Panel of officers answer questions about commissioning Published Jan. 21, 2016 By Airman 1st Class Kiana Brothers 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- A commissioning panel was held Jan. 13 for nearly 40 Airmen E-6 and below at the base education center to hear about various commissioning programs from a group of prior-enlisted officers. The panel of officers, who came from wide ranging career fields, shared their experiences as enlisted Airmen and how it assisted them in becoming better officer mentors to their enlisted personnel. "We decided to do create this forum to provide a different take on the commissioning process. We didn't want this forum to be just about how to apply, but learning about the other aspects of being an officer that they may not have known," said Senior Airman Justin Coulter, 375th Communications Squadron executive support. Senior Airman Marlon Marrero, Air Mobility Command A3 executive services, added that "every month, the education office has a commissioning programs briefing, but our main focus was to include prior enlisted members who had gone through the process so we could get their advice." Many of the officers shared that what they enjoyed most about becoming an officer was to be in the position to effect change more readily. They also shared their own experiences with transitioning from enlisted to officer ranks and gave advice for that. In addition, a local recruiter and an Air Force Guardsman discussed requirements and what could be expected while transitioning. Coulter and Marrero said they plan to host more of these panels and break into smaller interest groups depending upon which program people are curious about.