Leadership Pathways provides learning incentive

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachiah Roberson
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Airmen, spouses and civilians here now have a new incentive to attend classes provided by base Integrated Delivery Systems organizations.

Under the new Leadership Pathways program, participants can earn points for attending any of the more than 30 programs covering subjects varying from relationships to finance.

"Most of these classes have always been offered, it's just that they have had low attendance," said Michael Johnson, community readiness consultant and program director.

Leadership Pathways courses are offered by the IDS helping agencies such as the Health and Wellness Center, the Chapel and Airman and Family Readiness Center. These free classes are available to all active-duty service members, military spouses and civilians.

All classes fall under the Comprehensive Airman Fitness Pillars, which embody the mental, spiritual, social and physical aspects of Airmen. These pillars are used to outline the material in which the courses teach.

Enhancement of one's leadership capabilities is what should entice people to take part in these classes, said Johnson.

"Some people feel a stigma attached with going to a class that's called anger management or stress management," said Johnson.

Yet the programs and classes are designed to be useful to all who are willing to expand their leadership capabilities.

The catalog for Leadership Pathways is located on the 319th Air Base Wing SharePoint website. It includes courses, schedules and points of contact. Class times can vary, which is why it's important to check the catalogue for class schedules, said Johnson.

Class participation is awarded through a point system that tracks progress and maintains a digital trail kept throughout ones career. This transcript can be used if a member is relocated to another base.

Each class grants one point upon completion. Recognition starts at the squadron level with 10 points, with 15 for the group and 20 at the wing level. Coins are the pending idea for recognition at the squadron level. Other rewards have yet to be decided.

"Being prior active duty and being a supervisor, these courses are just more tools for a supervisor to help their troops out", said Johnson, a retired master sergeant.

For more information, contact Michael Johnson at 701-362-6437.