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AFSOTC offers college credits and expands training

  • Published
  • By Capt. Laura Ropelis
  • AFSOC Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The Air Force Special Operations Training Center here is now offering college credits to Airmen and expanding training opportunities, allowing warfighters more time to concentrate on their mission.

The U.S Air Force Special Operations School here, under the umbrella of AFSOTC, offers 20 Community College of the Air Force accredited courses in irregular warfare, regional and cultural affairs, and special operations through Air University.

"It is important to let the trainers train and the warfighters focus on the fight," said Colonel Harmon.

Improving mission effectiveness is part of Colonel Harmon's vision. Individual units at Hurlburt currently train their Air Commandos in-house, while fighting the war at the same time.

Training responsibilities will move to AFSOTC who will oversee student management, academics, simulators and scheduling, taking it off the warfighter's' plate, explained Colonel Harmon.

The shift to expand training under the AFSOTC umbrella will affect; USAFSOS, the 19th Special Operations Squadron, the Special Tactics Training Squadron, the 5th Special Operations Squadron, the 745th Special Operations Squadron and Detachment 1 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., while other warfighter units may experience lighter training requirements.

Training standards currently vary according to units. In many cases, Air Commandos do not get credit for weeks of required unit training. Under AFSOTC, this is already changing, said Colonel Harmon.

Det 1 is currently offering its first class this week on anti-terrorism through USAFSOS mobile team of educators.

"It is practical education that makes you think and expands horizons," said Col. Brian Cutts, commander of USAFSOS.

Results are already being achieved in response to growth, a need for standardization and increased warfighter demands.

"The Special Tactics Training Squadron has experienced exponential growth on the student and staff side," said Maj. Chris Larkin, commander of STTS.

"We introduced a new series of training courses for our combat weathermen. They now earn their own Air Force specialty code. Most of the training at STTS is geared to shoot, move and communicate," said Major Larkin.

Also standing up is the STTS first Tactical Attack Control Party (TACP) course this summer, said Major Larkin.

Virtual, live and constructive training (LVC) will be integrated into AFSOTC exercises and courses to provide training that feels real, looks real and meets training standards.

Emerald Warrior is a LVC AFSOTC training exercise in February. During this exercise, the 19 SOS will use CV-22 and gunship flight simulators to train pilots on computer-simulated realistic scenarios.

These flight simulators not only save wear and tear on Air Force aircraft, they prepare pilots for combat, allowing them more flight hours, saving both bullets and fuel, explained Lt. Col. Royce Lott, commander of the 19 SOS.

"The new consolidated training approach is cost-effective for units, giving students access to regionally accredited experts in flight, special operations, culture, language and training equipment they can't get at their units," said Colonel Harmon.

Another focus for AFSOTC is retention of new recruits. In unit training, if a person drops out, the unit has lost time and training monies. In the past, unit personnel would then have to recruit, assess, select, and train new students all over again on warfighting time.

AFSOTC is looking at the "whole person" in their new assessment process to find the warrior ethos. Someone who can handle challenges physically, mentally and emotionally.

"Becoming an Air Commando requires a gut check," said Colonel Harmon. "Once selected, a recruit will undergo rigorous training through AFSOTC. We need to make sure these are the right people for the job so they will succeed."

By consolidating training under AFSOTC, Colonel Harmon's vision is to recruit, assess, select and train Air Commandos who are ready to fly, fight and win when they arrive at their units.

"Our Air Commandos deserve the best," said Maj. Larkin.