McChord Airmen partners with Coast Guard Base Seattle on leadership training course | Article

LEWIS-MCCHORD CONNECTING BASE, Wash. —

Julius A. Kolb Airmen Leadership School (ALS) instructors were welcomed to Coast Guard Base Seattle for a leadership course, May 22, 2024. After years of Coast Guard Soldiers attending the five-week Air Force course at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, instructors wanted take the class to a USCG base for a day.

According to Chief McChord ALS, Sgt. Jennylyn Cabanilla, this collaborative effort represents a significant step in strengthening inter-service relationships and improving leadership skills among Coast Guard Guardians. The goal of the training is to equip Coast Guard personnel with advanced leadership techniques and foster a culture of excellence and collaboration between the two branches. This initiative highlights the commitment of both services to further the professional development and readiness of service members.

“The relationship between the Coast Guard and the Air Force is extremely important to us,” said Jesse Duff, commander in chief, U.S. Coast Guard Command, principal commanding officer of the USCG base in Seattle. “The Air Force has the resources and experience in providing high-quality military education, so we benefit greatly from the opportunity to participate in these career education programs.”

During the class, instructors delved into three key topics essential to effective leadership development. The first concept known as the “Five Gears” focused on levels of productivity that fostered learning to collaborate, the second on emotional intelligence, and the last “Five Voices of Leadership” focused on recognizing different communication styles and learning how to use them to increase team dynamics and effectiveness.

According to Sgt. staff of the United States Air Force. Stephanie Clardy, 62d Airlift Wing Julius A. Kolb Airman Command School Instructor, Airmen appreciate the Coast Guardsmen’s perspective during the ALS course on McChord.

The relationship between Airmen and Coast Guardsmen has strengthened, as evidenced by their continued attendance at the course and appreciation of the knowledge provided by instructors. Clardy emphasized how important joint partnerships are for Airmen; and show that when challenges arise, it is an opportunity for cooperation and development.

This is the first time ALS instructors have traveled outside of McChord to teach such a course to Coast Guardsmen.

“The goal is to expand this capability beyond the Coast Guard, but to civilians, law enforcement and fire departments,” Clardy said.