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AFDW Commander's Course kicks-off

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Future Air Force District of Washington commanders and their spouses are participating in the direct reporting unit's annual Commander's Course to enhance their knowledge of the command's mission and hone their leadership skills here May 20-23.

"This is a huge effort," said AFDW Commander Maj. Gen. Sharon K. G. Dunbar. "It is very focused in terms of the topics you will cover: people, mission and administration. All of these will be the keys to your success."

The course participants, some of who have prior command experience and others who don't, range from the incoming 11th Security Forces Support Squadron commander to the new AFDW Section commander. They wear ranks from major to colonel. During the course the commanders will receive the latest force management update, learn about the total force mission in the National Capital Region, hear about the resiliency resources here and more.

"One of the greatest experiences you can have in the Air Force is the ability to command," Dunbar told the officers and spouses. "Squadron and group command is where it is at, you are the voice of your unit. You are the key to setting the tone for your organization."

In her opening remarks, Dunbar challenged the commanders to ensure the Airmen they lead are as sharp as the Elite Gate Guard who greet each person entering the installation. She also stressed the importance of compassion, firmness and fairness.

"Your job is to get the mission done; in doing this be firm but fair," she said. "Set the expectation to get the mission done and set the bar high. If you are firm but fair with people and compassionate, you will do incredibly well as commanders."

The course is not only designed to enhance incoming commanders' ability to lead their units, but also their spouses' understanding of how they can support their husbands and wives in this charge.

"Spouses provide a sounding board and reality check," said Col. Michael Gantt, AFDW vice commander. "They have a connection to the other spouses in the organization. We are very happy to have the spouses here."

In addition, to stressing the importance of being a sound leader, Gantt also reminded the new and incoming commanders take time to relax.

"Give yourself a chance to be a tourist," he said, enjoy the area.