2024 NCLS After Action Report from Bob Munson
|
Classmates:
We had about a dozen classmates, some with spouses, attend NCLS 2024. Class feedback on the speakers with one exception was all positive. Can't say too much how impressive LtGen Clark was, and has been, at NCLS. Lt Madison Marsh (Miss America, our Legacy Class of 2023) came across as very well spoken. Picture on the right, but she was photo-bombed. |
|
Leadership Psychologist Dr Fragale got the most votes for. Similarly Olympian Missy Franklin was popular for her enthusiasm, participation in both days, speaking to how important loving what you do is related to success. and how over-attention to outside pressure kills it. Grad, Reserve pilot, and comedian Jose Sarduy also connected with the cadets. That's primarily where our class donations go, to bringing in speakers. Success has led to program growth beyond our expectations in 2003.
|
|
|
|
For the first time this year I attended the NCLS organization meetings which started in December. The program has grown considerably in two ways. At the weekly NCLS prep meetings 35 cadets participate, along with 20 staff from USAFA and ABWg, all charged with organizing/managing 12 separate task areas such as logistics, transportation, lodging, speakers, meals, etc. for the event. Attending those meetings was like being in a Wing or HQ staff standup but with cadets leading and briefing. The meetings were run by the Firstie on Wing Staff charged with NCLS...she and her second classman are the only ones who hold a cadet wing staff position for the entire year. The CCLD staff have different responsibilities and brief them like the cadets. Overall it was an impressive to see the cadets leading, planning, and executing. All in all perhaps 400 cadets work NCLS, if you include those who escort college/university visiting students.
The second part I was wasn't aware of was that the cadets now work hard to get the speakers to engage with the Wing beyond their speaking presentations. So Missy Franklin went down and met with the swimming team, the astronauts met with the Astro majors, Lt Marsh went to her squadrons, Asuncius from USAID attended Poli Sci classes, etc. In all, speakers did 112 'non-speaking engagements'.
Conclusion: '73 slam dunk. Our class fund is the single largest funding source to invest in NCLS, and it is now providing character/leadership returns way beyond our expectations of 20 years ago.
Next year's theme: "Warrior Ethos"
The second part I was wasn't aware of was that the cadets now work hard to get the speakers to engage with the Wing beyond their speaking presentations. So Missy Franklin went down and met with the swimming team, the astronauts met with the Astro majors, Lt Marsh went to her squadrons, Asuncius from USAID attended Poli Sci classes, etc. In all, speakers did 112 'non-speaking engagements'.
Conclusion: '73 slam dunk. Our class fund is the single largest funding source to invest in NCLS, and it is now providing character/leadership returns way beyond our expectations of 20 years ago.
Next year's theme: "Warrior Ethos"
Bob Munson serves as one of the liaisons for the Class of '73 with the USAFA National Character and Leadership Symposium. He welcomes your thoughts on this past NCLS and suggestions for the future.