AF selects officers, civilians for developmental education Published Nov. 2, 2011 By Debbie Gildea Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- More than 740 officers and 106 civilians were selected for intermediate and senior developmental education opportunities during the 2011 Developmental Education Designation Board in October here, officials announced Nov. 2. Selectee lists have been posted on the Air Force Portal. Developmental education is an integral part of cultivating Air Force leaders, said Maj. Jeff Wisneski, the AFPC Assignments Directorate Force Development chief. "Developmental education is designed to help develop strategic thinkers and warfighters capable of meeting current and future Air Force mission requirements," he said, adding that selection is a very competitive and deliberate process. "More than 10,000 eligible officers were considered for fewer than 800 slots, so getting vectored to IDE or SDE is a big deal," Wisneski said. "It says you have continued to prove yourself as a leader in the United States Air Force and that you show potential for greater contributions." Civilian Airmen are also selected for IDE and SDE based on their potential to help guide the Air Force toward mission accomplishment, said Loretta Brown, the AFPC Civilian Force Integration Directorate Leadership Development chief. "Air Force civilians are a key piece of the total force, so intermediate and senior developmental opportunities are critical to ensure civilian leaders are fully integrated in leadership and decision-making teams," Brown said. Competition is fierce for civilian IDE and SDE slots as well, she added, explaining that 106 primary candidates and 31 alternates were selected out of 158 candidates. The continuum of education for military and civilian Airmen is critical to ensure the future force is trained, equipped and ready for the challenges ahead, Wisneski said. Officers and civilians selected for IDE and SDE will attend programs highly advanced training and overall senior leader development programs ranging from Air War College and the Executive Leadership Development Program. Airmen selected can contact their local military or civilian personnel section for school information and reporting guidance or visit the Air Force Personnel Services website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.