Wisconsin ANG enhances program to help future leaders succeed

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Cameron Lewis
  • 115th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The Wisconsin Air National Guard’s State Enlisted Development Program has been helping develop future enlisted leaders across the state since its first class graduated in 2012.

Now, after nine years of building upon the program and taking into account U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr’s strategic approach to ‘Accelerate, Change or Lose’, the SEDP facilitators are bringing a change to this all inclusive course.

“Historically individual classes had been held over a vast period of drill weekends,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Linda Koenen, an SEDP facilitator and human resource advisor at the 115th Fighter Wing, Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin. “Understanding that the day-to-day operations during drill are very challenging to work around, we knew something had to be done.”

To capture a larger audience and provide the developmental leadership opportunity to more Airmen, a decision was made to consolidate the lengthy program into a one week course that will teach noncommissioned officers and senior NCOs across the state about communicating as a leader, emotional intelligence, promotion boards and more.

With over 85 attendees, the beta class, held Nov. 2 - 5 at Volk Field, signified that the change will help Airmen be more involved in the program going forward.

“I’ve always wanted to attend the SEDP courses,” said Staff Sgt. Tiana Buchanan, a personnel systems manager with the 115th FW. “The consolidation finally gave me the chance to see what the program is all about and I’m looking forward to what will be offered in the future.”

In the military, professional development presents itself in a multitude of ways throughout a member's career and is designed to not only benefit them militarily but as a civilian as well.

“When you invest in yourself it will pay dividends for you down the road no matter your career path,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Linda Schwartzlow, the command chief at Volk Field. “Professional development is a choice, and for you to take a chance and come here for this class shows you want to grow and become a leader.”

The next course is scheduled to be held June 27, 2022 at Volk Field Air National Guard Base