Last Voice Network Systems course graduates at Sheppard Published Aug. 6, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- The Air Force's last class for the Voice Network Systems course graduated July 30 at Sheppard Air Force Base. The Voice Network Systems course trained Airmen to be future apprentices in one of 16 Air Force specialty codes that will be merging into a new career field known as the cyber AFSCs. The course trained personnel on the operation of vital technology such as telephone key systems, circuitry and computer systems, said Stephen SanMiguel, the 364th Training Squadron instructor supervisor. "We've taught basically the Air Force telephone company for the last 50 years here," he said. "Since October 1995, this schoolhouse graduated more than 4,200 students." While the number of Airmen provided for this career seemed to be sufficient, the Air Force had different needs from this AFSC that contributed to the merger. "There were several key factors that led to the transformation effort. For example: the converging and emerging technologies created a demand for modified skills; Air Force network operations led to restructuring the workforce organizationally, and the increasing reliance on cyberspace capabilities demanded a fresh approach to command, control, defensive and offensive skills," Mr. SanMiguel said. The change calls for 16 communications and information AFSCs to merge into only 13 new cyber AFSCs, which will ensure a ready and capable workforce that meets immediate needs while preparing the force for the next fight, Mr. SanMiguel said. "These past efforts accelerate our force development approach enabling us to build qualified and certified professionals to provision, sustain, operate, protect and defend the Air Force cyberspace enterprise," he said. The classes for the new cyber AFSCs will be taught at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.