What it Means to be a Student Leader

Published Sept. 9, 2024
By Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus
17th Training Wing Public Affairs

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

During Air Force Technical Training, Airmen are encouraged to apply for student leadership positions categorized by colored aiguillettes or “ropes” on the left shoulder of their uniform.

What it Means to be a Student Leader

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 315th Training Squadron march back to their squadron after a day of intelligence classes at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, May 8, 2024. The 315th TRS’s mission is to train, educate and inspire the future intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance warriors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Brian Lummus)

The Rope Program is a selection process that involves airmen submitting an application to the military training leaders for approval. Each rope has its responsibilities and requirements to become and stay that rope throughout an airman’s time at tech school. The program's purpose is to give students a chance to lead and interact with different people before leaving the training environment. This allows students to take on leadership roles as they prepare to enter the operational Air Force.

What it Means to be a Student Leader

U.S. Air Force Airmen student leaders assigned to the 315th receive their black aiguillettes during morning formation outside the Western Winds dining facility at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, July 29, 2024. Black ropes are selected to lead as members of the Student Drill Team and Special Activities Team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)

“My philosophy is that this is a training environment, a place for people to learn and grow, so typically, I’m not going to turn anyone away,” explained Staff Sgt. Jeffery Campbell, 315th Training Squadron military training leader. “I like to give everyone the opportunity to at least try it on and see what they’re able to do.”

Students tasked with leading their flights are given ropes labeled by level of responsibility from green to yellow and finally, red. Along with the “stoplight” ropes, students can apply for other colored ropes with different assigned tasks.

What it Means to be a Student Leader

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 315th Training Squadron stand at parade rest during morning formation outside the Western Winds dining facility at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, July 29, 2024. Students assigned to the 315th TRS hold open ranks regularly to ensure their uniforms and appearance are up to standards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)

Black ropes are responsible for drill and ceremony and ensuring their fellow students’ uniforms are squared away and worn in accordance with Department of the Air Force Instruction 36-2903. White and teal ropes serve as student liaisons tasked with providing proper, easy access to on-base services to their peers and sharing resources and inspiration with those in need.

These responsibilities can take a toll on anyone, especially those in a stressful training environment. Once a student becomes a rope, they must use personal time to learn and improve as leaders, along with the typical responsibilities of a student in technical training.

“Being in these programs allows me to become a better leader, and that’s exactly why I joined to begin with,” stated Airman 1st Class Alvin Clavon, 315th Training Squadron student leader.

Even though these responsibilities can be stressful, they give airmen with skill and talent an opportunity to give back to their peers and lead while in technical training. Every Airman is expected to be a leader, and the rope program represents an opportunity for those students in training to sharpen their leadership capabilities as they continue on their path to becoming the future leaders of the Air Force.

What it Means to be a Student Leader

U.S. Air Force Airmen student leaders assigned to 315th Training Squadron assess their performance after marching to class at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, July 29, 2024. The 315th TRS Airmen student leaders gather after every formation to reflect on their presentation and share concerns with Military Training Leaders (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)

What it Means to be a Student Leader

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Lauro Garza, student leader assigned to the 315th Training Squadron, calls cadences while students march to class at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, July 29, 2024. The troopwalk at Goodfellow allows student leaders to use precise facing movements to keep their flights aligned with the winding path from the dorms to the schoolhouse. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)

What it Means to be a Student Leader

U.S. Air Force Airman student leader assigned to the 315th Training Squadron takes accountability during morning formation outside the Western Winds dining facility at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, July 29, 2024. Green ropes are tasked with serving as an Airman Leader while providing peer-to-peer mentorship and assistance to other Airmen in training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)

What it Means to be a Student Leader

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 315th Training Squadron are marched back to their squadron by their Military Training Leader after a day of intelligence classes at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, May 8, 2024. The 315th TRS is one of Goodfellow’s squadrons responsible for training the Air Force’s future intelligence warriors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Brian Lummus)