Flight commanders develop leadership, enhance knowledge of base resources Published Dec. 4, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Amanda Mills Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Several Vance Air Force Base officers filled the First Term Airman's Center Monday for information and training on leading a flight. The 71st Mission Support Group designed the flight commander's training course to facilitate leadership development and enhance flight commanders' knowledge of the resources available to them as a leaders and supervisors of Air Force and civilian people, according to Capt. Courtney Colby, 71st Mission Support Squadron military personnel flight deputy chief. The training included briefings on evaluations, performance reports, awards and decorations, family support services, life skills services, operational risk management, deployments, equal opportunity and more. "Flight commanders are critical to the success of our flying training," Captain Colby said. "They are the front-line leaders who enable the unit's mission success. To assist in their daily endeavors, this course focuses on effective flight management, flight leadership, professional development and resource management. The students also had the opportunity to hear candid advice from experienced first sergeants, the wing command chief, squadron commanders and the wing commander. "It is our hope the flight commanders will find this course an invaluable resource as they embark on this most challenging and rewarding duty." Capt. Leah Cross, 71st Medical Group diagnostics and therapeutics flight commander, enjoyed the wealth of information available from the various base resources. "The course offered a good overview of several different areas of the base," she said. "If we didn't have any questions then, it introduced us to who we should speak to if we have any questions about that area later. "Overall, I enjoyed the class and feel it will help me become a better leader. I'd definitely recommend it."