MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga -- The 23rd Contracting Squadron closed out a new eight-week Contingency Contracting Officer (CCO) training program with a capstone event, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, July 28, 2021.
Eleven military members and six civilians spent the day at the Moody AFB Field Training Site simulating two simultaneous deployments to bare-base environments in “Eastern Europe.”
Master Sgt. Aaron Farris and Tech. Sgt. Tyler Walker served as instructors and observers as they guided several scenarios including emergency buys for communications infrastructure, construction materials, generator repairs, water, food, shelter, and transportation.
These mission-focused business leaders negotiated with demanding “locals,” calmed aggressive customers, and quickly prioritized and executed buys to sustain mission operations despite many challenges.
This event indicated a paradigm shift from the CCO training of yesterday, and these Airmen showed the flexible approach to business that proves them effective operators in any environment, present or future.
“This is how our contracting professionals are accelerating change at the tactical level,” Farris said.
The 23rd CONS is leaning forward to develop the business leaders for tomorrow’s operational engagements.
“I was thrilled to see our CCOs lead the charge and operate under pressure as CONS prepares to support Lead Wing and Agile Combat Employment,” said Maj. Adam Derentz, 23rd CONS commander. “They consistently increase speed, break the cycle of passive engagement, and create space for acquisition modernization.”
The team at 23rd CONS plans to continue innovating their training program, and they expect events like this will happen more frequently and will include other units in the next iteration.