For many years now the United States Air Force Academy has been putting on a character and leadership symposium in Colorado Springs, Col. The purpose of the symposium is to allow cadets, midshipmen, and civilians to learn and grow in the aspects of character and leadership.
The United States Air Force Academy
This year I had the amazing opportunity to attend the symposium from 17 Feb – 20 Feb. I was hosted by cadets on campus at Academy, and had the pleasure of witnessing the day to day activities first hand. A typical day would consist of a 0630 hrs (6:30am) wakeup, followed by a quick shower and breakfast before the morning speakers, which would each last about an hour or so. Following the morning round of speakers we would have lunch at the mess hall, or “Mitch’s”, as it was known to the cadets. After lunch there would generally be two speakers, and then we would be given the rest of the afternoon off. Around 1700 hrs (5pm) we would grab a quick bite to eat, and then off to the final round of speakers, which typically lasted until about 2000 hrs. After the final speaker we had the night to ourselves.
The speakers that came to USAFA had all different types of backgrounds. Some were in business, while others were involved in coaching and others in medicine. Of course there were those who were in the military, which I found to be hands down the most interesting (probably a little biased). The opportunity to listen to these individuals who have had firsthand experience with some of the most challenging decisions in the world was a great experience for me. Over the last three years I have traveled numerous places for various reasons for ROTC, and I am grateful that they have provided me with not only the proper training to become a qualified USAF Officer, but the opportunities to learn and grow in the areas of character and leadership from some of the greatest men and women in this country.
For more information about the NCLS, please visit http://www.usafa.edu/Commandant/cwc/cwcx/ncls/?catname=ncls
Cadet First Lieutenant Steve Sellers
