Majors, major-selects may be eligible for executive leadership program Published May 6, 2014 By Debbie Gildea Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Active duty majors and major-selects interested in the Department of Defense 2014-2015 Executive Leadership Development Program must submit their application packages by May 31, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today. The program provides a new approach to training civilian employees by including military participants and interagency partners that parallel certain aspects of selected military training, said Tech. Sgt. Jason Franklin, AFPC officer developmental education. "Military participants contribute a vital perspective on the missions, operations, culture and customs of the military," Franklin said. "These shared experiences enrich both military and civilian participants who are being groomed for further leadership roles." Participants function in a simulated environment where they focus on real-life situations that involve short deadlines and require thoughtful decision-making. "Candidates must be receptive to a unique training methodology, able to assume responsibility for their own learning, and be able to conceptualize and analyze problems effectively," Franklin said. "This program is designed specifically for highly motivated officers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership ability, commitment to public service and integrity, and who have an interest in moving into senior management positions." Military members remain in their current assignments throughout the program, with the exception of 75 days that are spent in training, briefings and trips to learning environments. Because participation is not associated with a permanent change of station, those selected will not incur an additional active duty service commitment. In addition to grade requirements, applicants must have completed Squadron Officer School and intermediate developmental education, and must have successfully commanded a flight or higher level organization. Participants' home units are responsible for travel and per diem costs, so applications must include a recommendation statement from the first colonel with a valid senior rater identifier or equivalent in the chain of command acknowledging awareness of that fact. The Air Force selection board will convene in June to identify three primary and three alternate Air Force nominees, who will represent the Air Force at the DOD selection board in July. Selectees will be notified and will participate in a program orientation in August, and the first event will be held in October. For more information about the program, including complete eligibility requirements and application instructions, go to myPers at https://mypers.af.mil, select "search all components" from the search drop down menu, enter "Active Duty Officer Developmental Education and Special Programs" in the search window. Select the page and scroll down to the Executive Leadership Development Program section.