Continuum of Learning

What Force Development Produces

Force development generally results in:

• Leadership proficiency
• Management proficiency
• Warrior ethos proficiency

The force development construct is a framework that links developmental needs with foundational competencies through the continuum of learning.

Occupational Competency Path

The continuum of learning, along with the defined competencies, are aligned to ensure Airmen are qualified and ready to meet the challenges of current and future operating environments.

Defining the Continuum

• Tactical expertise
• Operational competence
• Strategic vision

…to lead and execute the full-spectrum of USAF missions.

The Three Leadership Levels

• Tactical expertise
• Operational competence
• Strategic vision

These levels are recognized with varying emphasis across the foundational competencies. As Airmen progress from tactical expertise to strategic vision, emphasis on the use of foundational competencies shifts to a broader focus.

The nature, scope, and preferred methods of leadership differ based on the level of leadership and responsibilities.

What Development Looks Like

Development at the tactical expertise level includes:

• A general understanding of team leadership
• An appreciation for organization leadership

Time to Master Core Skills

• Master core duty skills
• Gain experience in applying those skills
• Begin acquiring knowledge and experience essential for demonstrating effective, ethical leadership

Becoming USAF Technicians

Airmen at the tactical expertise level learn to:

• Become the USAF's primary technicians and specialists
• Assimilate into the USAF culture
• Adopt the USAF core values

Key Activities at This Level

The tactical expertise level is a time for:

• Honing followership abilities
• Motivating subordinates
• Influencing peers to accomplish the mission
• Developing a warrior ethos
• Exercising communication skills as effectively and efficiently as possible

Broader USAF Perspective

Development at the operational competence leadership level includes:

• Developing a broader understanding of the USAF perspective
• The integration of diverse capabilities in operational execution

Specialists to Leaders

Leading Teams

It is a time to lead teams by:

• Developing and inspiring others
• Taking care of people

Building Collaborative Relationships

It is a time to foster collaborative relationships through:

• Building teams and coalitions, especially within large organizations
• Negotiating with others, often external to the organization

Where Most Enlisted Operate

Combining Competencies at Scale

Development at the strategic vision level includes:

• Combining highly developed personal and people/team institutional competencies
• Applying broad organizational competencies
• Leading and directing exceptionally complex and multi-tiered organizations

Synergy and Effects

Strategic Mastery

It is a time when an Airman:

• Employs military capabilities
• Understands the operational and strategic arts
• Has a thorough understanding of unit, USAF, joint, and coalition capabilities

Enterprise Perspective

Development at the strategic vision level includes an enterprise perspective with a thorough understanding of the structure and relationships needed to accomplish strategic objectives.

Scope of Influence