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CSAF Allvin Adds Details, Articulates His ‘Nonstop’ Commitment to ‘Reoptimize’

Sunday, June 23rd, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

Adding detail and context to an ambitious effort for “reoptimizing” the Air Force, Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin said in separate appearances June 13 and 14 that changing the way the Total Force trains, plans, modernizes, and is equipped must succeed for the Air Force to meet emerging challenges from China and other competitors.

Speaking first at an Air & Space Warfighters in Action session June 13, Allvin said the Air Force has made real and tangible progress instituting elements of a broad strategy announced in February to evolve how the Air Force develops people, generates readiness, projects power, and develops integrated capabilities.

Allvin pointed out, for example, progress in reinstituting warrant officers to help fill and keep personnel with in-demand skills such as cyber and information technology. That effort, he said, is well underway, with the warrant officer selection board scheduled to convene this month and the announcement of selects tentatively scheduled for late July.

The service started soliciting applications from April 25 to May 31 for Airmen aspiring to become the inaugural cohort of warrant officers in information technology and cyber careers.

He also provided an unambiguous rationale for the undertaking and why Air Force leaders insist on pushing it forward with urgency.

“We are finding that it is more difficult to retain the cyber talent that we spend a lot of time investing in, and that is going to be so critical to us going forward,” Allvin said at AFA. “We believe this is going to be a good path to ensure that we have the talent for today and tomorrow in a very cyber-heavy force that we’re going to need.”

Separate efforts to assemble, train, and deploy so-called “Air Task Forces” are moving briskly. These units will work and train together throughout the AFFORGENcycle to deploy as Units of Action in fiscal year 2026. The introduction of ATFs marks a significant milestone in the journey toward modernization and readiness, laying the groundwork to ensure the Air Force maintains a competitive advantage over the pacing challenge, he said.

“We have an advancing threat the likes of which we haven’t seen for decades,” Allvin said at AFA. He went on to say, “a key piece of reoptimization is taking all our Airmen and developing them with a common understanding of that threat … That’s central to being ‘Mission Ready Airmen’.”

In addition to understanding the threat, Mission Ready Airmen comprehend the service’s unique and inherent capabilities to defend against the threat.

“If we believe that the future of national defense and the joint force is going to require some of the attributes that exist in our air and space forces, then we have a requirement to not only be able to participate in the joint force, we need to be leading it. The character of war is privileging the things that airpower has been doing for a long time.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen David Allvin

In a media session June 14 at the Pentagon, Allvin expounded on his comments from the day prior and discussed the need to be “One Air Force.”

“We are taking an Air Force that has been somewhat fragmented due to the strategic environment over the years and really better aligning it and coming back to be one Air Force with one force design, one unit of action type, and one Airmen development concept,” he told a group of reporters.

Near the end of the hour-long session with reporters, Allvin articulated his long-term commitment to the reoptimization effort and better integrating the force.

“I got about a little less than three and a half years left [as Chief of Staff] … and this [reoptimization] is what I am going to be about. It will be nonstop. That I can promise you,” Allvin said.

By TSgt Nicholas G. Koetz

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | Comments Off on CSAF Allvin Adds Details, Articulates His ‘Nonstop’ Commitment to ‘Reoptimize’

Space Force to Accept Air Force Reserve Volunteers for Full-Time Positions

Saturday, June 1st, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

Air Force Reservists in space-related career fields interested in volunteering for the U.S. Space Force in a fulltime capacity can expect the application window to open June 1–Nov. 30, 2024.

This transfer option is part of the Space Force Personnel Management Act (PMA), approved by Congress and signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

When fully implemented, the PMA will enable the Space Force to create a new model of service that integrates active-component Guardians and Air Force Reservists serving in space-focused career fields into a unified service that offers both full- and part-time service options.

“This is an important first step toward fully integrating critical space expertise from the Reserve into our force,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. “We’ve been serving side-by-side together, supporting the same mission, for longer than the Space Force has existed. I’m excited to officially call the teammates who decide to transfer Guardians.”

Air Force Reservists who hold the below Air Force Specialty Codes are eligible to apply for transfer into the Space Force in full-time capacity:

Officers: 13S – Space Operations, 17X – Cyberspace Operations, 14N – Intelligence, 62E – Developmental Engineer, 63A – Acquisition Manager, and 61X – Scientist. Officers selected from the 6X career field will re-core to a 62E or 63A since Space Force does not maintain that career specialty.

