Enlisted commissioning process aided by program CGOs

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eileen Meier
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  For enlisted Airmen who feel they have leadership potential and want to be challenged a little differently in their Air Force career, becoming an officer through one of the several programs available for enlisted Airmen may be the answer.

Additional support has recently been included in the commissioning briefings held by the Moody Education Center, now held once a week instead of twice a month.

Programs such as the Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP), Professional Officer Course-Early Release Program (POC-ERP), Scholarships for Outstanding Airman (SOAR) and others are now briefed individually with a company grade officer (CGO) who has first-hand experience in that particular program.

"What I decided to do is, instead of just doing the briefings myself, I've asked some CGOs from each program to come and speak at the briefings," said Russell Mitchell, 23d Force Support Squadron education center service specialist. "Like those who went to Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps. Then the following week, we'll have someone that went to Officer Training School (OTS) and then the Air Force Academy (AFA).

"There are programs where people can apply for a temporary duty assignment (TDY) to the AFA," added Mitchell. "This will help determine what [commissioning] program might be best for the Airman."

After the briefings, Airmen can meet with a counselor to discuss what opportunities they are eligible to apply for. Some of the programs require complete separation from the military and some provide full active-duty benefits without separation through their duration of school.

"I personally found that one-on-one interviews work best," said Mitchell. "I sit down and talk with the individual to develop a plan of action that accommodates their financial and living situations ... we determine what might be a better option for them."

The qualifications are different for each program, and the process can not only be confusing but difficult to acquire the required credentials. The CGOs are familiar with the course of action and are better equipped to answer open-ended questions or find someone who has better insight on an issue.

"The education center was able to point me in the right direction as to what my package required," said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Hunter Plant, 23d Equipment Maintenance Squadron intermediate maintenance mechanic. "Aside from the briefing, I really only used the Academy Liaison Officer (ALO) ... I was told to contact the ALO if I had any questions."

With the CGOs accessible to assist with creating a package, time can be saved and frustration spared when questions arise in the middle of the process.

"The education center can't help with some of the complex issues that some people face when trying to commission," said Kurt Meier, AFROTC cadet. "The CGOs can improve the process by giving Airmen another avenue to communicate directly to the program sponsors."

Briefings will be held at 3 p.m. each week at the ILC on the following dates:

· Aug. 21 - OTS

· Aug. 28 - Medical Service Corps/Commissioned Officer Training

For more information on upcoming briefings and registration, please contact Mitchell at the Information Learning Center (ILC), 229-257-3150.