Photo By Alexander Rector | U.S. Air Force Officers participating in a New York Air National Guard commanders...... read more read more
(SYRACUSE, NY) – Thirty New York Air National Guard (NYANG) officers attended a three-day commanders development course at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, NY, Sep. 10-12, 2024.
The course, which is designed to prepare field-grade officers for future squadron command, saw attendance from the Eastern Air Defense Sector and each of the New York Air National Guard’s five wings.
“The New York Air National Guard commanders course prepares officers for command by providing them with the essential tools, knowledge, and skills they need to effectively lead their units and make informed decisions,” said Lt. Col. Lindsay Doak, commander of the 107th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 107th Attack Wing, New York Air National Guard. “The curriculum is designed to address the unique challenges commanders face, to include mission priorities and fostering a positive command climate.”
Doak, who has helmed the 107th Logistics Readiness Squadron since 2019, served as the course’s director.
“By participating in this course, commanders gain an understanding of their responsibilities and learn best practices from the subject matter experts in the NYANG,” said Doak. “Ultimately, the goal is to ensure our commanders are fully prepared to lead with confidence, integrity, and excellence, contributing to the overall success and readiness of our organization.”
During the three-day course, attendees received briefings from New York National Guard Joint Force Headquarters personnel and opening remarks from Brig. Gen. Paul Bishop, chief of staff for the New York Air National Guard.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect going in,” said Capt. Erik Berg, deputy chief of staff for the 105th Airlift Wing. “A lot of it has to do with people. Taking care of them, and all the things you can do for them as a commander.”
On the second day of the course, the participants toured Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, received a 174th Attack Wing mission brief, and attended a talk on leadership delivered by Col. John O’Connor, the 174th Attack Wing commander.
“They have excellent facilities here, said Maj. John Neglia, director of operations for the 107th Operations Support Squadron, 107th Attack Wing.
“My favorite thing was getting to hear about the 174th mission,” said Berg. “I’m very isolated at my own base. I knew that they did remotely piloted aircraft stuff here, but the mission brief here was a lot of fun.”
With blocks of instruction on topics such as readiness; resource management; civil support operations, and public affairs; the new and prospective commanders walked away from the course with a greater understanding of the roles and responsibilities of an Air National Guard squadron commander.
“I know I’m a seasoned leader, but I’m not a commander yet,” said Neglia. “If you’re thinking about command in the future, I’d say take the plunge, go learn, be a sponge and soak it all in. This course will benefit you in every way because it will help you understand the bigger picture of the Air National Guard.”
On the last day of the course, the participants attended a squadron commander and chiefs panel, which allowed seasoned Air National Guard leaders from across the state to share their wisdom and experience with the next generation of leaders.
The New York Air National Guard is comprised of the 105th Airlift Wing in Newburgh; 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach; 107th Attack Wing in Niagara Falls; 109th Airlift Wing in Schenectady; 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse; and the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome. The New York Air National Guard has an authorized strength of more than 5800 Airmen and is one of the largest Air National Guards in the United States.
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.23.2024 09:55 |
| Story ID: | 481173 |
| Location: | SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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