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Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Course

Program Description.  The Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Course (CLC), located on Maxwell-Gunter AFB, AL, is a resident program that consists of 80 classroom hours.  The CLC is designed to prepare Chiefs for their initial CMSgt roles and responsibilities, primarily targeting Chiefs serving at the squadron level. This course provides Chief Master Sergeants the education to bridge strategic vision into tactical execution. Throughout the program, the CLC emphasizes critical thinking and an enterprise-level view in order to educate, inspire, and develop Chief Master Sergeants who effectively lead, manage, and mentor lethal and ready organizations. Chiefs will attend the CLC within two years of receiving their promotion line number. Chiefs will continue to build on foundational leadership competencies invaluable to fly, fight, and win across the full-spectrum of conflict and all domains of military power.    

Learning Outcomes.  The CLC prepares Chief Master Sergeants to:

• Apply deliberate metacognitive strategies to conceptualize and frame adaptive approaches to problem-solving.
• Articulate how the military instrument of power/enterprise contributes to the NSS.
• Identify personal and organizational leadership strategies to intentionally exert a positive influence in and across AF networks.
• Develop purposeful strategies to lead Airmen with character and mission focus

Faculty.  The teaching staff of the CLC is composed of highly experienced active duty Chief Master Sergeants, along with retired Chief Master Sergeants who hold a minimum Masters level academic and/or instructional credentials.  Instructor selection is determined by professional experience, academic background, and faculty qualification.

Duration.  Completion of the course is delivered in 10 academic days.  The CLC conducts ten classes per year with 72 to 84 students in each class.

Eligibility.  Chief Master Sergeants from the total force (AD, AFR, and ANG) may attend the CLC. The course is mandatory for active duty Chiefs who meet Air Force standards of performance, appearance, and fitness. Active duty Air Force personnel must have at least one year of retainability following graduation. Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) identifies and notifies active duty students for CLC attendance. Selected AFR and ANG Chiefs are scheduled through their unit training manager. 

Refer to AFI 36-2656, Developmental Education, and the ETCA website (.mil only) for additional information.