This article is structured as follows:
- Introduction
- Airmen’s Command Squadron (ACS)
- Junior Management and Leadership Course (JMLC)
- Intermediate Management and Leadership Course (IMLC)
- Advanced Management and Leadership Course (AMLC)
- Warrant Officers Study Period (WOSP)
- Non-Commissioned Aircrew (NCA) Command and Management Training
1.0 Introduction
RAF Halton is home to a number of training units and lodger units that span all types of training and a vast selection of wider defence tasks. The main job of RAF Halton is to train personnel to the highest standard so that they may contribute to the UK’s Defence Strategy both at home and abroad. This includes basic recruit training, management and leadership training and a variety of specialist training types.
The introduction of generic Professional Military Development (Air), (PMD (Air)) represented a significant cultural change in the generic professional education and training of RAF personnel. The key recommendations of the ROAD Study, which were endorsed in May 2007 by the Air Force Board Standing Committee, were widely briefed across the RAF by the ROAD IPT during 2008. The resultant re-structuring of “through-life” education and training, taken forward by the ROAD IPT and training delivery partners at Shrivenham, Cranwell and Halton, witnessed a number of significant advances in PMD (Air) during 2008.
2.0 Airmen’s Command Squadron
The Airmen’s Command Squadron (ACS) is responsible for delivering education and training to equip NCOs with the attitudes, skills and knowledge to be more effective leaders and managers in their primary duties. Instructional staffs are committed to establishing an educational environment that meets the varied learning needs of all students and is aligned with the principles of respect, integrity, service and excellence.
The aim of the ACS is to be valued by their students and their Line Managers as a forward looking ‘centre of excellence’ for NCO training, education and development. An objective of the ACS is to shape the professional development of airmen/airwomen in partnership with the Generic Education and Training Centre (GETC) at RAF College Cranwell in order to meet the needs of the RAF now and in the future.
The ACS is responsible for delivering four generic Management and Leadership courses that are progressive in nature and focussed at particular rank levels. The ACS also provides two bespoke Command and Management courses for Non-Commissioned Aircrew. A description of the various courses that the ACS provides can be found below.
3.0 Junior Management and Leadership Course
The Junior Management and Leadership Course (JMLC) is a 2-week course for all personnel selected for promotion to the rank of Corporal. It is an intensive course designed to stretch the individual through a series of practical/theoretical situations and lessons.
Emphasis is placed on facilitation and development rather than pure instruction. The practical leadership exercises undertaken by students on the JMLC make it a physically demanding course, in which distances of up to 20 miles may be covered over 2 days on the outside training area.
Students undertake a comprehensive range of subjects including:
- Human Relations;
- Air Power;
- Joint Service Operations;
- Communications;
- Planning; and
- Leadership.
The residential phase of the course is complemented by 12-16 hours of online pre-course distance learning that ensures a base level of pre-course knowledge and reinforces the team based approach to learning.
4.0 Intermediate Management and Leadership Course
The Intermediate Management and Leadership Course (IMLC) is a 2-week course for all personnel selected for promotion to the rank of Sergeant.
The primary emphasis of the course is the development of each individual’s leadership qualities, both in the command role and also in their day-to-day relationships with other personnel. Instructional staffs use highly effective facilitation skills to prepare students to take on the added responsibilities of the rank of Sergeant.
Comprehensive tuition is given in the following areas:
- Leadership and Management;
- Communications;
- Interview Techniques;
- Public Speaking;
- Air Power; and
- SJAR compilation.
The residential phase of the course is complemented by 12-16 hours of online pre-course distance learning that ensures a base level of pre-course knowledge and reinforces the team based approach to learning.
5.0 Advanced Management and Leadership Course
The Advanced Management and Leadership Course (AMLC) is 2-week course for all personnel selected for promotion to the rank of Flight Sergeant.
The aim of the course is to provide up-to-date management tools to help flight sergeants deal with the ever-changing managerial role they undertake. Subjects covered include:
- Management of Change;
- Negotiation Skills;
- Defence Writing;
- Air Power;
- Project and Resource Management;
- Communication and Listening Skills;
- Leadership Styles; and
- Self-Awareness and Coaching and Mentoring Skills.
The course also includes a Station Commander Discussion Period, a visit from the Chief of the Air Staffs’ Warrant Officer and a visit to Air Command to discuss Operations and Human Resource Management.
The residential phase of the course is complemented by 12-16 hours of online pre-course distance learning that ensures a base level of pre-course knowledge and reinforces the team based approach to learning.
6.0 Warrant Officers Study Period
The Warrant Officers Study Period (WOSP), formally launched in late 2008, is a 5-day course for all newly promoted Warrant Officers and Master Aircrew. The aims of the course are to provide Warrant Officers with the management tools to be able to draw on their considerable Service experience and deal with the ever-changing managerial roles they undertake. Subjects covered include:
- Air Power;
- Leadership and Management of Change;
- Self-Awareness;
- Campaign Planning;
- Leadership Styles; and
- Coaching and Mentoring Skills.
The course also includes a visit to Air Command where students are provided with the opportunity to engage in a structured discussion with an Officer of Air Rank from the RAF Senior Leadership Team.
The residential phase of the course is also complemented by 12-16 hours of online pre-course distance learning, to embrace the benefits of a blended learning approach.
7.0 Non-Commissioned Aircrew
Non-Commissioned Aircrew (NCA) must attend ACS Command and Management Training courses as a pre-requisite for promotion to their next rank.
An NCA Part 1 course is provided for NCA Sergeants that aspire to reach the rank of Flight Sergeant. In addition, an NCA Part 2 course is provided for NCA Flight Sergeants that aspire to reach the rank of Master Aircrew.
These courses provide an understanding and experience of:
- Leadership styles and competencies;
- SJAR and MPAR writing and debriefing;
- Effective presentational skills;
- Defence Writing;
- Interviewing techniques;
- Counselling and listening skills;
- An awareness of stress management;
- Managing equality and diversity; and
- A visit to Air Command to better understand the role and functions of Manning, promotion boards, Air Power, Welfare and Community Support.
For some ideas on how to structure your presentations and lectures view: DITS example lessons.
8.0 Useful Links
- Chartered Management Institute (CMI): http://www.managers.org.uk/Individuals/Qualifications/Armed-Forces.aspx
