Preparing to take on supervisory positions Published June 15, 2016 By Myra Saxon 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio -- Airman Leadership School students at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base learn basic life skills to help prepare them to become good front-line supervisors. "The focus is to teach Airmen how to be effective leaders and to build their interpersonal and communication skills, but we also teach them how to deal with workplace violence, bullying, and how to teach their subordinates about financial management," said Master Sgt. Michael Sierra, Airman Leadership School commandant. Air Force Material Command has mandated a training day "zero" to be added to the current five-week, 24 academic day curriculum that consists of leadership principles and team building activities. Day zero includes training in areas such as resiliency, sexual assault prevention, and Comprehensive Airman Fitness and wingmen training. "The diversity and skill-set that each instructor brings is what makes us here at Wright-Patt unique," said Sierra. "The way we deliver and challenge our students, our different personalities, and the sharing of our personal experiences ensure they are prepared and ready for the challenges that await them in their workplace once they graduate." The students are taught team cohesiveness by participating in community projects and events such as a multiple sclerosis event called Walk MS: Dayton 2016. Students start each day by performing reveille as a class, then going through seven hours of instruction. Their weekends are filled with team-building activities, studying and attending study groups. "Everything they learn is important," Sierra said. "It's preparing them to transition from being Airmen to Non-commissioned officers and helping them develop the skills they need to meet the challenges of being a supervisor and leader in the Air Force."