The entire graduating class and facilitators from Backbone University, a course focused on joint leadership development, pose for a group photo Sept. 5, 2017, on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. Forty-five students graduated from the class and learned more about Joint operations, cooperation with other Department of Defense affiliates, and important issues presented to the Air Force noncommissioned officers, who make up the backbone of the of the enlisted corps. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Thomas Karol)