The 2006 U.S. Air Force Environmental Training Symposium, an educational training program for nearly 2,000 members of the Air Force, other government agencies and national academia began Feb. 27 and runs through March 3 at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

"The United States Air Force is proud of its guardianship of our nation's defense and its stewardship of our human and natural resources," said J.P. Smith, symposium director. "This symposium is a vital part of our efforts to meet these commitments to our nation."

The symposium is a partnership with Air Combat Command, Air Education and Training Command, Air Mobility Command, Air Force Space Command, Air Force Reserve Command, and the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence.

The student body consists of representatives from nearly every U.S. state and more than 15 foreign countries. They include installation and corporate level civil, environmental and bio-environmental engineers; logistics (supply, transportation and contracting); operations and maintenance; public affairs officers; occupational safety and health; environmental attorneys; and local, state and federal regulators.

More than 120 courses and additional technical training sessions are offered during the week-long symposium, providing more than 520 class sessions. Professionals from U.S. government agencies and commercial industry teach subjects in environmental compliance, natural and cultural resource management, restoration, remediation, pollution prevention, environmental analysis and planning, environmental law, public relations, occupational safety and health.

Guest speakers will discuss topics that directly influence the nation’s environmental, safety and occupational health programs. Additionally, many of the world’s top environmental businesses will be on hand to exhibit state-of-the-art products and discuss the latest trends, innovations and technologies.