349th leading the way in professional development with BOLD, BOLDER, the Crucible

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amelia Leonard
  • 349th Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Members of the 349th Air mobility Wing have been working hard to create three, wing-wide professional development programs designed to build-up its Airmen and officers. B.O.L.D., B.O.L.D.er, and the Crucible combine years of senior leadership and problem-solving skills and apply them to issues affecting the young, rising warriors of the future.

These programs are, "Developing tomorrow's leaders through mentorship," said Col. Matthew Burger, 349th Air Mobility Wing Commander. These programs help, "forge our people into future leaders," he said.

The B.O.L.D. program is an eight-hour enlisted development course designed for E-1 through E-5 Airmen. Its mission is to inspire personal and professional effectiveness and success. B.O.L.D. also aims to help Airmen manicure the skills necessary to effectively lead, supervise, and mentor. The program's three core values are innovation, development, and motivation.

The course topics range from readiness, education and training, personal and career development, enlisted performance reviews, writing awards, various communication methods, as well as other pertinent topics.

"This course helps not just for your military career but with life skills," said Staff Sgt. Tara Burgess of the 349th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. "Regardless of what you want to do with your life, this information and advice is applicable," she said. "You'll be successful if you follow the steps they teach you."

B.O.L.D.er is designed to help further develop E-6 and E-7 Airmen.

Although B.O.L.D. and B.O.L.D.er were created solely for the development of our enlisted personnel, the Crucible is open to officers and enlisted members. It is designed to be a transformational experience for future leaders, aimed at mid-level managers, grades E-6/O-3 and above.

Crucible topics pertain to critical subjects and processes that one is likely to face in future leadership positions. The subjects change monthly and include various topics such as the Reserve budget process, the performance appraisal system, quality force management and discipline.

"Your peers are going through the same challenges you are, and the Crucible gives you the opportunity to bounce solutions off each other," said Chief Master Sgt. Mike McGillivray, Superintendent, 349th Mission Support Group. "It provides a great wealth of knowledge," he said. "You're going to walk away a little smarter."

All three programs take place surrounding scheduled unit training assemblies to minimize operational impact. B.O.L.D. and B.O.L.D.er take place on the Friday preceding a scheduled UTA, and the Crucible meets during lunch hour on Sunday.

For more information or to register to attend B.O.L.D., contact Master Sgt. Andrea Johnson by email at Andrea.Johnson.15@us.af.mil or by phone at 707-424-4126. For more information about attending the Crucible, contact your unit commander.