From Blue to Gold Published July 29, 2013 By Senior Airman Christina Bozeman 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Does the lack of commissioning opportunities gotcha blue? The 94th Airlift Wing currently has three vacant officer positions, one executive officer, one 94th Aerial Port Squadron officer position, and an 80 APS officer position, and will offer enlisted members the opportunity to obtain them through Deserving Airman Commissioning Program. The DAC Program, governed by Air Force Instruction 36-2005, is designed to hand pick exceptional enlisted members for leadership roles as officers. In many cases, members can achieve stripes to bars in just a matter of months. "If you possess the qualifications to become an officer, and are looking for additional responsibilities and career advancement, you should apply for the DAC Program," said Master Sgt. Paula Stokeling, 94th Mission Support Group career advisor. "Airmen aren't limited to vacancies only in their units. They can search units throughout the command." To be eligible for this program, applicants must hold high moral character, be a United States citizen between the ages of 18 and 35, medically qualify, have never held a commission, agree to the training requirement, attend a 6-week officer training course at the Academy of Military Science and achieve the minimum passing Air Force Officer Qualification Test. "The AFOQT is offered quarterly and can only be taken twice, so study well," Stokeling advised. "The DAC program is very competitive." The selection board for the vacant position will convene in October. Interested applicants must submit a selection package of required contents to Master Sgt. Larysa Lewis, 94th Force Support Squadron chief of career development. "Applicants should ask themselves, 'Why do I desire to become an officer?' and 'Why do I think I would make a good officer?'" said Lewis. "A one page composition addressing these questions should also be submitted in your package." Other package requirements include an official college transcript, military resume, last three Enlisted Performance Reports, AFOQT scores, letter of recommendation from unit commander, full length 8 x 10 photo in Service Dress Uniform, fitness assessment signed by fitness monitor and any other letters of recommendation the applicant feels are important. "Use the Tongue and Quill communication guide when preparing your documents and do not include a letter of recommendation from the 94th AW commander in your package," added Lewis. Packages are due no later than 2 p.m., Sept. 8. The applicant and their unit holds the responsibility of making sure eligibility is met, all medical examinations are scheduled, and neat and error-free forms are submitted. Contact Lewis at 678-655-5824 or Staff Sgt. Trinita McNutt at 678-655-5002 for more guidance.
