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Panel helps Airmen interested in becoming officers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  A commissioning panel was held by the base education office Nov. 14 for enlisted Airmen interested in becoming officers.

Many enlisted Airmen earned a degree before joining, or while serving, and have interest in commissioning. To make the move from enlisted to officer there are many Air Force programs available.

During the panel, officers who were previously enlisted spoke to enlisted members who are considering commissioning. Current Team Scott officers answered questions posed by enlisted members about their experiences.

"This panel is being held to assist Airmen who are interested in commissioning, and to provide more exposure in step with the Education Center's monthly commissioning briefing," said Senior Airman Richard Ransom, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Eighteen enlisted members attended the briefing, where 11 officers talked about their experiences.

Second Lt. Charles Ruddek, Air Mobility Command Intelligence Analyst, commissioned about one year ago after 15 years as an enlisted member. He participated in the panel because he commissioned without help or a mentor.

"I remember going through this process with no mentor on my base," said Ruddek. "I want to talk to these Airmen who are thinking about commissioning because so many things have changed, and having experience can be helpful."

Ruddek wants to be available to mentor the Airmen who are serious about commissioning, he said.

"I see potential in these Airmen," said Ruddek. "It is our job as leaders to find their potential and guide them to better their careers as mentors."

Officers who were previously enlisted can mentor Airmen who would like to commission through a program offered by the Education Office.

There are many avenues to become an officer from the enlisted ranks. For more information about the assortment of programs and the mentoring program, contact the Education Office at 256-3327.