JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The Air Force has launched the Coaching Culture Facilitator Course to help Airmen and civilian employees grow in their careers. This initiative aims to foster personal and professional development across all levels of the service by providing certified coaches to guide individuals in solving problems, setting goals, and finding solutions through structured dialogue.
The coaching program distinguishes itself from traditional mentoring by focusing on letting the coachee, or person being coached, take the lead in conversations. Certified coaches employ open-ended questions to help people think through issues from various perspectives and arrive at their own answers. Common topics addressed include work-life balance, stress management, public speaking, and conflict resolution.
"Sometimes it's easier to talk through a problem out loud and figure it out on your own once a coach asks the right questions," said Moira Trevisan, the deputy director of the 773d Force Support Squadron and a certified coach. "Coaching helps people tap into their own potential and resources."
The Air Force covers the cost for personnel to become certified coaches through the International Coaching Federation. In exchange, certified coaches must provide a certain number of hours to Air Force members. Currently, Trevisan is coaching five leaders on various career-related topics.
The program aims to support personnel of all ranks and career fields and is open to anyone interested in signing up to be coached. It connects individuals across specialties, creating a neutral space to discuss challenges and learn new approaches to workplace conversations. Additionally, anyone in pay grades E-3 and above, O-3 and above, or GS-09 and above is eligible to become a credentialed coach.
"Everyone should go through the training to gain skills they can use for life," said Joe Dyson, the director of the 773d Force Support Squadron and a coach. This training includes techniques such as active listening and working through issues step-by-step.
The certification, recognized outside the military, can also lead to career opportunities after service. However, the primary goal of the Air Force is to develop strong leaders who can effectively manage and support their teams.
Individuals interested in the program can sign up online to start receiving specialized coaching sessions. To learn more about the coaching program or to sign up, visit https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Coaching/.