MXS develops present, future leaders

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Desiree Economides
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  To further develop Airmen within its organization, the 374th Maintenance Squadron is offering leadership courses through the 360 Degree Leader program.

Broken down into Junior Enlisted, NCO, Senior NCO and company grade officer sections, the courses teach the principles necessary for leading an organization at all levels.

"We started offering these courses as a way to share experiences and teach each other," said Master Sgt. Jeremiah Sutton, 374th MXS first sergeant.

As the instructor, Sutton teaches the course through a combination of videos and discussions amongst the students about how concepts can be applied within their duty sections.

"Everyone has had different experiences in their career, and we try to relate those to the video," said Sutton.

Military leadership courses are taught throughout each Airman's career, but learning additional leadership styles and skills is helpful to aid the developing leader.

"This class offers a more in-depth tutorial on management and leadership," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Jackson, 374th MXS Isochronal Support Section NCOIC. "Our military leadership courses teach a lot of the basics, but this course offers an outside perspective which builds upon those basics."

Regardless of time-in-service or rank, Airmen are able to take something from the course.

"This class is useful for me to reaffirm what I've seen as characteristics of a good leader and also emphasizes what I need to change in myself to be a better leader," said Master Sgt. Brandon Kirkham, 374th MXS Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory flight chief.

The 374th MXS will continue to teach these courses on a quarterly basis, to ensure all Airmen who would like to take the course can do so.