Leadership Pathways: Rewards for developing skills Published Dec. 3, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Resiliency - it's one of the biggest buzz words in the Air Force. But to leadership at Whiteman, it is more than just a word; it is a concept they are intent on strengthening through the 40 classes of the Leadership Pathways program. This program, which started at Dover Air Force Base, Del., in 2011, has spread to bases Air Force-wide. All the classes are designed to help every Airman -- active-duty, Reserve, Guard and civilian -- as well as their spouses, build resiliency in four ways: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. The Air Force has begun to more seriously address the issue of resiliency, and one of its major emphases has been to change the perception surrounding resiliency training in general. By changing the focus from negative to positive, classes are de-stigmatized and people can attend them openly without others thinking they have a problem. "The classes are designed to develop better leaders at all levels," said Brian Kirby, Health and Wellness Center health promotion director. "Even if you attend training just to work on your leadership skills, what you learn will spill over into your life, as well." He used the tobacco cessation mentorship class as an example - just because a participant might not use tobacco products, chances are they one day will have the opportunity to put the class' lessons to use in helping a family member or fellow Airman quit. While attending the classes, attendees are also developing the skills that help them advise, supervise, mentor or teach. And in return for their investment of time and energy, they are rewarded with incentives. If a military member attends eight classes, he earns a certificate. Attending 15 classes earns him a one-day pass and 20 classes earns him a three-day pass. Respectively, spouses are awarded with a certificate, $25 commissary coupon and $50 commissary coupon, respectively, for attending the same number of classes. "People might be put off by the 'leadership' in the name of the program, but we want Airmen of all ranks to participate," said Tech. Sgt. Katherine Humpal, Whiteman's community support coordinator. "A lot of times, Airmen will go to each other before they approach their supervisors with a problem, so it's important they learn these skills, as well." The classes offer training in many areas that will improve basic resilience and life skills, including healthy family relations, relationship-building skills, child and teen rearing, finances, conflict management and goal setting. The classes are offered by the following Whiteman agencies: - Family Advocacy Program, 660-687-4342 - Airman and Family Readiness Center, 660-687-7132 - Health and Wellness Center, 660-687-7662 - Whiteman AFB Chapel, 660-687-3652 - Mental Health, 660-687-4341 - Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, 660-687-7272 - Legal Office, 660-687-6809 - Career Advisor, 660-687-7829 To see a complete list of classes and what agency to contact to sign up for them, visit http://www.whiteman.af.mil/library/resilience/index.asp. Make sure to visit this site again in late November or early December for an updated list of classes.