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The Air Force’s Personnel Center has revised the way it delivers notifications for Airmen selected for Military Training Instructor (8B000) and Military Training Leader (8B100) Developmental Special Duty assignments in an effort to create more commander involvement and increase transparency in the process.
Set to start with the Fall 2018 cycle, AFPC will “front-load” DSD tentative assignments prior to final approval so commanders of selected Airmen can receive seven days’ advanced notification. In the past, these tentative selection notifications from the hiring authority went directly to Airmen.
This change supports Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein’s “Revitalizing Squadrons” effort, ensuring commanders are aware of assignments given to their Airmen.
“The advance notification enables commanders to notify their Airmen of the assignment and gives Airmen leadership an opportunity to guide them through the next steps of the assignment process,” said AFPC’s operations and special duty Airman career management division superintendent, Chief Master Sgt. Stephanie DeSouza. “It also provides the chance to discuss the pros and cons of the assignment, ultimately giving commanders additional mentoring opportunities.”
The seven-day window also allows for discussion of the Airman’s professional development path and the assignment timing for their family. Additionally, the added step permits delivery of the assignment notification face-to-face rather than on a computer.
Furthermore, this revised DSD assignment notification process enables commanders to assist Airmen as they work through the Special Duty Catalog, or SPECAT, requirements. All assignments are tentative pending SPECAT approval, as Airmen must be fully qualified for their DSD positions.
“Leaders at every level must mentor Airmen to ensure they receive the best professional development advice and experience needed for their career,” DeSouza said. “Airmen selected for DSD must be highly qualified — an ambassador and role model for the Air Force core values of integrity, service and excellence. The selected special duties are those that create, develop and care for Airmen, so nominees must have a demonstrated record of exceptional performance and a high capacity to lead.”
Find additional information on the DSD page of the Air Force’s Personnel Center public website via the assignment landing page.
