Future leaders visit Alamo Wing Published May 18, 2017 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland -- Future senior leaders from the Department of Defense’s Executive Leadership Development Program got an up-close view of the 433rd Airlift Wing May 10, here. The tour began with a 433rd AW mission brief given by Col. David Scott, 433rd AW vice commander. Scott took questions from the group and was personally thanked by one of the tour escorts for taking the time to speak with them. The next stop took the group on a C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft tour, which included flight deck and troop compartment. The tour concluded with a stop at the 433rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Staff Sgt. Kenan Torrance, 433rd AMXS sheet metal technician, spoke to the group and showed them examples of metal tubing that are used on the C-5. "This tour was awesome because it gets us engaged with the warfighters," said Jane Bachman, a Naval Surface Warfare Center lead scientist. "This is important to us because we need to understand them as we progress in our careers as future senior leaders." The DOD ELDP enhances the experience of military and civilian employees advancing to senior leadership positions. According to the Civilian Personnel Policy and the Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service website, " The Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) provides participants with an extensive exposure to the roles and missions of the entire Department of Defense (DOD). It is open to DOD civilians at the GS-12 through GS-14 (or equivalent) level, with limited participation from military O-3 through O-4 levels and Federal Agencies. Participants of ELDP graduate from the program with an increased understanding and appreciation for today’s warfighters. The program was established in 1985 with the approval of the Secretary of Defense and has continued over the years to train the Department’s future leaders to recognize and respond to the issues facing DOD. During the course of the ten months of training, participants will travel to a variety of locations both 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 our Components face in carrying out the mission of the Department. ELDP is not for everyone. It is both mentally and physically challenging. It is designed for high potential individuals who have the desire to progress into senior leadership roles in the Department." To learn more about the program, click here.