Phoenix Stripe continues to develop future AMC leaders

Published March 7, 2012
By James L. Hodges
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The Phoenix Stripe conference was held Feb. 27-March 2, at Air Mobility Command Headquarters here to develop NCOs and mid-grade civilians into future leaders by teaching leadership skills and illustrating how every Airman fits into the overall mission.

Phoenix Stripe is a highly selective professional development conference held twice a year by AMC for mobility Airmen and civilians from active duty, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve. This year the conference had 99 attendees.

"Its mission is to provide a headquarters orientation and professional development providing a snapshot of the big picture of how AMC operates as we answer the call so others can prevail," said James Domina, Phoenix Stripe course director from Headquarters AMC.

Started in the late 1990s by then AMC Commander, Gen. Charles T. Robertson, Jr., and former AMC Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth F. Van Holbeck, Phoenix Stripe is a discussion opportunity for a small segment of enlisted Airmen to meet and engage with current senior leadership.

The attendees were given a book, Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips, the first day and with direction from their mentors, Chief Master Sgt. Bryon Nelson and Chief Master Sgt. Billie Black. The students read designated chapters in preparation for in-class discussion. Leadership is the common thread that runs through the Phoenix Stripe curriculum, said Domina.

"They reference Lincoln on Leadership a lot," said Staff Sgt. Melissa Laird, executive flight attendant from the 54th Airlift Wing at Scott AFB. "It's interesting to see how Lincoln was during the Civil War setting foundations for leadership still used today.

"It's great to see how our every-day duties affect the mission and we can use that to lead." said Laird.
"It's good to know we have leadership who care how we progress."

"It's very informative and inspirational," said Tech. Sgt. Orlando Salas, civil engineering evaluator from the 422nd Joint Tactics Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. "I've learned it's best to stay positive and not just get in the face of your [staff]. That's often less productive."

Phoenix Stripe attendees had the chance to listen to leadership perspective from Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., AMC commander; Lt. Gen. Robert R. Allardice, AMC vice commander; Lt. Gen. Mark F. Ramsay, 18th Air Force commander; and Chief Master Sgt. Richard A. "Andy" Kaiser, AMC command chief.

"You, as NCOs, need to know who you are and how to adapt your leadership style for where you are," said Johns. When asked what his leadership style was, Johns said "It's acquired, because it's not mine. It's what I've seen from others and made mine. I'm very open. I'm very direct. And I trust my Airmen."

The next Phoenix Stripe conference will be held Sept. 10-14 with another one planned for May 13-17, 2013.