Airmen take skills to next level Published Feb. 1, 2012 By Senior Airman Janine Thibault 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Airmen arrive at Eielson from a variety of backgrounds and with many different levels of experience. How can it be assured that every Airman has the tools needed to be an asset to their shop and perform to Air Force Standards? The Air Force Trainer's Course provides supervisors the skills to properly train Airmen to succeed in their Air Force careers. "Training is the basis of everything," said Staff Sgt. Donald Koval, 354th Maintenance Squadron Unit Training Manager. Through Eielson's Trainer's Course, an average of 240 Airmen each year are educated with the goal of helping other Airmen to succeed. Usually, senior airmen and staff sergeant selects make up the audience for these courses since they are first-line supervisors and may not know how to manage the training process for others. "If we're not teaching our trainers how to do things properly, then we're not setting the right standards for them," said Koval. "The bottom line is to make sure no one is slipping through the cracks." The course teaches the importance and details of establishing Career Development Courses for new Airmen as well as upgrade training and the Training Business Area, an online program used to keep track of skills learned. With the skills learned from the train the trainer's course, training can be maintained so individuals are knowledgeable and capable of performing according to standards. Every day Airmen perform tasks key to the mission, relying on one another to share in the responsibilities vital for the success of the base. Teaching the proper way to educate Airmen allows all Icemen to fulfill the mission to the best of their abilities. For more information on the Air Force Trainer Course, contact your unit training manager.