Enlisted: 1C6 – Space Systems Operations, 1N0 – Intelligence, 1N1 – Imagery Analysis, 1N2 – Sigint, 1N3 – Cryptologic Language Analyst, 1N4 – Network Intelligence Analysis, 1N8 – Targeting Analyst, 1D7X1 – Cyber Defense Operations, 1D7X2 – Spectrum Operations Technician, and 1D7X3 – Cable and Antennae Defense Operations.

“The Space Force is about to integrate some of the most talented space operators,” said Chief of the Air force Reserve and Air force Reserve Command Commander Lt. Gen. John Healy. “I have no doubt they will be key to advancing security in the space domain.”

In time, the Air Force Reserve, like the Air Force, will no longer maintain space operations as career fields, meaning Reservists with 13S and 1C6 specialties must transfer to the Space Force in either a full- or part-time position, or re-train under a different Air Force Specialty Code.

Application windows for Air Force Reservists interested in transferring to the Space Force in a part-time capacity are expected to open in 2026 once policies, processes and systems are established. The PMA does not currently apply to space units and personnel currently resident in the Air National Guard; however, Guard members could expect a similar process to their Reserve counterparts after authorized and appropriate legal and policy changes.
Interested Air Force Reservists can apply via MyVector and can access additional application details and requirements on the Space Force Transfer page.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, Space, TacJobs | 3 Comments »

USAF Units of Action: Air Task Forces Defined, First locations Announced

Friday, May 24th, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The Department of the Air Force identified six locations May 15, to host experimental Air Task Forces that will test new methods to generate more efficient, integrated deployable Units of Action.

As part of a pilot program, the following installations are expected to receive an ATF command echelon this summer, pending the successful completion of the National Environmental Policy Act process. This is a step toward forming the new Air Force combat wings as Units of Action.

• Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona

• Scott AFB, Illinois

• Joint Base San Antonio, Texas

• Dyess AFB, Texas

• Fairchild AFB, Washington

• Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina

“These pathfinding ATFs will work and train together throughout their AFFORGEN cycle to ensure they are at peak effectiveness on Day-1 of any deployment,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “That’s a significant change from how we deployed over the last 20 years, but the threat has evolved and so must we. The first ATFs will also be learning organizations and shape our forthcoming Combat Wing design.”

Airmen assigned to the ATF will work and train together throughout the AFFORGEN cycle to deploy as Units of Action in fiscal year 2026.

During his Air and Space Forces Association conference keynote in September 2023, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall emphasized the urgency for the Air Force to adapt and innovate in response to growing global challenges with the announcement of ATFs. Clearly defining the force presentation model and rotational demands through the AFFORGEN cycle ensures the joint force receives Airmen prepared for high-end conflict.

Lt. Gen. Adrian Spain, the Air Force’s deputy chief of staff for operations, further elaborated during a panel on Air Task Forces and the Future of Force Presentation at the Air and Space Force Association’s 2024 Warfare Symposium Feb. 14.

“In all the ways that matter, this makes us better prepared,” Spain said. “During the Prepare and Certify phases of the AFFORGEN cycle, Airmen will develop into cohesive units, attuned to each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This preparation is key to ensuring that, when deployed, these teams can operate effectively under pressure and achieve their objectives with precision.”

The Expeditionary Air Base model which first deployed in October 2023, served as a critical first step in the transition. The next step is to adopt a more modular organization of teams which generate together through the AFFORGEN cycle and deploy as a unit to maximize combat effectiveness, while minimizing risk to the base mission.

The AFFORGEN cycle is built to enable Airmen to train and exercise together before being operationally employed together as part of a team. While its implementation differs depending on the mission of each major command, the goal is to achieve a common lexicon, more individual predictability, and greater alignment of readiness generating activities such as large-scale exercises across the Air Force.

The introduction of ATFs marks a significant milestone in the journey toward modernization and readiness, laying the groundwork to ensure the Air Force maintains a competitive advantage over the pacing challenge.

“This force generation and force presentation model best articulates our capabilities and capacity to the Joint Force and in turn, improves the readiness of our Airmen,” Spain said.

What Airmen need to know about the Air Task Force

• ATFs will enter the AFFORGEN cycle during the reset phase in summer 2024 and will be prepared to deploy beginning fiscal year 2026

• ATFs will team, train, and deploy together throughout the AFFORGEN cycle

• Over time, the elements of the ATF will be incorporated into operational wings

Elements of an ATF

The ATF consists of a command element with an attached expeditionary A-Staff and Special Staff, Combat Air Base Squadron, and Mission Generation Force Elements with attached Mission Sustainment Teams.

