The Power of Mentorship in Command Training Published May 27, 2026 By Nakayah Bellamy Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- As part of an ongoing effort to better prepare leaders for the demands of command, the newly revised Air Education and Training Command (AETC) Squadron Leadership Course (SLC) has introduced a speed pod mentoring training block. New squadron command teams participate in speed pod mentoring sessions during the Air Education and Training Command Squadron Leadership Course at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, May 8, 2026. The sessions were added to the course to provide new squadron teams with direct access to experienced leaders for guidance and mentorship to promote readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Nakayah Bellamy) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The AETC SLC is hosted five times each year to equip command teams with the knowledge, skills and attributes to lead effectively and efficiently, and cultivate Airmen to win the high-end competition. The environment offers the opportunity for attendees to connect with experienced leaders, spouses and functionals. By prioritizing direct human connection alongside tactical and administrative training, the updated curriculum meets the demands of an increasingly complex global security environment. While the AETC SLC has long stood as a mandatory benchmark to develop readiness, a recent analysis used across the department to streamline operations, eliminate inefficiencies and enhance mission effectiveness, revealed a crucial insight: to better equip leaders for future challenges, formal instruction must be paired with face-to-face mentorship. The newly implemented speed pod mentoring sessions address this requirement directly. These dynamic engagements allow mentees to establish lifelong connections with mentors and peers; relationships that are essential to navigating the steep learning curves of command. This holistic approach ensures incoming commanders are prepared to thrive not just in their professional roles, but also personally. During the sessions, experienced squadron commanders, SELS, their spouses and various functional leaders share actionable advice from their personal experiences, helping new leaders anticipate challenges and become effective faster or promote mission success. Above all, mentors sought to put new command teams at ease. "While you can never be 100% prepared to take command because it’s a brand-new role, the AETC SLC helps put those at ease who may have hesitations going in," shared Col. Keith A. Schultz, commander of the 959th Surgical Operations Squadron at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, who served as a mentor on May 8. "Many of us were excited to return and pay it forward, ensuring the next echelon of leaders is ready." The initiative has resonated just as deeply with incoming leaders, who rely on these newly formed networks. Giomareli Díaz, wife of Lt. Col. Jorge Díaz, commander of the 637th International Support Squadron, participates in a speed mentoring session with experienced spouses and Key Support Liaisons during the Air Education and Training Command Squadron Leadership Course at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, May 8, 2026. The sessions were added to the course to provide new squadron teams with direct access to experienced leaders for guidance and mentorship to promote readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Nakayah Bellamy) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res "Attending this course was immensely valuable. It allowed me to make connections with people who have been in my shoes, but also with peers who are going through it with me right now," Lt. Col. Jorge Díaz, commander of the 637th International Support Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, noted. "It also brought great value to my wife; speaking with senior spouses and Key Support Liaisons helped prepare her for what to expect, understand my responsibilities and learn what resources are available to her and the squadron as a whole." This mentorship bridges the gap between formal training and real-world application, reinforcing the high standards expected across the force. These fast-paced sessions spark career-long professional connections, establishing the continuous feedback loops essential for a resilient and continuously improving force. AETC emphasizes that successful command requires more than just understanding regulations; it relies on the shared wisdom and support found through professional mentorship. By connecting new command teams with experienced mentors, the program ensures that leadership is prepared for the realities of today’s complex challenges. For JBSA local squadron commanders interested in serving as AETC SLC Speed Pod Mentors, please reach out to the AETC/A3AJ Mentoring program manager at marisol.atilano.1@us.af.mil