The Foundry

Foundry - Forging First Line Leaders

Objective

Leadership influences others to pursue a common objective.  Trust in a leader shifts in the follower from a position of following orders to desiring to follow.  This idea of influence is most noticeable at the E6 enlisted pay-grades.  These leaders have a unique opportunity to lead and influence in ways that senior enlisted and officers cannot. Graduates of the Foundry leadership course return to the deckplates with a renewed passion to influence others to achieve personal and professional success. John Maxwell’s second law of leadership states “The Law of Influence", states ‘True leadership cannot be awarded, appointed, or assigned. It comes only from influence, and that cannot be mandated. It must be earned.” (21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership). 

The Foundry leadership course is designed for enlisted E6's.  The Foundry course is five days in length and provides a unique opportunity to receive leadership training and insight from community leaders and retired and active-duty military leaders.

Important Information

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Application & Program Dates

Program Dates

Class 25V:  May 4 - 9, 2025

Class 26V: October 19 - 24, 2025



Application Dates

Class 25V

Sudent (E6) and Mentor (E7-E9) Applications: 

     March 15 - 25, 2025


Class 25V

Sudent (E6) and Mentor (E7-E9) 

Applications: 

     September 5 - 15, 2025


Costs:

Discounted to $109*


* Price covers course books and materials.

The Foundry

A unique program designed for military E6, active duty, reserve, and national guard, with interaction and leadership lessons presented by non-military corporate leaders. This five-day virtual program builds on existing leadership experiences to help students grow, develop, deepen, and lengthen their leadership journey. This immersive and interactive class benefits any E6 whether new to the rank or a leadership position or seasoned and preparing for the transition; everyone will benefit.

Program Lead & Questions

Your program lead for the event will be Jim Ritch, CMDCM(Ret). If you have any questions about the program pleas check out our FAQ Section at the bottom of the page. If you sitll have questions please click on the button below and fill out the form. The program lead will get back to you as soon as possible.



Ask Your Program Question

FAQ's

  • What organization does The Foundry represent?

    The Foundry falls under the Enlisted Leadership Foundation (EIN 46-5029314) .

  • How much does the Foundry Cost?

    The cost is currently $109 per student/mentor. The cost is subject to change more or less for each cohort.

  • Do I need to be an E6 to attend the Foundry?

    Yes, the foundry is intended for any military, active duty, guard, and reserve,  E6’s only

  • Do Mentors have to pay to participate as well?

    Yes

  • When will applications be made available?

    Please see our event calendar for application dates and other details.

  • How will selected participants be notified?

    You will recive an email with your acceptence and information. 

  • What is the uniform Requirement?

    The course is now virtual and held over ZOOM.  Smart civilian attire is requested for the class with the exception of Friday where the service uniform will be worn.

  • Must I have command approval to attend?

    You do not need command approval to apply but you will need to coordinate with your command if selected so that you can arrange remaining at home the entire duration of the class (Monday through Friday).  

  • I applied for a past class, was selcted, but due to operational commitment I had to drop before class started. Can I reapply?

    Yes! In your application stated what class you were selected for and why you could not attend.

  • With regards to The Foundry, what is the cost used for?

    All proceeds collected go to program operation. Items needed include: books and materials for the class and admin/technical costs.

  • I am not stationed in San Diego. Am I still able to attend?

    Yes!  All classes are held live, virtually, over Zoom, and attended by E6's stationed world-wide.  

  • Can I pay online?

    Payment for participation should be done via The E.L.F website before class begins. More information on payment is provided to selected students/mentors.

  • I have night school. Can I depart one night to attend class?

    All students and mentors are required to attended the entire week.  Becasuse the course is now virtual, we understand unique circumstances with regards to childcare, medical appointments, school, etc, does occur.  These are reviewed and consessions are made on a case by case basis.

  • I am an E7, how can I participate in the Foundry?

    Please complete an application to be a Mentor.

  • Can my family attend the graduation?

    Absolutely! Family and your chain of command is strongly encouraged to watch the graducation ceremony that takes place live on the Enlisted Leadership Foundation's Facebook page.

  • Where is the class held?

    Each student and mentor will be TAD and required to participate via ZOOM.

  • I want to attend but am station outside of San Diego.

    Because the class is held over Zoom, you can be anywhere in the world and participate.