Incirlik Airmen gain leadership skills through NCOA

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Eight Airmen from Incirlik advanced their military professional career when they graduated from the Kisling NCO Academy July 14 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and two of them earned additional honors.

Tech. Sgts. Jason Brazell from the 39th Security Forces Squadron, Ernest Brown from the 728th Air Mobility Squadron, David Deleon from the 39th Communication Squadron, Brian Falls from the 39th SFS, Patrick Gibson from the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron, William Linney from the 39th Air Base Wing, Aisha Thompson from the 39th Operations Squadron and Melanie Townsend from the 39th Comptroller Squadron, were part of Class 2011-6, which graduated 147 students.

In addition, Townsend received the Commandant's Award. This award is presented to the student who, in the commandant's judgement, made the most significant contribution to the overall success of the class.

"I felt honored. It was my class, 2011-6, that allowed me to receive this award," said Townsend. "Do not forget that this is 'One Team, One Fight.' It is an indescribable feeling to know you assisted where you could to ensure success all around."

Also, Falls was named one of the Distinguished Graduates. The Distinguished Graduate award is based on evaluations, as well as instructor and peer leadership points, and is presented to the top 10 percent of the class.

Not only did the NCOA help prepare the students to be better leaders, but it also served as a place for Airmen to meet Airmen.

"I made some great friends. I really got to enhance my knowledge by dealing with technical sergeants from other career fields. I have a better understanding of how other functions of the Air Force contribute to the overall mission," said Falls.

"The NCOA was another great opportunity to network," said Townsend. "All the information provided at NCOA will assist the graduates in ensuring we are doing the right thing while molding our future leaders to do the same."

Falls advises Airmen to try and relate what you learn during NCOA to what you already do and this will make everything you learn in class make more sense.

The six-week curriculum consists of three academic areas including "Military Professional Combat Leader," "Communications Skills" and "Unit Manager." Students must complete the NCOA before they assume the rank of master sergeant.

"This academy is important because it prepares supervisors to transition into more of a manager role. In my experience, I was able to identify some of my weaknesses as a leader and was provided helpful feedback on how to turn those around and become more effective," said Falls.