AFMC Command News

Civilians' warfighter appreciation deepens after Brooks visit

  • Published
  • By Rudy Purificato
  • 311th Human Systems Wing
BROOKS CITY-BASE, Texas --  During their Jan. 30 stopover here, 48 members of the Executive Leadership Development Program, or ELDP, collectively experienced aerospace medicine's contributions to Air Force readiness.

The group discovered that even at a base known for research and development, the business of training warfighters for real-world missions continually goes on with a high degree of professionalism punctuated by genuine enthusiasm.

They saw this in their Brooks orientation that included U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine physiology training. Listening to instruction from Master Sgt. Lee Diekmann, who is in charge of the Aerospace Physiology Formal Training Program, ELDP members participated in parachute landing falls and swing landing training from a 20-foot tower.

They also learned how fighter pilots cope with high G-force exposures through anti-G straining maneuver orientation. After viewing videos showing centrifuge subjects countering effects of G-loss of consciousness, the group practiced anti-G force techniques developed by pioneering Brooks scientists. They also spent time learning about aeromedical evacuation from trainers who taught them how to load patients on litters in a C-130 simulator.

ELDP provides mid-management level federal civilian employees, in General Schedule grades 12-15, with an extensive exposure to the roles and mission of the entire Department of Defense. ELDP participants graduate from the program with an increased understanding and appreciation for today's warfighters.

"Every month ELDP members are on the road, from 10-12 days per month," said Bob Swaney, Jr., ELDP deputy director and a Brooks alumnus as a former Armstrong Laboratory senior enlisted member. "Then they return to their regular duty assignments where they are able to reflect on what they have just seen and done with our warfighters - and ultimately then have a positive impact on future decisions and policy that will affect our men and women in uniform."

The program was established in 1985 with the approval of the Secretary of Defense and has continued over the years to train DoD's future leaders to recognize and respond to the issues facing DoD. During the course of the 10 months of training, participants travel to a variety of locations in the United States and overseas, to train with the warfighter. Through intense, hands-on field experience, participants experience first hand the many challenges that U.S. components face in carrying out the DoD's mission. The program offers the only joint training within DoD for civilians.