WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2014 (AFNS) – A previous administrative career field will make its second debut across the Air Force in May 2014, providing support staff at all Air Force levels and eliminating a special duty echelon.
Approximately 80 percent of Airmen currently assigned to the Knowledge Operations Management Air Force specialty code 3D0X1 will transition to the new 3A1X1 Administration AFSC; but will mostly continue their current daily responsibilities.
“This change is significant because it affects nearly every Air Force organization, as well as support we provide outside the Air Force,” said Chief Master Sergeant Robert Jackson, Knowledge Operations Management career field manager. “Unlike other specialties, the administrative career field is positioned in every type of unit.”
This move will allow Airmen of all ranks and AFSCs to put more focus on their core mission as they rely on 3A personnel for support for administration, human resources, executive support, commander programs and notably, postal services. In addition, this career field will be a stand-alone specialty, from airman basic through chief master sergeant, meaning Airmen will capitalize on their training and experience throughout their entire career.
“For the first time in many years, the duties performed by this specialty will align with expectations, policy, training and promotion testing,” Jackson said. “In other words, what’s on paper will match reality and everyone will have a clear understanding of the role of this career field.”
Currently, postal services include a 500+ workforce filled by other career fields. With the standup of the administration career field, other specialties will no longer be the force supplier for these functions.
“Postal responsibilities (will now be) associated with a single career field, which will retain and grow those experts over the course of their career. Other specialties can better retain their own personnel for manning and career development,” Jackson said.
Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark A. Welsh III, while U.S. Air Forces Europe commander, first presented an adverse picture of eroding unit support over the previous 10 years at the 2012 Corona South commander’s conference. Now as the service’s top uniformed leader, he will see these changes come to fruition in May.
“The return of the 3A AFSC does not introduce a new requirement on the Air Force. The benefits will come as a result of improved classification, training and billet placement,” Jackson said. “This is much more efficient and enables us to reach our objectives at little or no cost: truly a win-win all around.”