Cyberspace Airmen take part in White House program, earn credentials, licensing for future

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. David Salanitri
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  The Air Force has taken the lead in a pilot program designed to give credentialing and licensing in the information technology sector to cyberspace Airmen in the 3D0X2, Cyber Systems Operations, career field.

At a forum hosted by the White House, First Lady Michelle Obama announced the launch of the IT Training and Certification Partnership, a new public-private program that aims to prevent service members from having any issues gaining employment in the private sector.

By licensing and certifying Airmen, the member will be set up for success after retiring or separating from their branch of service.

In her remarks, the first lady praised the leaders who created the partnership, saying their efforts will "make the world of difference to hundreds of thousands of veterans and military families across this country."

Many organizations came together to be part of the military credentialing and licensing forum to include military services, industry trade associations, unions, educational institutions, state legislatures, veteran service organizations and state licensing boards.

Under the leadership of the Department of Defense pilot program, the Air Force targeted initial participation in this initiative at two trial groups: mid-career and transitioning Airmen. The mid-career focus group will comprise 50 cyber systems operators, who hold the Air Force specialty code 3D0X2, with four to 16 years of service and who currently hold no certifications. These Airmen come from four Air Force or joint bases: Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Peterson Ai r Force Base and Scott Air Force Base.

The transitioning group is aimed at no more than 225 personnel who are within three to nine months of separating or retiring from any IT-related Air Force specialty. As part of the pilot, both groups will receive training scholarships and certifications test vouchers, and their success will be tracked throughout the trial. Officials expect to see results from these initial efforts by October 2013. Additionally, there will be no out of pocket expenses for Airmen participating in the program.

"Once the pilot phase is concluded, transitioning Airmen will be able to take part by registering online at https://usitpipeline.com," said Senior Master Sgt. Alexander Hall, the 3D0XX assistant career field manager.

To date, more than 2,000 members have signed up to participate. Of those, 195 members have been accepted into the pilot program and 124 members have met with transition counselors to receive training, certification and employment assistance, and 52 members are currently enrolled in the no-cost training to earn certificates that capture their military experience, Hall said.

The targeted professions in IT sectors are expected to generate more than 1.8 million job opportunities by 2020, and have an average annual salary of more than $81,000.

"The talents of our Airmen are a prized commodity in the private sector," Hall said. "Forty-one percent of Fortune 500 companies say they need to hire people immediately capable of leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, and that have the ability to build relationships, communicate effectively and show up on time, ready to work."

For these targeted Airmen who are planning for their life after the Air Force, Hall stressed the importance of setting yourself up for success after the service.

"The credentials offered under this program add value and definition to the experience our service members bring to future employers," he said. "Veterans are a ready-made workforce; they contribute to a strong economy and the corporate partners of this White House-led initiative and are ready to invest in Airmen's futures."

Service members can find more information on the White House's Joining Forces Initiative at http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces, and information specifically on the IT Credentialing and Licensing Initiative at https://usitpipeline.com.