Hanscom’s ALS develops front-line supervisors

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Twelve junior enlisted service members completed Airman Leadership School following a graduation ceremony at the Minuteman Commons here May 17.

The five-week ALS course prepares E-4 members of the Air Force and Coast Guard with initial leadership training through formal professional military education.

“The PME course teaches students how to provide feedback to subordinates, write annual enlisted performance reports and much more,” said Master Sgt. Ryan Dillingham, the school’s commandant.

The course also provides a lesson in Total Force.

“Because each class typically includes active duty Air Force Airmen as well as members of the Guard, Reserves and U.S. Coast Guard, students receive a diverse learning experience through class discussions, which really adds a unique dimension to the curriculum,” said Staff Sgt. Sonia Severino, ALS instructor.

Air Force ALS focuses on developing leadership abilities and effective communication for students.

“Many of the students who attend Hanscom ALS are already leaders in their organizations and we’re just helping them hone their skills and putting more tools in their leadership toolbox,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Hodge, ALS instructor.

For Air Force students, the course is a prerequisite for staff sergeant.

At the school’s latest graduation, ALS staff presented PME awards and certificates to the 12 students.

For class 19-Echo, the school’s top award, the John L. Levitow Award, went to Senior Airman Tyler Comerford, a patrolman for the 66th Security Forces Squadron. This award goes to the student who achieves the highest overall standing from a combination of academic scores, performance evaluation and leadership qualities. It's the highest honor awarded to an enlisted professional military education student.

The Academic Achievement Award went to Senior Airman Spencer Pascuzzi, a C-5 load master with the 337th Airlift Squadron at Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts. This award goes to the student who achieves the highest summative scores throughout the class and who displays all characteristics of an effective leader. The recipient also must have fostered teamwork within the training environment.

Senior Airman Andrew Clark, a knowledge operator for the 23rd Space Operation Squadron at New Boston Air Force Station in New Hampshire, captured the Commandant Award. This award goes to the student who displays all the characteristics of an effective leader. Once all other factors are considered, the ALS commandant renders the final judgment on who receives this award.

Clark also received the Dress and Appearance Award.

Other students who completed the course include:

Senior Airman Brianna Gibbs, 166th Logistics Readiness Squadron, New Castle, Delaware

Senior Airman Michael Higgins, 439th Force Support Squadron, Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Dannion Hollar, U.S. Coast Guard Station Point Judith, Rhode Island

Senior Airman Charles Huggins, 64th Air Refueling Squadron, Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H.

Senior Airman Jamaree Hunter, 6th Space Warning Squadron, Cape Cod Air Force Station, Mass.

Senior Airman Giovanny Pino, 66th Force Support Squadron

Senior Airman Joseph Plumadore, 104th Fighter Wing, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass.

Senior Airman Willie Thames, 6th Space Warning Squadron, Cape Cod Air Force Station

Senior Airman Clayton Tinson, 436th Maintenance Squadron, Westover Air Reserve Base

Each graduate earned the U.S. Air Force NCO PME graduation ribbon.