Airman Leadership School

Airman Leadership School (ALS) is an approximately five week-long United States Air Force program designed to develop airmen into effective front-line supervisors. It is the first professional military education (PME) that enlisted Air Force members encounter. [http://www.hill.af.mil/dpn/main/welcome.htm] ALS focuses on developing leadership abilities as well as effective communication.

Eligiblity

Senior Airmen with 48 months time in service or those with a promotion line number for Staff Sergeant. The member must also have at least six months of retainability from the projected class graduation date before being enrolled.

Awards in ALS

* Non-Commissioned Officer Development Ribbon - Mandatory award and wear upon successful completion of ALS.
* John Levitow Award - The highest award presented at the Airman Leadership School, it is presented to the student demonstrating outstanding leadership and scholastic qualities. This award selection is based on overall performance evaluation, academic ranking, and peer and staff ratings. This is the most outstanding student in the class.
* Distinguished Graduate Award - Presented to the next (10% of graduates) person with the highest overall average in all graded areas.
* Leadership Award - Presented to the student who has displayed ALL the characteristics of an effective leader and fostered teamwork within the class.
* Academic Achievement Award - Presented to the student with highest overall average on the evaluations, both objective and performance.

Supervision without SSgt Promotion

Upon completion of ALS the graduate receives the ability to write performance reports on subordinates. [http://www.opportunity.wpafb.af.mil/UNIT%20INFO/regulations_add't%20guidance/afi36-2618.pdf Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2618] . This allows the graduate the ability to supervise.

Topics Covered

Airman Leadership School covers Profession of Arms, the Uniformed Code of Military Justice, the History of the Air Force, and leadership concepts. A majority of the instruction focuses around various Air Force rules and regulations.

ee also

* Non-commissioned officer