Forging the Future: How Airman and Guardian Leadership School Shapes the Warfighter

U.S. Air Force, Reserve Officer’s Training Corps. cadets from Detachment 105 Colorado University Boulder mentor students from the Airman and Guardian Leadership School class 25-A on Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado, 28 October 2024. During the visit, cadets and future non-commissioned officers engaged in open discussions where they shared perspectives and insights from each other’s journeys and aspirations. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hollis)

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Forging the Future: How Airman and Guardian Leadership School Shapes the Warfighter

U.S. Air Force, Reserve Officer’s Training Corps. cadets from Detachment 105 Colorado University Boulder mentor students from the Airman and Guardian Leadership School class 25-A on Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado, October 28, 2024. During the visit, cadets and future non-commissioned officers engaged in open discussions where they shared perspectives and insights from each other’s journeys and aspirations. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hollis)

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Forging the Future: How Airman and Guardian Leadership School Shapes the Warfighter

Published Dec. 3, 2024
By Tech. Sgt. Jordan Thompson

BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The U.S. Space Force's "Year of the NCO" has brought renewed focus on developing the backbone of the force: its Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs). As the demand for space power grows, the initiative focuses on evolving troops while emphasizing NCOs, who are the decisive advantage in being ready to fight tonight.

At Space Base Delta 2's Airman and Guardian Leadership School, this concept takes shape in the form of the Guardian and Airman Development Program. The comprehensive developmental framework targets NCOs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to grow and advance their subordinates.

What is GADP?

"GADP is designed to create competent and empowered supervisors and leaders in our NCO corps," said Staff Sgt. Garrett Jenkins, AGLS flight instructor. "The implementation of GADP within AGLS is a team effort from across our Cadre at Buckley. We are one of the few schoolhouses where we serve Airmen and Guardian students."

The program allows for unit-level customization, ensuring each NCO receives tailored training and mentorship. AGLS has integrated GADP into its curriculum from the Thomas N. Barnes Center of Enlisted Education, with a focus on Mission Command and shaping the future NCOs for their role as warfighters.

A key component of GADP is its structure around Foundational Knowledge Areas. Twenty-four critical areas of knowledge are used to measure an effective NCO, delivered through a combination of Delta-level and unit-specific forums.

"Mission Command is about trusting our NCOs to get the job done," said Jenkins. "By giving them the autonomy to operate within their commander's intent, we're not only strengthening our force but also developing a new generation of leaders."

The school isn't just applying these concepts locally but expanding them to other units and countries. Jenkins coordinated a visit with the Colorado Air National Guard and the Royal Jordanian Air Force through the State Partnership Program, solidifying the U.S.’ standing partnership with its allies and supporting National Defense Strategy priorities.

Sgt. Jenkins organized the first-ever RJAF visit to Buckley AGLS, creating a steppingstone in helping one of the U.S.' allies establish its own NCO development practices.

"This helps strengthen our alliance with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and instills our NDS priorities in our allies," stated Jenkins.
Jenkins' dedication to crafting future leaders is driven by his desire to leave a permanent impression on those he teaches.

"Eventually, I will no longer wear the uniform, and I would like to leave the Air and Space Force better than I found it," said Jenkins. "The opportunity to train my replacements is truly humbling, and when discussing the GPC, I want to be able to ensure I can trust the men and women on my left and right so I can get home safely to my family."