Voluntary Leadership Program offers mechanics supervisory skills Published Oct. 8, 2010 By Wayne Crenshaw 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Simple facts indicate the 402nd Maintenance Wing's new Voluntary Leadership Development Program must be a good thing. Those who take the course, which is designed to give aircraft mechanics the skills to move into supervisory positions, do so on their own time, and it's a substantial commitment - three-hour sessions two nights a week for seven months. The attendance policy is strict, which means vacations and other plans must be postponed. Yet a record 700 people applied for the 40 slots in the VLP's 2011 class. "The program over time has gotten a good reputation," said Abe Banks, the 402nd's chief of training and transformation. "When you take artisan skills and marry them with leadership skills, there is only good that can come of it," he said. Among this year's class graduates is Michael Thomas, who was working as an electronics technician in the 402nd Software Maintenance Group when the course started in February. Two months ago he was promoted to a management position. Thomas spent 20 years in the Air Force and wasn't sure he wanted to be a supervisor, but the first day of the class changed his mind. That's when the instructor talked about "servant leadership", the same philosophical concept he embraced as a Security Forces officer. In addition to such concepts, the class also teaches the many technical aspects of management, including overtime, personnel policy, and other administrative responsibilities. The class has produced a total of 397 graduates and 97, or 32 percent, are now in supervisory positions. However, taking the class is no guarantee of getting promoted, and mechanics can get a supervisory job without taking the class, Banks said. Some participants even decide after taking the class that management is not for them, Banks added. "I would rather they know now than get in a supervisor's job and be miserable," he said. But, Banks explained the principles of the class can be put to use even if the participants do not become supervisors. "You can be a supervisor and not be a leader, but you also can be a leader without being a supervisor," he said.