Foundations

The new Enlisted Force Development Model – Enlisted Airmanship Continuum (100–900) – connects institutional, functional and base delivered education, training and experiences. The Enlisted Airmanship Continuum is first introduced at basic military training, reinforced by foundational competencies in each AFSC’s career field education and training plan, and embedded throughout the entire continuum.

Foundations Courses will replace our base-level professional enhancement seminars beginning October 2023 and become prerequisite courses for EPME in FY25. Content for all foundations courses will be updated and standardized by the Barnes Center, with the intent to remain current and relevant to maintain our competitive advantage. Foundations courses will be administered by base developmental advisors with support from local NCOs, SNCOs and subject matter experts. The duration for each level is five days: four days standardized content and one day MAJCOM/WG specific focus.

JEFC300

The Junior Enlisted Foundations Course 300 bridges the gap between tech school and Airman Leadership School. The course provides students with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to conform to standards, customs and courtesies, and offers guidance to help enhance the students’ focus on becoming highly efficient career field and 5-skill level agents. The JEFC300 empowers Airman to reflect on their behaviors in relation to the Airmen Leadership Qualities. It facilitates the journey to developing supervisory and leadership skills, developing the competency of leading individuals and teams, and understanding the guardrails and guidelines of supervision

NCOFC500

The NCO Foundations Course 500 replaces the base level NCO Professional Enhancement Seminar and will be a prerequisite for the Noncommissioned Officer Academy. The course provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead by setting the example. It also enhance the students’ capacity to continually advance factors that shape organizational culture, offer guidance that empowers students to reflect on their behaviors in relation to the Airmen Leadership Qualities and facilitate students’ comprehension of techniques that contribute to establishing robust networks. The NCOF500 assist students in grasping the connection between attention to detail, establishing impactful communication and fostering a culture of trust. It promotes the realization that asking the appropriate questions involves understanding how to utilize the answers effectively.

SNCOFC700

The SNCO Foundations Course 700 replaces the base level SNCO Professional Enhancement Seminar and will be a prerequisite for the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy. The course provides students with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to develop, advise and lead teams successfully, and facilitates technical expertise for transitioning from first-line supervisors and trainers to leaders of teams. The SNCOFC700 assists students in engaging in strategic leadership at the 9-skill level, offering a rich arsenal of influence tactics for changing people’s viewpoints and behaviors. It assist students in learning how to build and maintain social relationships to maximize their informal power and influence in an organization. The course goes beyond managing into a proactive stance that will take the organization forward.

Enlisted Airmanship Continuum

What is the duration of the course?
Five days (four standardized material, one day MAJCOM/Wing specific material)

Is the course mandatory?
Yes, it is a prerequisite prior to attending your rank specific formal PME. Formalized policy will not be released until tentatively FY25.

When will members be required to attend Foundation Courses?

As of now, there is no policy that dictates this. Foundation courses must be completed prior to attending any formalized PME applicable for that tier (i.e., 300 will be required prior to ALS; 500 will be required prior to NCOA; and 700 will be required prior to SNCOA.)

How many students will be in a course?
Ideally, 12-16 students per facilitator, to enhance the team collaboration setting

Will the 300 course replace FTAC?
No. Students will still be required to attend FTAC.

Will it be mandatory to complete prior levels of foundation courses once it is officially launched?
No. On the date the policy is official (tentatively FY25), the enlisted professional will begin their progress from the last EPME and/or Foundations course completed.

For example: The policy is published for mandatory Foundations before attending a formal EPME Course (ALS, NCO, SNCOA). TSgt Smith sewed on the day after the policy was implemented, and the last formal course she took was ALS. TSgt Smith would be required to attend Foundations 500 before attending NCOA, but would not be required to complete Foundations 300.

How were the course competencies and material determined?

They were determined though the Enlisted Force Structure, Foundational competencies (BluePrint) and paired with JQS/ALQs for each level of leadership.

How often will each course be offered?

The MAJCOMs and wings will work with developmental advisors to coordinate course dates and times pending policy publication.

Is the course being tested?

Yes. The initial operational capability, IOC, will take place at four bases beginning November 2023: Wright-Patterson, McGhee-Tyson, Scott and Lackland.