The ATF’s A-staff includes a chief of staff who, along with the A-staff, assists with the commander’s interaction with higher headquarters and fulfills the commander’s responsibility to provide resourcing, policy, oversight, and guidance to the various forces under his or her command. The A-Staff is a standardized organizational structure, representing the following Air Force functions: A1 Manpower, Personnel, and Services; A2, Intelligence; A3, Operations; A4, Logistics and Engineering; A5, Plans and Integration; and A6, Communications. The ATF also has a Special Staff to provide staff assistance for the commander.

The Combat Air Base Squadron is the ATF’s primary base operation support element and provides sustainment, protection, and/or airfield management. The ATF commander determines support requirements based upon deployment location and mission. A standard CABS consists of one Combat Service Support Team – Lead and one to two Combat Service Support Teams capable of supporting from several hundred to several thousand service members, depending on size. CSSTs consists of cross-functional teams each sourced from a singular installation.

The Mission Generation Force Element provides the combat capability of the ATF, for example, an expeditionary fighter squadron or an expeditionary special warfare squadron. The MGFEs train throughout the AFFORGEN cycle at home station as they do today and join their assigned ATF for specific training and certification events throughout the AFFORGEN cycle before fully attaching with the ATF for the available phase.

Mission Sustainment Teams pair with an MGFE to provide mission specific combat support functions to enable agile combat employment and other operations at a Forward Operating Site or more austere Contingency Location. MSTs provide sustainment and protection for the portions of a MGFE moving forward to one or more locations. The MSTs may be able to augment the CABS when at a Main Operating Base.

Where Combat Wings Come In

At the Feb. 12 Air and Space Force Association’s 2024 Warfare Symposium in Colorado, Kendall highlighted the need to evolve the Air Force’s approach to organizing, training, and equipping to maintain a competitive advantage in preparation for great power competition.

“We need these changes now; we are out of time to reoptimize our forces to meet the strategic challenges in a time of Great Power Competition,” Kendall said.

Air Force combat wings will be structured as mission ready Units of Action with the same basic framework as the ATFs. However, as opposed to only coming together during events in the AFFORGEN prepare/certify phase, these operational wings will have all the necessary elements stationed together at the same installation where they can train together on a day-to-day basis. Over time, the lessons learned from the ATFs will be incorporated into our combat wings, with the goal to move toward combat wings as the singular force presentation model for the Air Force.

Combat wings will evolve to deploy as fully trained teams leaving behind functional base commands prepared to continue operating the base in competition, crisis and conflict.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Forces Focus, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 2 Comments »

Army Master Gunners Hold Position of Trust

Saturday, May 18th, 2024

FORT CARSON, Colo. — When Jacob Seitz joined the Army in April 2019, he aspired to be a Soldier that both commanders and enlisted troops could seek for battlefield knowledge.

As a master gunner for the Stryker armored fighting vehicle, Seitz joined a career field that adapts to the Army’s changing needs.

To earn the coveted Master Gunner Identification Badge [MGIB] a Soldier must take one of eight master gunner courses, such as infantry, aviation or field artillery. Required ranks range from non-commissioned officers E5 to E7 to warrant officers in aviation.

After attending the Master Gunner training in March 2023, the Army assigned Seitz as master gunner for the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Fort Carson, a position he doesn’t take lightly.

Master gunners act as tactical and technical experts for their weapons platform. They earn certifications on their assigned weapons system, ammunition and maintenance. The Army tasks master gunners with preserving the integrity of direct fire training programs.

“Everyone sees a master gunner, and they think that they can fix everything, which most of the time is true,” he said. “We do have that level of expertise. But they really look up to a master gunner to train them to a level that their squad or platoon leadership may not possess as far as knowledge or expertise to the platform.”

Seitz, a 26-year old staff sergeant, said that master gunners act as standard bearers assuring Soldiers in their platoon adhere to military doctrine. Before Soldiers can apply to attend master gunner school, they must possess intricate knowledge of their weapons system, Army range safety rules and basic weapons maintenance.

