Air Mobility Command added a new twist to the High Flight program here when Air Force civilians were added to the professional development and orientation course.

Forty-seven captains from across the Air Force and six civilians from the command recently participated in the twice-a-year program.

Patricia Dorsey, director of the family support center here and one of the first civilians to attend the course, found it extremely beneficial.

"It is not often that civilians have the opportunity to attend leadership training with their military counterparts," Ms. Dorsey said. "The AMC mission and future were presented with clear-cut indicators that civilians are a key component of the total force, and that concept was truly exemplified throughout the leadership briefings, networking, social and mentoring sessions."

Participants and their spouses from AMC's active-duty, Guard and Reserve units, as well as some from other major commands, were selected to attend the three-day course.

Attendees met with the command's senior staff and functional directors, received presentations, and discussed major issues affecting the Air Force.

"This conference provides a broad perspective of Air Mobility Command and presents an open forum for senior staff to discuss leadership and current AMC issues. We have been very fortunate to have had several senior leaders, including (Gen. Duncan J. McNabb), involved with the program, devoting much of their precious time to enrich the attendees' experience. Now as part of total force integration, our Air Force civilians will benefit from that same experience," said Capt. Paul Skipworth, AMC Commander's Action Group special actions officer, and coordinator for AMC High Flight.

Attendees toured the tanker airlift control center, where they saw firsthand how mobility missions are tasked and tracked throughout the world.

They also received a mix of AMC knowledge along with leadership advice. Important benefits the course provided to the participants were opportunities for mentorship, education and networking.

Attendees took home a better understanding of the command and a notebook filled with ideas, quotes, stories, guidance and many new contacts.

Ms. Dorsey felt her experience was invaluable and hopes civilians will continue to participate in the course.

"I have gained knowledge of the current demands and challenges AMC's global mission places on its assets and personnel, as well as what future leaders will be facing," she said. "This renewed appreciation of the mission will foster the direction needed by my organization to ensure superior support to personal and family readiness."

Brenda Romine, AMC's deputy director of logistics and senior civilian, said civilian participation in the course is extremely important.

"Just like the deliberate development of our Airmen, we need to develop our civilian force the same way," Ms. Romine said. "It all folds into this equivalent development concept where we train all of our force in the same type of leadership and strategic, tactical and operational standards and competencies via the same methods that are tested and trusted by everyone."

Ms. Romine knows the importance and benefits of training everyone together.

"This course and others like it will allow us to bring our total force together," she said.

(Courtesy of Air Mobility Command Public Affairs)