Commissioning: An option for enlisted Airmen Published May 10, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Kali L. Gradishar 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Opportunities for advancement are abundant as an Airman. Upgrade training, on-the-job training, retraining and taking classes outside of work are all means for Airmen to obtain increased knowledge in any area. One route available to enlisted Airmen for career and educational progression is through the various commissioning programs provided throughout the Air Force. There are several directions one may go in order to reach a commissioning goal depending on the person's lifestyle. The first step to take on the road to a commission is to do some research. Which program best fits you? What are your options? The answers to these questions can be in various ways such as through the Air Force Virtual Education Center, which can be accessed through the Air Force Portal, and the Air Force Officer Accessions and Training Schools website. Another way to access information on commissioning programs is through the base education center. The education center has a multitude of resources and a staff that can direct and counsel on the various opportunities available. "The most important thing I do is to provide as much upfront information as I can," said Rosanne Pruitt, the senior guidance counselor at the Fairchild Education Center. "I try to provide every Airman with every information tool there is." With the information through the education center, Mrs. Pruitt guides enlisted Airmen to find the right path to take to commission in the Air Force. She also offers educational counseling, recommendations, and assistance with building a commissioning application packet. "They become my number-one priority," said Mrs. Pruitt of the Airmen who are serious about commissioning. The commissioning programs available to enlisted Airmen are the Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program, Professional Officer Course - Early Release Program, Scholarship for Outstanding Airman, and Airman Education and Commissioning Program. Each of these programs has specific requirements for applying. It is recommended that after getting an idea of the commissioning opportunities available that Airmen attend the Commissioning Programs Orientation, which is offered monthly and is given by Mrs. Pruitt. After that, the ball is in the Airman's court. With guidance from the counselor, the Airmen must decide what their goals are and which program best suites their lifestyle. It becomes the Airman's responsibility to reach the goal. "It's a lot of work," said Mrs. Pruitt. "But those who are very determined are usually the ones who make it." Shifting from the enlisted side to the commissioned side is a big step and it takes a lot of time and effort. Yet those who are dedicated to making their dreams into reality and those who can take the time to follow those dreams are sure to achieve them.
