Localized teaching course at Grand Forks AFB proves beneficial

Staff Sgt. Ryan Bacskai explains the playing surface of an ice hockey rink during a class presentation April 8, 2013, at the 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 27, on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. Bacskai was a student in the Principles of Instruction course, which recently opened its enrollment to Airmen outside the maintenance instructor field, resulting in thousands of dollars in savings for the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Localized teaching course at Grand Forks AFB proves beneficial

Staff Sgt. Kory Boardman evaluates a student’s teaching performance during a class presentation April 8, 2013, at the 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 27, on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. Boardman teaches the Principles of Instruction course, which recently opened its enrollment to Airmen outside the maintenance instructor field, resulting in thousands of dollars in savings for the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Localized teaching course at Grand Forks AFB proves beneficial

Staff Sgt. Larail Crawford concludes his presentation on setting up an aquarium April 8, 2013, at the 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 27, on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. Crawford was a student in a Principles of Instruction course, which is designed to teach students to be effective teachers themselves. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Localized teaching course at Grand Forks AFB beneficial to service in more ways than one

Published April 11, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- At a time when military units are being asked to tighten their belts and cut costs, one detachment on Grand Forks Air Force Base is helping to do its part.

The 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 27, has opened its Principles of Instruction Course to Airmen outside of the maintenance instructor field. The course is designed to teach students to be effective teachers themselves.

"This change is unique because although we are here primarily to support the ACC (Air Combat Command) side of Grand Forks Air Force Base with advanced maintenance training, this class allows us to add AMC (Air Mobility Command) into the mix of the type of students we train," said Master Sgt. Donald S. King, 372nd TRS Det. 27, detachment chief.

King said the detachment will also be able to offer the course to eligible Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members, and possibly some of the Air Force ROTC detachments as well.

Just offering the 10-day class here is beneficial.

"In the past personnel had to travel Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, for this particular course, but now that we provide it locally we can save the Air Force tons of money," said King.

"I was glad they offered the course locally," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Bacskai, a student in the current POI course. "It not only keeps my bosses happy because it helps the Air Force save money; the course being taught here also saved me the time and stress of traveling more than eleven-hundred miles to Texas."

POI course instructor, Staff Sgt. Kory Boardman, said while the course, "teaches people to teach," it also allows students the chance to build a network of subject-matter experts.

Airmen are often required to teach their counterparts various courses, from aircraft maintenance to first-aid, combat arms training to sexual assault awareness and prevention training.

King said that anyone is eligible to apply for the course, but students will be required to show a genuine reason for attendance.

Successful completion of the course may also be used as an elective credit toward an Airman's associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force.

Boardman said individuals interested in taking the course are advised to coordinate enrollment requests through their respective unit training managers.