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Air University to host AETC Future Operator Symposium

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melissa Copeland
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  What is an Air Force operator?

Organizers of the The Future Operator Symposium hope to define the term Air Force operator by utilizing the knowledge and experience of subject matter experts and senior leadershiop from throughout the Air Force. The symposium is scheduled for July 21 to 23 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

The Air Education and Training Command sponsored symposium is  hosted by Air University and is one in the Air Force Symposium Series managed by the Air Force Research Institute.

"The gathering will examine developmental, training and educational objectives and requirements the Air Force will face in the coming seven to 10 years," said retired Col. David  Johnson, AFRI Defense Research analyst and symposium director.

The idea for the operator symposium was introduced during the January 2009 AETC Symposium in San Antonio, Texas.

"Last year the AETC commander asked Air University to host a group of Airmen from across the Air Force to analyze the current and possible future characterization of an 'operator,'" Mr. Johnson said. "Specifically, AETC asked AU to address how the Air Force should educate, train and develop future operators equipped with cross domain, air, space and cyberspace competencies and experience."

Participants will explore these issues through a series of workshops and panel discussions with senior leadership.

"The objective of the Future Operator Symposium is to assess the human competencies necessary to continue to lead in air, space and cyberspace operations globally," Mr. Johnson said. "The symposium proceedings are intended to provide expert counsel to senior officials and inform future decision regarding future professional development as the Air Force continues to better prepare itself to meet all combatant commander requirements across the full range of military operations."

Field grade officers, senior noncommissioned officers and civilians. In addition, members of sister services are welcomed to attend.

"Symposium invitees represent a cross section of Air Force capability experienced in air, space and cyberspace operations," Mr. Johnson said. "At the conclusion of the conference, attendees will provide developmental, educational and training recommendations to AETC and Air Force senior leadership."

A detailed list of speakers and events is located at the Future Operator Symposium Web site at www.au.af.mil/au/research/conferences/Future_Operator/index.html.

To register for the Future Operator Symposium or for more information, visit the Web site or call (334) 953-6120.