Soldiers attend the Master Gunner School at the Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Moore, Georgia, where they take a 20-day, four-part course known as “common core” before attending Master Gunner School. At common core, students learn how to direct fire and weapons training to raise the lethality of fires while minimizing the effects on friendly forces and bystanders. Soldiers will also learn to formulate their own mounted, machine gun unit training plan and proficiency gunnery training programs based on commanders’ intent.

Master Gunners must also consult with the S2, intelligence and security staff officer and the S3, the plans, training, and operations officer to develop battle scenarios.

“We take that information, and we do scenario development as far as collective training,” he said. “We develop scenarios based specifically on what that next fight looks like and to train our personnel on how to engage the enemy in that instance.”

Depending on the platform, some students then will attend the two-month, Master Gunner School on the tactical and technical side of their weapons platform.

“The most challenging part for the Master Gunner Course is probably the amount of memorization that you need to do on military doctrine,” Seitz said. “It’s kind of really what it’s all focused on. It’s kind of platform specific. The Stryker is arguably one of the more difficult platforms to learn.”

Seitz faced the daunting challenge of learning the Stryker’s sophisticated systems. A lighter and faster vehicle than its Bradley and tank counterparts, the Stryker has received upgrades to boost its maneuverability and lethality including variants like the Medium Caliber Weapon System.

He also took lessons on expert level doctrine of the Stryker Medium Caliber Weapon System, the anti-tank guided missile, the remote weapons station and the Javelin, a portable anti-tank weapon.

In the distinguished position, the Soldiers act as trusted counsel to commanders in battlefield scenarios.

“We serve in kind of like an advisory role, especially like in combat operations,” Seitz said. “We advise the commander based on our direct fire and indirect fire capabilities and kind of employment of our weapons systems.”

“A master gunner is a subject matter expert on their platform and the weapons system they’re in,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Sutton, a Bradley Fighting Vehicle master gunner. “Take the Bradley for example, you’re tied into [an] understanding of how the weapons systems tie into the functions of the turret; how the functions of the turret tie into the whole … as master gunners of the Bradley, we know how all this ties together.”

The Army waived a previous minimum general test score requirement for Stryker master gunners and expanded the field from cavalry scouts and infantry to include combat engineers and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialists. Seitz said the service made the changes to adapt to the new Stryker variants.

The service has explored using augmented reality to enhance Soldiers training. This month the (MCoE) scheduled another Soldier touchpoint to use the Augmented Reality Maintainer-Operator Relay System or ARMORS device during master gunner training. The system uses digital work instructions and augmented reality overlays to allow students to digest lessons at a greater pace.

As the training and platform continually evolve, Seitz looks forward to using the skills he learned on the future battlefield.

“What really motivates me is my family – the Soldiers that I work with,” he said. “I leave work every day knowing that I did something to make the organization even better; a little more lethal. What I’m doing here is probably going to save lives overseas. And I know that what I do here is going to increase the number of people that come back to see their families.”

By Joe Lacdan, Army News Service

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | Comments Off on Army Master Gunners Hold Position of Trust

US Army Eliminates Distributed Learning Courses

Thursday, May 16th, 2024

Effective Immediately: To meet the CSA’s intent of eliminating training which is redundant, antiquated, or doesn’t support warfighting and lethality, the US Army has determined it will eliminate approximately 346 hours of Distributed Learning Courses for Officers and NCOs.

An analysis determined these courses were redundant and/or antiquated when assessed against current training requirements and needs.

Enlisted courses being eliminated are Distributed Learning Courses (DLC) I–VI (formerly known as Structured Self Development (SSD) I–VI), they account for 253 hours or 31 days.

Officer courses being eliminated are the Distance Learning Prerequisite for Commanders Career Course and the Distance Learning Prerequisite for Commanding General Staff Officers Course (P920), these account for 93 hours or 12 days.

164 hours of prerequisite Distance Learning Courses remain and are currently under analysis for potential elimination in the future.

An ALARACT message will publish later today detailing full information on this change.

This We’ll Defend!

-SMA Michael Weimer

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 1 Comment »

DAF Looks to Strengthen CATM Career Field, Deliver Better Training

Sunday, May 5th, 2024

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texa —

Air Force Security Forces is looking to strengthen the combat arms training and maintenance community while also delivering better training opportunities for Airmen and Guardians.

The Combat Arms Working Group, a joint effort between the Air Force Security Forces Center, Headquarters Air Force Security Forces and major command representatives, is focused on evolving CATM for the first time since a Security Forces merger in 1997, said Chief Master Sgt. Donald Gallagher, SF career field manager.

