Icemen fill developmental special-duty assignments

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley Nicole Taylor
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The Air Force recently selected 1,000 staff sergeants, technical sergeants and master sergeants to fill developmental special-duty assignments.

Narrowed down from roughly 7,500 nominees, Master Sgt. Fred King, 354th Operations Support Squadron superintendent, was chosen as a technical training instructor.

Jobs ranging from recruiters, first sergeants and military training instructors need to have the highest qualified Airmen to fill each position.

"Being a tech school instructor has been a goal of mine since I graduated from my first course in 1996," said King. "Teaching people a subject that I know and feel passionate about is something I've always had a desire to do."

This was not King's first attempt at becoming an instructor, and he suggests Airmen stay enthusiastic when applying.

"I recommend establishing the goal of attaining a special duty and pursuing it actively," said King. "I've applied for instructor duty three times and this new process helped secure it."

Every September and March, commanders can nominate their best performers to serve in DSD positions.

"Beyond the basics of integrity and excellent performance, the individual must display drive and hunger to attack new and uncomfortable situations," said Lt. Col. Michael Boger, 354th Operations Support Squadron commander. "Sergeant King is one of those that, professionally and personally, I know can drive the mission while having the situational awareness to engage in uncomfortable situations. He's credible, approachable and drives standards of performance."

Performing a special duty has its benefits, as it can positively impact an Airman's career.

"First and foremost, being in a special duty allows you the opportunity to work one-on-one with our Airmen by mentoring and guiding their careers," said Master Sgt. Holly Roschel, 354th Fighter Wing career assistance advisor. "Promotion opportunities are also there as being in a special duty sets you apart from others in your primary Air Force Specialty Code that have not stepped outside the career field."

For Airmen who are hoping to be nominated, Roschel recommends planning for the future as much as possible right now.

"Airmen need to be on their 'A' game and make sure that they are doing everything they need to do because with the selection criteria recently changing, it means you really need to be the best of the best," said Roschel. "Make sure that your chain of command is aware of your goals so that your leadership can consider you as a nominee."

For more information on the DSD process, contact Roschel at 377-7829.