349th Air Mobility Wing hosts course for young officers

  • Published
  • By Capt. Melissa Johnson
  • 349th Mission Support Group
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  "Cultivating Resiliency in Dynamic Environments- Transitioning from Surviving to Thriving," was the theme for a Junior Officer Leadership Development course hosted by the 349th Air Mobility Wing Nov. 5-8 at Travis Air Force Base.

JOLD is a theme based professional development seminar available to junior officers, 2nd lieutenant through captain. It is managed by the Air Force Reserve Command Professional Development Center, but is open to active duty, reserve and Guard. Participants included 50 reserve officers from Travis and other locations, as well as 15 active duty officers from the 60th AMW and the 615th Contingency Response Wing.

The theme of the Travis JOLD course oriented the speakers, workshops and activities into a comprehensive learning environment with the goal of helping junior officers increase their understanding of resiliency and ability to combat stress.

This topic was important for our young leaders' self-awareness and to improve their ability to assist members of their respective units.

All the military services have a renewed focus on the psychological health of their personnel. Recent symposiums and initiatives, including the additional of mental health professionals, have strengthened that focus. The events at Fort Hood, happening as our course began, emphasize the importance and validity of the Travis JOLD theme.

The Air Force Reserve Chaplains gave a presentation about the role of spirituality in developing resiliency, and the Chaplains role in the continuum of mental health care. Other activities included a personality assessment, as well as circuit training physical conditioning at the Health and Wellness Center, led by Ms. Julie Stout. The attendees did have the time to enjoy some of the local treasures of the Napa Valley and the beauty of Northern California.

Brig. Gen. Maryanne Miller, then commander, 349th AMW and Col. James Vechery 60th AMW commander, offered the group their personal views on leadership and resiliency. Briefings on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury and available treatment and resources were given by mental health professionals from David Grant Medical Center Mental Health Flight, the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health & Traumatic Brain Injury, and the Pathway Home-California Transition Center for the Care of Combat Veterans located at the Yountville Veterans Home.