Leadership Development Program available soon to CGOs Published April 14, 2010 MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Four graduate-level, distance learning courses originally offered to a small group of active-duty Air Force captains will be available to all active-duty Air Force company grade officers May 3. "The Leadership Development Program provides unique developmental opportunities for officers to pursue outside the traditional professional military education construct in preparation for deployments, increased responsibility and challenging assignments," said Capt. Peter Axt, director of Operations for Distance Learning at the Squadron Officer College. "These self-paced courses are strictly voluntary but valuable for the aspiring leader. Depending on demand, the program may expand its enrollment opportunity to reach even more personnel." Col. Steve Tanous, SOC commandant, said LDP represents the Air Force's continuing commitment to developing the human weapon system, which is the most critical component in the service's combat capability. "The Air Force acknowledges the need to develop Airmen to reach their full potential while recognizing that personal development is a highly individualized activity," he said. "These courses provide opportunities for officers to take responsibility for their own learning while affording them the flexibility to take courses at a time that best suits their educational needs." Captain Axt said LDP consists of four online courses. The Officer Development course focuses on building a foundation for lifelong personal and professional growth, while the Flight Commander course addresses leadership from the junior officer perspective, equipping these officers with new or enhanced skills as they assume increased levels of responsibility. The Expeditionary Leadership course examines the special requirements of deployments in intercultural contexts, and the Organizational Leadership course addresses skills for leading change in complex institutional structures. Captain Axt said students could take these courses in any order for "just-in-time" career development. "The four LDP courses feature current and relevant content and media posted to the Blackboard Learning Management System," Captain Axt said. "Each LDP course consists of about 120 contact hours and two to four examinations. LDP course completion is posted in a student's Air University transcripts as professional continuing education." (Article courtesy Squadron Officer College)