Leadership Pathways -- Cultivating the Four Pillars

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  More than 30 years ago the Air Force started tracking prisoners of war to learn what skills helped them successfully survive captivity, said Maggie Laws, the community support coordinator at Vance.

"The Air Force also studied professional athletes and professional businessmen to see what made them successful."

The lessons learned are behind the development of Leadership Pathways, a program designed to develop Air Force leaders by building and enhancing the four pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness: mental, physical, professional, and spiritual.

The study of POWs, athletes and businessmen determined what traits these individuals had in common. Those traits became the 12 skills of resilience.

"What we've done, is taken those skills and built classes around them to enhance the four pillars," said Laws.

The classes are available to all military members, military spouses, dependants, government civilians and contractors.

Classes are normally Tuesdays and Thursdays between noon and 1 p.m. at the Airman & Family Readiness Center classroom. Fitness classes take place at the Fitness Center. Classes last between 25 minutes to an hour.

Those unable to make those times can contact Maggie Laws, 213-7709, to sign up for a one-on-one or small group class and set up a more convenient time.

The classes have an incentive program in place to encourage participation, said Laws.
 
Military members and government civilians who attend eight classes will receive a one-star certificate and recognition at their unit level. Those who attend 12 classes will receive a two-star certificate and recognition at their group level and those who attend 20 or more classes will receive a three-star certificate and recognition at the wing level.

Spouses and contractors who attend the classes can mark them down on their resumes.

Those interested in teaching a class must attain three stars and take one of the public speaking classes.

To sign up for the classes go to the Vance Connect Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vance-Connect/487901397922727?fref=ts or call Maggie Laws.