Frontline Supervisors Course builds awareness levels Published Aug. 29, 2006 By Christopher Ball 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Edwards' leadership took part in the executive version of the up-and-coming Four Dimensions of Wellness, or 4DW, Frontline Supervisors Course in mid-August. During the two-hour training, leaders received instruction in a variety of topics related to the 4DW. Conceived and directed by Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, this highly interactive course provides supervisors with the ability to not only act in crisis, but be comfortable doing it. In addition, the course increases frontline supervisors' awareness of programs and resources -- such as Family Advocacy, Life Skills, Airman and Family Readiness Center -- to enhance their ability to recognize and effectively intervene with personnel suffering from emotional distress. According to Patricia Thurgood, one of the course coordinators, five members from the Edwards 4DW Wellness Consultation Team went to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, for training. Upon their return, they developed a course tailored for Team Edwards. "Almost all of us have the yearly -- and sometimes not so interesting -- annual training of suicide prevention and violence awareness, sexual harassment, etc.," said Capt. Richard Soto, 4DW Wellness consultation team chairman. "We don't really get the chance to apply this knowledge unless we work in an area that requires it. The Frontline Supervisor's Course is designed to build on the fundamental knowledge base of awareness and support individuals in becoming more proactive to intervene in a time of need. Thus, they need to practice these skills in a training setting so that when a situation arises they will feel more comfortable responding." Ms. Thurgood said the Edwards course meets the recurring training requirements for suicide and violence in the workplace and sexual assault awareness along with the newly-mandated frontline supervisor course. "So far, Edwards is leading the way for AFMC with implementation of training, significantly due to the support of our leadership here." she said. In addition, Edwards has expanded the course to include vital information for supervisors from Civilian Wellness, Employee Assistance, the Chapel, Organizational Consulting Office, AFRC and the Health and Wellness Center. "We felt that in a course such as this, it would be beneficial to address all areas of the AFMC Wellness and Safety Campaign," Ms. Thurgood said. "We added the 4DW to the name (Frontline Supervisor Training Course) because we are truly addressing and training supervisors on how to measure the four dimensions of wellness in their people." To enhance the supervisors' leadership abilities, the course materials covered a variety of topics such as resources, signs of distress and techniques for intervention. The instructors also pointed out why supervisors need the information. "As a supervisor, the expectation is not just awareness, but to provide intervention," said Darrel Burns, Edwards' sexual assault response coordinator. "But, you need to know you're not out there by yourself." To gain this knowledge, military supervisors in grades E-4 and higher along with all civilian supervisors are required to attend one of the four-hour courses between now and Dec. 18.