Recurring seminar elevates cadet leadership and organizational results

Cadet 1st Class Robert (Jake) Miller, commander, Cadet Wing and Maj. Tara Holmes, cadet development chief for the Center for Character and Leadership Development, facilitate a discussion about lessons learned during the Cadet Leadership Enrichment Seminar at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Sept. 24, 2025. This recurring seminar equips cadet commanders with the tools to build and motivate effective teams while serving in their leadership roles at the Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

By Sonie Rathbun
U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cadet wing, group, and squadron commanders, along with leaders of athletic and airmanship programs, attended the Cadet Leadership Enrichment Seminar (CLES) at the U.S. Air Force Academy on Sept. 24, 2025. The seminar is part of an ongoing series conducted by the Center for Character and Leadership Development (CCLD). It provides a forum for cadets in key positions to acquire the required knowledge, skills, and peer networks to improve their organizations’ efficiency and strengthen their individual leadership skills.

Cadets in leadership positions learn from the coaching experience of Michael Kazlausky, Air Force men’s baseball coach, during a Cadet Leadership Enrichment Seminar (CLES) at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Sept. 24, 2025. This recurring seminar equips cadet commanders with the tools to build and motivate effective teams while serving in their key leadership roles at the Academy. (Courtesy photo provided by Maj. Tara Holmes)

A foundation for success

The seminar’s approach goes beyond traditional leadership theory by focusing on the tangible impact of a leader’s actions. CLES brings together leadership coaches and subject matter experts from across the Academy to prepare cadet leaders to tackle complex challenges.

“The primary goal of CLES is to support cadet commanders during their pinnacle leadership roles at the Academy,” said Maj. Tara Holmes, cadet development chief for the Center for Character and Leadership Development. “By connecting them with one another and with permanent party leaders, we provide the strategies needed to overcome challenges, foster healthy cultures, and help their cadets and organizations thrive.”

This structured support is provided through five sessions each semester, timed to coincide with leadership transition periods. Athletic team captains also participate once a semester, helping to broaden the network of connected leaders across the Academy.

One of the key benefits cadets report from CLES is the opportunity to build a foundation of trust and communication with their peers.

“CLES really helped me build a strong foundation with other squadron commanders,” said Cadet 1st Class Jane Santamore, Squadron 26 commander, Cadet Wing. “Before CLES, I knew who some of the other squadron commanders were, but CLES really allowed us to talk with one another and make lasting connections.”

Cadet 1st Class Angelina Harris, chief of staff, Cadet Wing, participates in a discussion about lessons learned during the Cadet Leadership Enrichment Seminar at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Sept. 24, 2025. This recurring seminar equips cadets in leadership positions with the tools to build and motivate effective teams. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

Building a stronger team

The seminar’s emphasis on open discussion and connection helps cadet leaders develop a collaborative mindset. Cadet 1st Class Jake Miller, commander of the Cadet Wing, described how this approach shaped the start of the semester:

“It definitely exposed me to a form of leadership focused on open discussion and approachability,” said Miller. “Being able to talk about our most pressing problems and how we as commanders may solve them started our semester strong. At the Academy, time and space are limited resources, so being able to create them for ourselves to come together was essential.”

This spirit of collaboration directly contributes to improved team cohesion and mission buy-in.

“I have witnessed how creating ownership within our units creates buy-in to assigned missions,” said Cadet 1st Class Avery Tan, vice commander, Cadet Wing. “Networking with cadet leaders and senior leaders with decades of leadership experience makes me feel more comfortable when approaching other leaders with taskers or for help. I believe it also strengthens our ability to work together as a team.”

Cadet 1st Class Avery Tan, vice commander; Cadet 1st Class Robert (Jake) Miller, commander; and Cadet 1st Class Angelina Harris, chief of staff, Cadet Wing, lead the Parents’ Weekend Parade at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Aug. 29, 2025. Held over Labor Day weekend, the event provides activities designed to orient families and visitors to their cadet’s life in the military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

Learning through application

Beyond discussion, CLES emphasizes the application of leadership theory in practical ways, helping cadets learn from real-world challenges.

“CLES is an opportunity for cadets to apply traditional leadership theory… by providing opportunities for practice, reflection, and refinement of those skills,” said Holmes.

Cadets appreciate this hands-on approach, which allows them to develop leadership philosophies tailored to their unique roles.

“My leadership philosophy has shifted because of CLES; I am now more cognizant of empowering leaders at every echelon to be involved in the process and to tailor the commander’s intent to their individual units,” said Tan. “In terms of military training, for example, we provide objectives and deadlines but empower our group commanders and operations staff to develop plans tailored to their units.”

Maj. Tara Holmes, cadet development chief for the Center for Character and Leadership Development, facilitates a group breakout session during a Cadet Leadership Enrichment Seminar at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Sept. 24, 2025. This recurring seminar equips cadets in leadership positions with the tools to build and motivate effective teams. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

The power of mentorship

Cadets also learned that effective leadership extends beyond their units. The seminar’s focus on collaboration and mentorship encourages them to seek advice and feedback. This mindset extends to their daily interactions with their peers as well as seasoned professionals.

“After learning about collaboration and mentorship at CLES, I now actively seek feedback and advice from my peers and leaders, which has made a real difference with my team at the Wing level,” said Cadet 1st Class Angelina Harris, chief of staff, Cadet Wing.

Tan also highlighted the value of learning from seasoned professionals.

“I learned the most from Chief Master Sgt. John Alsvig, the Academy’s Command Chief,” said Tan. “He expertly conveyed his passion and experience from over 30 years of serving in the Air Force into applicable lessons that we can apply as cadets who are about to step into the operational Air Force.”

Cadet 1st Class Jane Santamore, Squadron 26 commander, Cadet Wing, leads her squadron during noon meal formation at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Sept. 19, 2025. This daily formation, a leadership responsibility for cadet commanders, reinforces discipline and unit cohesion as cadets march in formation to Mitchell Hall for lunch. (U.S. Air Force photo by Sonie Rathbun)

A history of leadership development

Over the past 30 years, CLES has evolved from a meeting of administrative officials into an impactful leadership forum.

“When CLES first began, cadet commanders spent most of the time addressing cadet wing business,” said Holmes. “Today, CCLD staff assists by providing more structure to leadership development and a semester-by-semester outlook on what each cohort needs to develop, resulting in more focused sessions and access to subject matter experts.”

For more information on the Academy’s leadership development programs, visit the Character and Leadership Seminars page.

See more photos of the CLES seminar on Flickr.