A panel of command chiefs fielded questions from enlisted and officers alike yesterday at AFA’s Air & Space Conference in Washington. Asked what advice they would give to enlisted airmen contemplating applying for a college degree and seeking officer status, Air Mobility Command Chief Master Sergeant Joseph Barron Jr. said he would advise an airman to pursue a college degree, but he would say hold off on applying for an officer slot until the personnel changes associated with the force-shaping effort simmer down. He and other chiefs noted that they’ve faced the situation of having to cut second lieutenants with prior enlisted service to meet previous force-shaping requirements.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
