, helps us better understand and relate to our audience when we provide those briefings.”
For Gomez, the exercise’s ultimate goal is confidence, ensuring ALS graduates trust their ability to lead decisively, regardless of environment or specialty.
“I want them to know they can lead alone and unafraid,” Gomez said. “No matter their background or career field, they can complete the mission.”
Following positive feedback from students and leadership, the Malabar exercise is set to become a permanent component of ALS training at Patrick Space Force Base. What began as a pilot event is now shaping how future supervisors are prepared to lead in dynamic, contested environments.
By combining stress-based decision-making, cross-functional teamwork, and real-world scenarios, the Airman Leadership School continues to evolve, ensuring its graduates are ready not just to manage, but to lead when it matters most.