Fri, Nov 06, 2009
Policy Changes Announced For Commercial And Instrument Rated
Pilots
Air Force officials here are seeking combat systems officers
for unmanned aircraft systems pilot duty, and interested
commissioned Airmen have until Nov. 20 to volunteer for the
training.
CSOs within the grade of lieutenant through major are eligible,
and applicants must also have between two to 13 years of total
active federal commissioned service and 24 months time on station
by Dec. 1.
"This is a great opportunity for officers wanting to directly
contribute to Air Force operations through the growing UAS
mission," said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Kwoka, the UAS career field
manager. "Airmen who complete the training will possess the 18X Air
Force specialty code and become permanent UAS assets."
CSOs without a commercial instrument rating are eligible to
apply for this training, he said.
Other requirements to apply for CSO positions are:
- Have a top secret-sensitive compartmented information clearance
or be able to get one.
- Be worldwide deployable with no medical limitations.
- Have a recommendation from wing commander or operations group
commander holding the grade of colonel.
Air Force officials will notify selected Airmen via e-mail
sometime in December. Training will begin in January 2010.
Related to the request for volunteers, Maj. Gregory Nita, the
chief of UAS and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
assignments at the Air Force Personnel Center, added there's a
policy change affecting CSOs with a commercial certificate and
instrument rating.
"After June 1, 2010, all CSOs interested in UAS pilot duty will
be required to attend the full UAS pilot training course and become
a permanent 18X asset," Major Nita said. CSOs with a commercial
certificate and instrument rating who are interested in going
directly to UAS formal training unit's prior to that cut-off date
should self-identify to their assignments officer no later than
Dec. 31.
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