At that time, law enforcement and security specialists were combined and the military working dog and combat arms disciplines were not individual specialties. With those things in mind, more than 50 CATM professionals met recently in San Antonio to establish a concept of action for the manpower agency to use to create the first ever CATM Air Force job qualification standard.

“The current standard is the most complicated formula in the Air Force and uses outdated methods and statistics to establish CATM manpower,” said Jason Seibel, Air Force Combat Arms Program chief at AFSFC.

“It is imperative we have a full team of CATM professionals at every installation across the enterprise to provide first-class weapons training to our warfighting Airmen and Guardians,” he said. “With Air Force Force Generation, Ready Airman Training and Multi-Capable Airmen, the demand is only going to increase, and we need to get this right, right now.”

The Air Force Job Qualification Standard is key to the success of the career field. Together with the career field education and training plan approved earlier this year, CATM instructors will now have a training roadmap from the moment they enter the career field as junior Airmen until they’re master sergeants, Seibel said.

“This comprehensive change has never been attempted before, so the working group broke some serious glass in creating an AFJQS with over 320 training objectives,” he said. “This will all culminate over the next 12 months as current CATM members with a special experience identifier 312 will be converted to a seven level in the career field.”

Establishing the working group is key to molding CATM for the future.

“It provides an immense step forward by bringing professionals together who have long-time working knowledge in the field and allows in-depth collaboration,” said Senior Master Sgt. William Johnson, Air Force Reserve Command CATM Functional Manager.

Together, they are building an in-depth training track for the new era of CATM instructors “to ensure they have the knowledge and understanding of how a professional Air Force CATM section should operate with a sense of integrity to the profession,” he said.

Building a truly balanced and in-depth training program is expected to give current and new instructors a deep understanding of what it actually takes to operate a CATM section.

“It will also give those in the career field an overall sense of pride for their profession and military career,” Johnson said.

The benefits also filter down to those who cycle through CATM for their weapons training needs, often right before important deployments.

“Airmen and Guardians will see professional instructors with a passion for weapons, safety and teaching … being comfortable handling something that may make them not so comfortable,” Johnson said. “It will allow students to have a more enjoyable experience doing things outside of their comfort zones and to me, this is the most important accomplishment for CATM instructors to accomplish their mission.”

Each working group season also allows everyone’s voice to be heard and considered.

“Having ideas from across the enterprise regardless of whether you’re from regular Air Force, Reserves or National Guard … every idea could be the one that is the missing link to provide the correct path for the career field. It’s truly a pleasure to be a part of the group and assist with the forward movement of the career field,” Johnson said.

By Debbie Aragon, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, Training | 2 Comments »

Black Powder Red Earth 28mm Game to Present at Connections Wargaming Conference

Tuesday, April 30th, 2024

We are pleased to announce that Echelon – Design Team Ember has been selected to present Black Powder Red Earth 28mm at the Connections Wargaming Conference hosted by the U.S. Army War College, at the Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, PA, on June 27, 2024.

Our presentation, The Fundamentals of Close Combat Abstraction, details the process and considerations that drove the design of the game. The presentation will be followed by a short question + answer session as well as game demos and an open social to talk with designers Jon Chang, and Michael Durao.

Learn more and register to attend at the Connections website.

Posted in Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 1 Comment »

USAF Accepting Applications for Cyber Warrant Officers

Friday, April 26th, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The Air Force is now accepting applications, from April 25 to May 31, for Airmen aspiring to become the inaugural cohort of warrant officers in the information technology and cyber career fields.

Plans to re-introduce warrant officers to the Air Force was announced by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall at the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2024 Warfare Symposium in conjunction with the Department’s plan to Reoptimize for Great Power Competition.

“We need operational units with all the capabilities they need to deter and compete with our pacing challenges and ready to enter a conflict on short or no notice,” Kendall said. “In those units we need the right mix of skills necessary for high end combat and to ensure technological superiority, particularly in information technology and cyber.”

This announcement marks a significant milestone for the initiative and presents an opportunity for up to 60 selected candidates, who will play a crucial role in addressing the multifaceted challenges of today’s dynamic security landscape. This decision signifies a pivotal moment in Air Force history, representing a strategic shift towards bolstering technical proficiency and operational effectiveness.”

