Distance learning offers unbeatable return for time spent

Published Oct. 1, 2009
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Anthony Woitalla found the perfect vehicle to further his professional education while maintaining his duties at Keesler -- the Air Command and Staff College distance learning program.

On the civilian side, Mr. Woitalla is the 338th Training Squadron's training development element chief. On the military side, he serves as the 403rd Wing's command chief master sergeant.

"The ACSC online program is the perfect vehicle for me to receive my professional military education and still maintain my responsibilities here," said Mr. Woitalla, who served on active duty with the Army for 11 years before joining the 403rd Wing as a traditional reservist 16 years ago. He's been involved in training as a civilian at Keesler for 15 years.

Mr. Woitalla, who attended Squadron Officer School in residence, would have preferred to pursue ACSC in residence, too, but "I don't want to adversely impact my duty section. I have a responsibility here with the 338th and don't want to abandon it for a year."
He remarked that the ACSC online program offers an unbeatable return on the time spent for career development.

"The online program also affords three key benefits with one set of courses," he pointed out. "First, I'll attain my master's degree. Second, I'll receive my mid-level PME credit for civil service. Third, I'll also receive a joint PME credit."

Mr. Woitalla began ACSC about a year ago and hopes to complete the program by the end of next year. The program includes 11 eight-week classes.

"Each student submits for a request to take a class, and we rank order our preferences from the courses available," he explained. "We're notified about two weeks prior to the course so we can purchase the required books. Each week is scheduled with lessons linked to materials online -- about 200-250 pages of required material per week.

"A discussion question is required for each unit with a response and a critique of two other posts," he continued. "The discussions get quite involved and often open great debate of the materials. Each course also has a short paper, a PowerPoint briefing we prepare and a long paper for the final exam."

Mr. Woitalla has taken advantage of many opportunities to broaden his professional value to the Air Force. In addition to ACSC and SOS, he's earned several Community College of the Air Force degrees and a bachelor's degree in technical and occupational education from the University of Southern Mississippi. Most recently, he completed Franklin Covey's Leading at the Speed of Trust course and is now qualified to teach the course.

"I'm a strong advocate of professional development," Mr. Woitalla said. "As a middle-management civilian and a senior leader on the military side, I see the effects of PME within the forces. I know personnel are better for the training -- once they attend, they're pumped up. Everyone I have out-briefed has said that although it was hard, they'd do it again.

"These upper courses also help me, on the military side, to better understand the challenges facing commanders," he added. "It makes me a better adviser to (Brig. Gen. Muscatell, 403rd Wing commander) and furthers my breadth of experience. I'm a better leader with increased understanding of tactical, operational and strategic concepts and applications."

The 403rd Wing's top enlisted leader strongly recommended that people attend PME as soon and as often as they can.

"I review many promotion rosters, and this is the one area where the Airman has near complete control, especially within the reserves," he emphasized. "Yet many choose to put off this most important part of their own development. Too many careers have been hindered by this most basic requirement that individuals can control."
Once he completes ACSC and retires from the reserves, Mr. Woitalla hopes to pursue a career-broadening assignment at the Pentagon.

Distance learning offers ‘unbeatable return for time spent’