CALT program prepares civilians for leadership roles

  • Published
  • By 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Applications for the Civilian Acculturation Leadership Training Program at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., are being accept from Air Force civilians interested in pursuing leadership, managerial and supervisory roles.

Similar to Officer Training School, the CALT program provides a unique one and a half week in-residence experience focused on the Air Force culture, mission and the significant role leaders play in the Air Force's overall success. The curriculum parallels the leadership modules taught at OTS and includes team-building exercises, some outdoor activities, simulation exercises, and personal health and wellness to maintain physical fitness. This is an intensive leadership development program that entails outside reading and projects, too.

"CALT is part of the Air Force's emerging leader program," said Daniel Sitterly, U.S. Air Force director of Force Development and deputy chief of staff for Manpower and Personnel. "It is through a strong foundation in institutional competencies, put within the organizational culture in which they work, that CALT participants build the capabilities to succeed in larger, more complex roles."

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and be an Air Force civilian ranked as General Schedule 7-13 or in Pay Bands 1 or 2, with two - five years of continuous federal service. They cannot have prior military experience or any Professional Military Education. Other candidate requirements include:
  • Exhibit leadership potential
  • Be willing to assume responsibility
  • Motivate and encourage others
  • Show creativity
  • Be innovative
  • Search for new ideas and different ways of doing things
  • Seek opportunities for self development
  • Actively listen to others
  • Expresses ideas in a clear, concise manner
Selectees will live under the same rules and conditions as OTS candidates: in the OTS dorm with no television, phone, refrigerator, microwave or alarm clock; off-base accommodations will not be considered. They must also abide by OTS rules: no smoking, drinking alcohol or room visitations, and they must eat in the OTS dining facility.

"As we all know, it's important for the Air Force to develop and sustain a cadre of emerging leaders who can lead effectively in increasingly complex environments, said Mr. Sitterly. "An emerging leader is a high performing employee who exhibits leadership characteristics and demonstrates the potential to become a leader. Emerging leaders are critical to our organization and we must invest in them to ensure our ability to meet future challenges."

There will be eight classes available and applications will be accepted until all classes are filled. Nominees may select primary and alternate class dates; however, the final date will be based on Air Force needs.

CALT program dates are: Oct. 18-29, Nov. 10 - Dec. 10, Jan. 3-14, Jan. 24 - Feb. 4, Feb. 2-March 11, March 21 - April 1, April 11-22 and May 2-13.

Those interested in attending must self nominate by completing the Air Force IMT 4059, Air Force Civilian Competitive Development Nomination Form, on the Air Force e-Publishing website: www.e-publishing.af.mil. Complete section two with the first and second choice of class dates and section three listing short- and long-term career goals in terms of development. Section four requires endorsement from a group commander (the first colonel, GS-15 or YC-3 in the supervisory chain).

Once the form is complete, email it to AFPC/DPIFDA group mailbox at afpc.dpi.ldrshpdev@randolph.af.mil.

The Directorate of Civilian Force Integration will notify selectees by mid-August. If selected, candidates must complete the on-line New Employee Orientation Program prior to attending at https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/AF-Orientation.

For more information on CALT, go to: https://gum.afpc.randolph.af.mil/cgi-bin/askafpc.cfg/php/enduser/ps_std_adp.php?p_faqid=9068&_sid=MXigN_2k&p_lva=&pid=3351&cid1=3368&cid2=3379, or contact Debbie Stauff at 210-565-2524 or DSN 665-2524.