Being the best is a mere nomination away

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Malissa Lott
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  For Airmen wanting to lead the way and bring a new knowledge and experience to their trade, a new nomination is the way forward.

In Sept. 2013 the new Developmental Special Duty Nomination and Selection Process was launched in order to fill special duty positions with the most qualified Airmen. Commanders will nominate their best performers to serve in select special duty positions.

Airmen no longer volunteer for special duty positions with the new program. Instead, Airmen who show records of exceptional performance in their primary duties are nominated to fill the developmental special duty positions.

"The biggest gain for our Airmen attending these courses is they will learn from the best and the brightest," said Chief Master Sgt. Alexander del Valle, 366th Fighter Wing command chief. "We want to find the right person that will guide these Airmen."

Personal Services Delivery Module 13-62 provides the basic eligibility criteria. The PSDM provides specific criteria such as physical fitness and behavioral requirements.

"A nomination to a developmental special duty is an honor -- it expresses a commander's confidence in an Airman," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody At the same time, it ensures our very best Airmen are in a position to deliberately develop our enlisted force and will return these Airmen to their career fields with greater experience under their belt."

The knowledge and experience possessed by the individuals nominated for these duties will be essential resource for our Air Force.

"We want to get away from the misconception that this is a volunteer program," said Chief Master Sgt. Bobby Bankston, 366th Mission Support Group superintendent. "The commander will be looking at the best enlisted personnel reports and fitness scores."

If Airmen are interested in these duties, they can let their first sergeants know. Their first sergeants will be able to help them meet the requirements listed in the PSDM 16-2.

"We are putting the most highly qualified leaders in charge of leading Airmen attending these developmental courses," said del Valle. "It is a huge honor to be nominated."

For more information about developmental special duties refer to PSDM 13-62 and the SPECAT.