Air Force Leadership Development

The need for competent, effective leadership is constant. Technology and globalization are rapidly changing the world, which creates an environment of increased interdependence. In order to adapt, large organizations in every segment of our society must transform. The United States' largest organization and an instrument of national power, the military, is transforming and its leaders must be prepared to face new challenges. The Air Force is in the process of codifying leadership doctrine and force development guidelines for the "professional officer corps" of the 21st century and beyond. This paper seeks to provide an officer leadership development model for Air Force doctrine and force development planners to consider. Additionally, the paper identifies two key areas of leadership crucial to the model that are applicable to all Airmen. They are essentials of leadership and levels of leadership. The essentials of leadership are the core principles for leadership doctrine; a leader must have character and competence. These principles are universally applicable to all Airmen. While all Airmen are "leaders," there are three levels of formal leadership in the Air Force.