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Airman selected for new commissioning program

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jake Eckhardt
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Hicks, 38th Cyberspace Readiness Squadron (CYRS) cyber warfare operator, was selected to become an officer through the Senior Leader Enlisted Commissioning program.

"We knew he wanted to become an officer, so we were exploring our options," said Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin Higginbotham, 38th CYRS superintendent. "I remember being in a teleconference meeting with my command chief when he started telling us about this officer transition program. I unmuted and asked him, 'What exactly is this program, and where can I find guidance?' He said, 'There is none.'"

The program is new, according to Higginbotham. It was presented to major command generals as an opportunity to allow one of their Airmen to transition to the officer side of the Air Force.

As soon as the chief got off the phone he called Hicks to see if this program was something he was interested in doing. Hicks said he was interested, and he began gathering everything he needed for the program, such as transcripts, EPRs, a commander's recommendation letter, essays, pictures and copies of his service records.

"Sgt. Hicks has solidified himself in the squadron," said Higgenbotham. "He is the go-to NCO even with how young he is. He's out front, very involved, mature and articulate. You always hear his name come up during award season. I knew right away that he was our guy."

Hicks said he is proud to be able to live out his dream of becoming an officer, and is confident in his abilities as a leader.

"I know I can better serve the Air Force as an officer," said Hicks. "I want to shape and give back to the Air Force as well as provide for my family, personally and professionally."

Air Force Space Command commander, Gen. John Hyten, came to Scott for a summit with other commanders from across the Air Force. Hicks was told that he was to be interviewed by the general and other commanders so that a final decision could be made regarding his selection.

Higgenbotham and Hicks attended the interview even though the decision to select Hicks had been made previously, all to surprise the staff sergeant about his selection.

Higgenbotham said, "We were waiting in the projection room for General Hyten to come in. He comes in, and we all go to attention. He starts shaking hands and when he gets to Sergeant Hicks, he introduced himself, then immediately started asking questions."

The general told Hicks that he would then interview him with eight MAJCOM commanders as planned.

Hicks joined them on stage. Hyten then introduced the staff sergeant to more than 10 general officers, then proceeded to further question him.

"After a while, Gen. Hyten said, 'We're not going to do this. The reason we're not going to do this is because I've already chosen you as my candidate. Congratulations,'" said Higgenbotham.

It became clear to Hicks that the interview was just a set-up to surprise him with his selection.

A date hasn't been established when he will go to Officer Training School as of yet, but Hicks said he looks forward to leading the next generation of cyber warfighters.

"I was originally just going to do my six years and get out," Hicks said. "That changed. I got attached to the people, the lifestyle and the opportunities. I am very optimistic about the future, and I am excited for this opportunity."