Become an officer in 14 days? Air Force to test accelerated commissioning program for SNCOs

The Air Force in August will launch its first test of a turbo-charged commissioning program that seeks to turn senior enlisted airmen into officers in as quick as 14 training days.

The beta test of the Officer Training School-Accelerated Commissioning Program will take place at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, and shorten OTS from its current length of 40 training days, Air Education and Training Command officials said in a Wednesday release.

The first test will include 36 senior noncommissioned officer candidates, AETC said. Of those master sergeants, senior master sergeants and chief master sergeants, 26 will be active duty, five will be reservists and five will be from the Air National Guard. To qualify, they must have completed the SNCO Academy course, either in-residence or via distance learning. They were selected through the normal OTS selection board process that took place in January and February.

RELATED

Officer Training School sets one curriculum for all cadets

Unlike previous cadets, the new officers commissioned at the March 13 Officer Training School graduation will all have received the same training.

By Stephen Losey

A second beta test is expected to follow in October. After the tests are finished, the Air Force will study the results to see how successful they were.

AETC said the experiment with a shorter training schedule is part of its Continuum of Learning initiative, which aims to combine education, training and experience as airmen develop, giving them more flexibility to steer their own development, at their own pace. In the release, AETC said the Air Force could expand the program and experiment with awarding officer candidates competency credit for their pre-existing education, training and experience.

“Ultimately, the aim is to drive agility and flexibility in our processes and programs so that we more efficiently and effectively deliver qualified, trained, educated and experienced airmen to meet mission requirements,” the release said.

In Other News

MacArthur still endures as a larger-than-life figure — for good or ill

Few subjects in military history are more loaded than public perception of Douglas MacArthur.

January 6 convict asks for light sentence in order to remain in Navy

An active-duty service member convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack urged a judge for a light sentence in order to remain in the Navy.

Agreement helps military spouses keep federal jobs in overseas moves

Here's how an agreement between the Pentagon and State Department will help federally employed military spouses move their jobs overseas in a PCS.

Biden says uncle’s remains never found during WWII due to cannibals

While the claim contradicts the DPAA report about his uncle's fate, Biden's comments on cannibalism in the region during WWII are not far off.

Will the Supreme Court’s GI Bill ruling mean more money for vets?

A major veterans education benefits ruling by the Supreme Court this week could have far-reaching effects for millions of students.

Load More