RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Four hundred combat systems officer students here will experience a glimpse into their futures during Command Day on May 4.
Aircraft from across the nation will be flown in for the event, where 562nd and 563rd Flying Training Squadron students view future aircraft options and ask current CSOs questions about the lifestyle that comes with the territory.
"Command Day is a great career opportunity for CSO students to learn about the aircraft from those who are currently flying the mission," said Maj. Tora Anderson, Command Day project officer. "Students will have a better understanding of everything from the lifestyle associated with the platform and the normal progression for that aircraft, to how many days they could expect to be TDY if this is the aircraft they choose."
The CSO program is the schoolhouse for all Air Force navigators and electronic warfare officers and some naval flight officers. Students rotate through a 10-month program at Randolph, beginning at the 562nd FTS with basic navigator training. When this training is completed, Air Force students choose either the navigator or EWO track, determining whether they will spend the rest of their time at the 562nd or 563rd, respectively.
Most of the students who train at Randolph will have the chance to attend a Command Day, Major Anderson said. The day kicks off with a welcome brief, followed by aircrew briefings until lunch. After lunch, the students will make their way to the South Ramp to view the aircraft and ask questions.
"Command Day is a time to relax and gain an outside perspective about different airframes and current missions," said 2nd Lt. Shawn Henrichs, 563rd FTS student. "I'm looking forward to learning more about each option as I get closer to deciding which career path I will choose."
Aircraft scheduled to attend this year's event are the EC-130 Compass Call, B-1B Lancer, C-130 Hercules, E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system, RC-135 Rivet Joint, KC-135 Stratotanker, HC-130, MC-130H Combat Talon II, Naval P-3 Orion and a Canadian Dash 8.
"This event is particularly special considering the currently high ops tempo," Major Anderson said. "The staff instructors and student NFOs, Navs and EWOs really look forward to this day and the opportunity to talk to operational aircrews."
Base personnel are invited to view the visiting aircraft from 3-4:30 p.m. on May 4. Contact Major Anderson at 652-9391 for more information.