“The reintroduction of the warrant officer career path reflects the Air Force’s commitment to expanding and retaining technical excellence, essential for maintaining a strategic advantage in an era defined by Great Power Competition,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “By investing in talent management programs that preserve proficiency and competence in our perishable and highly technical skills, the Air Force aims to ensure its readiness to stay ahead of rapidly advancing threats and safeguard national security interests effectively.”

The history and role of warrant officers
The Air Force dissolved its Warrant Officer Corps in 1958 following the creation of the senior master sergeant and chief master sergeant ranks, who took on warrant officer responsibilities. These SNCOs took on specific technical duties, but were never relieved of their institutional requirements.

The reintroduction of the Warrant Officer Corps career path in the Air Force aims to address critical operational needs, while maintaining highly perishable skills, and leverage the unique expertise and capabilities of warrant officers. They will serve as technical experts, functional leaders, advisors, professionals, and risk managers, contributing to the overall proficiency of their organizations.

Application Requirements

This first cohort of active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve candidates must hold the rank of at least staff sergeant and have one year of active federal service. Notably, applicants must meet specific experience and proficiency requirements outlined for each warrant officer specialty, ensuring a highly skilled and capable cohort.

The Air Force created two new Air Force specialty codes for warrant officers, reflecting the critical role these officers will play in the realm of cyber and information technology. The first AFSC, 17W – Warfighter Communications & IT Systems Operations, designates individuals as subject matter experts and trusted advisors on the planning, deployment, employment, and securing of enterprise and warfighter communication systems.

These warrant officers will provide technical guidance to commanders and staff, ensuring the efficient operation and management of communication assets at all echelons. Additionally, they will play a pivotal role in mentoring and developing cyberspace personnel, contributing to the overall cybersecurity posture of the Air Force.

The second AFSC, 17Y – Cyber Effects & Warfare Operations, designates individuals as subject matter experts and trusted advisors on offensive and defensive cyber operations assets and personnel. These warrant officers will be responsible for orchestrating, managing, and integrating cyberspace technical capabilities, delivering critical technical recommendations across various military and inter-agency platforms. Their expertise will extend to integrating cyberspace capabilities into warfighting functions to enhance combat effectiveness and maneuvering strategically in the cyber domain.

Although Airmen in any AFSC can apply, they must meet specific functional technical experience to ensure these individuals possess the requisite skills and experience to excel in their duties, contributing significantly to the Air Force’s technical readiness and operational effectiveness in cyberspace operations.

For the Warfighting Communications & IT Systems Operations (17W) AFSC, applicants must possess a minimum of 24 months of documented operational experience with enterprise IT or warfighter communications systems in areas such as voice and data internetworking, local and wide area networks, including terrestrial, satellite, and aerial systems, as well as network planning. Additionally, all applicants much hold a minimum Department of Defense approved industry certification commensurate with the requirements for the Information Assurance Technical Level II certification or higher.

Similarly, candidates for the Cyber Effects & Warfare Operations (17Y) AFSC must hold senior level proficiency in one or more U.S. Cyber Command work roles as defined in the Commands Job Qualification System, or National Security Agency equivalent. Additionally, for those specifically interested in a Cyber Capability Developer work role, must be a certified U.S. Cyber Command Senior Cyberspace Capability Developer or a Computer Network Operations Development Program graduate or have three years of experience in system level programming, i.e. C, Assembly.

Members are encouraged to read the Personnel Service Delivery Memorandum in its entirety to ensure they qualify to apply.

After Applying

The selection board process, scheduled for June 24-28, will identify top candidates poised to assume critical roles as technical experts, functional leaders, and advisors within their specialized domains. Those selected for the first cohort will be notified in late July.

Candidates will undergo comprehensive training at the Warrant Officer Training School starting in the fall of 2024 or early 2025, which will be located at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, and will focus on equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in their new roles.

Upon graduation from WOTS, candidates will be warrant officers and will be reassigned to operational units across the Air Force. Their assignments will align with operational requirements and member preferences to maximize their effectiveness in enhancing technical readiness and operational effectiveness.

“These are highly in-demand, and also extremely perishable, skills in today’s rapidly-evolving landscape,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David A. Flosi. “As we navigate the complexities of Great Power Competition, our ability to adapt and innovate hinges on the expertise of our Airmen. Using our Airmen’s full potential is not just a strategic advantage; it’s a necessity for our Air Force’s readiness and effectiveness in the face of a challenging strategic environment.”

For additional information on the requirements of becoming a warrant officer, click here.

Courtesy of Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Cyber, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 2 Comments »