Delta Leadership Course bridges air and space
The locally developed course supports the Department of the Air Force’s emphasis on preparing command teams to build ready units, uphold standards, care for their people and execute the mission in a rapidly changing operational environment.
For many of the participating Air Force leaders, an assignment at Vandenberg represents their first experience commanding within a Space Force-led installation. The weeklong course introduced them to Vandenberg’s mission, organizational structure, support network and distinct service culture while reinforcing the responsibilities shared by command teams across the Department of the Air Force.
“As Delta Commanders, our responsibility is to ensure our Squadron Commanders have the tools, context and relationships they need to take care of their people and accomplish the mission,” said U.S. Space Force Col. James T. Horne III, SLD 30 commander. “At Vandenberg, that also means understanding how Guardians and Airmen work together to enable launch, test and aeronautical operations essential to our nation’s security.”
Recognizing the challenges and opportunities of command teams at Vandenberg, U.S. Air Force Col. Lawrence A. Smith II, SLD 30 deputy commander, conceptualized a tailored leadership program. With Horne’s full backing and direction to move forward, Smith turned the concept into an actionable curriculum to prepare newly assigned leaders.
“We recognized there was an opportunity to better prepare command teams for the unique experience of leading at a Space Force installation,” said Smith. “Drawing from proven Air Force practices, our team built a course specifically for Vandenberg’s mission and the Airmen and Guardians who execute it. What began as a local solution may ultimately offer a useful model for how the Space Force welcomes and equips command teams across the service.”
The curriculum brought several command teams together for an integrated look at what it takes to lead effectively at the Department of the Air Force’s fastest-growing space launch delta.
“This was an opportunity to create something completely new for the Space Force while drawing on proven Air Force leadership practices,” said U.S. Air Force ChiefMaster Sgt. Joshua Sanders, SLD 30 senior enlisted Airman.
“Because I was also new to Vandenberg, I could bring the questions and challenges incoming command teams experience directly into the development process. We built a course that connects those established practices with the unique mission, culture and support structure of a Space Force installation.”
The course connected participants with installation leaders, mission partners and helping agencies responsible for readiness, personnel development and family support. Topics included command authorities and responsibilities, standards and accountability, talent management, installation operations, quality of life, family readiness and resources specific to Vandenberg SFBfor Guardians and Airmen.
“Our people are our greatest resource, but taking care of them requires more than knowing what programs are available,” said U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Shannan Sanchez, Command senior enlisted leader. “Leaders must understand the Space Force mission; the Guardian experience and the different perspectives Airmen bring to this installation. This course gives command teams the context and relationships to lead both services effectively, uphold standards and make informed decisions that strengthen their people, their units and our collective readiness.”
SLD 30 supports military, civil and commercial space launch, missile testing and aeronautical operations and its mission has grown more than 1300% in the last five years. The program addressed the experiences of Airmen assigned to a Space Force base and the responsibilities leaders have in helping both Guardians and Airmen navigate an exponentially growing service environment.
The course emphasized the partnership between commanders and senior enlisted leaders and the importance of approaching leadership as an integrated team. It also allowed participants to establish relationships across organizational boundaries, share experiences and identify common challenges before those challenges affect personnel or mission execution.
By understanding the cultures, missions and needs of both services, command teams are better positioned to strengthen unit cohesion and ensure every member remains connected to the mission.
“This course helped connect the dots—what’s expected of us as commanders, how Vandenberg operates and where to turn when our people need support,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Joanne Whitlock, SLD 30 Logistics and Readiness Squadron commander. “I’m leaving this course better prepared to set clear expectations, take care of my Airmen, and keep the team focused on the mission.”
The inaugural Delta Leadership Course establishes a locally developed framework that can evolve alongside Vandenberg’s mission and workforce. Participant feedback will be used to strengthen future iterations of the annual program.
“The course did an outstanding job highlighting some blind spots we didn’t know we had,” said U.S. Space Force Master Sgt. Jeffrey Wynn, 30th Operations Support Squadron senior enlisted leader. “The course should be made available to a wider population.”
Ultimately, the course reflects a fundamental readiness principle: Command teams that understand their mission, know their people and can connect them with the right resources are better prepared to lead through change and deliver combat capability.
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