“1st Armored Division bolsters NCO development through 360 Leaders Course”

FORT BLISS, Texas — Emerging leaders from across Fort Bliss attended the inaugural 360 Leaders Course Sept. 2-12, at the Mission Training Complex here

The Course is the second phase of 1st Armored Division’s leader development initiative known as Iron Core, which is designed to build holistic leadership skills in junior and midgrade NCOs as they prepare for more advanced leadership roles.

The majority of the Soldiers who participated in the 360 Leader Course were identified by their unit leadership as having first sergeant potential.

“Being a first sergeant is the hardest job in the Army,” said Brig. Gen. Rory Crooks, the 1st Armored Division deputy commanding general for operations, as he highlighted the demands of first sergeant positions in his welcome remarks to the class. “You understand the perspective of Soldiers, and that valuable insight you provide to your commander is incredible.”

For many, becoming a first sergeant represents the pinnacle of an enlisted career, serving as the commander’s key advisor on enlisted matters while directly shaping Soldier welfare, discipline and readiness. That is why the training took a unique approach to prepare NCOs to take on those leadership roles.

During the course, students were challenged to refine leadership, mentorship and decision-making skills. Instead of focusing on things like tactics and warrior tasks and drills, the course focused on the interpersonal aspects of leadership needed to take care of Soldiers during difficult moments in their lives.

Participants had the opportunity to share personal experiences of how they helped others confront issues like substance abuse or how other issues, such as suicide, affected their units and personal lives. The dialogue allowed them to explore potential issues they may face in the future and ways to address the situations and lead through them.

The candid and open discussions on difficult topics combined with instruction on subjects such as psychological fitness, the science of stress and even how to maintain healthy joints were designed to create holistically healthy leaders who, in turn, will help develop holistically healthy Soldiers.

“When it comes to noncommissioned officers, one of the things we talk about in the course is that healthy leaders are effective leaders,” said Jen Maki, a course facilitator and physical therapist. “It is about understanding where you came from, understanding what your [trigger] points are, when it comes to family, friends or coworkers.”

“The leader 360 Course is a holistic perspective to bridge the gap in resources that will aid leaders to identify weakness and strengthen their self-care, self-awareness and resilience. As retired Brig. Gen. Seven Salazar said, ‘The most fundamental value a leader must have is care, and it starts with us,’” said Sgt. 1st Class Aileen Keemer, the 1st Armored Division construction NCO and the Iron chapter president for the 360 Leadership Course. “[T]he total concept of Leader 360 Course educates leaders and enables them to have an open mind in employing the H2F (Holistic Health and Fitness) services and the many resources available to engage and work with their formations to strengthen their organizations and unit culture.”

By investing in the growth and development of its future first sergeants, the 1st Armored Division continues to uphold a legacy of leadership excellence, ensuring the next generation of senior NCOs are ready to meet the demands of modern warfare while caring for Soldiers and their families.