Force Development announces new civilian orientation course

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Office
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  As the Air Force continues developing its total force initiatives, heritage, culture and core values are now available to new civilians with the advent of a comprehensive online "bluing" program. 

The online Air Force New Employee Orientation, or NEO, course ensures civilian employees receive a solid foundation of service topics regardless of pay band, function or location. 

The vice chief of staff-chaired Force Management and Development Council approved the program, and effective Aug. 1, policy requires all new permanent, term and Student Career Experience Program employees to complete the NEO course within 90 days of assignment. 

"New Air Force civilian employees now have a required and consistent orientation program helping them get up to speed quickly," said Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel. "This 'bluing' training is a vital investment in introducing them to our Air Force's mission, heritage and core values."

The web-based training provides civilians insight into the Air Force culture and mission through seven online modules: 
-- Air Force heritage 
-- Air Force core competencies 
-- Air Force customs and courtesies 
-- Force development 
-- Health 
-- Safety and security 
-- Personnel administration 
-- Air Force core values 

Tim Beyland, assistant deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel, underscored the importance of the Air Force acculturation process for civilians. 

"This training provides our new civilian employees the foundation to become successful members of the Air Force team," Mr. Beyland said. 

To recognize civilians' value and contributions to the mission, employees will be awarded the Air Force civilian pin upon completion of the seven modules. 

With one month on station, Anthony D'Amico, a financial management specialist with the Aeronautical Systems Center 668 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, recently completed the NEO course. 

"I benefitted from the customs and courtesies lessons, particularly since I completed them just before a change of command ceremony - how timely," Mr. D'Amico said. 

Sylvia Ann Moore, an Air Force Materiel Command clerk with four months on station, said the course not only helped demystify Air Force heritage, customs and courtesies, but provided practical information. 

"The more I learn about our Air Force's purpose, structure and its dedication to our country and Airmen, the more I regret not taking my father's advice in becoming a member 20 years ago," Ms. Moore said. "The Air Force is not as I imagined it was. I have new respect and admiration for the organization." 

Although Air Force Instruction 36-401 mandates the NEO course only for civilian employees, any civilian, military member or contractor may also take it, said Mike Hameroff, the civilian training policy chief. 

For more information about the NEO course and the seven modules, visit https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/AF-Orientation or call Mr. Hameroff at DSN 225-3594 or commercial 703-695-3594.