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AETC is making AF Spark Tank heat…again!

  • Published
  • By A9, Analysis and Innovation
  • Air Education and Training Command

Fifteen semi-finalists for the 2022 Spark Tank campaign were announced Nov. 24, including two submissions that will represent Air Education and Training Command as Air Force Spark Tank semi-finalists.

The two submissions were from Air University’s Eaker Center. Developing Airmen With Games (DAWG) submitted by Matthew Correia; and as a wild-card winner, the 56th Fighter Wing’s Project Hermes, submitted by Master Sgt. Joseph Anger and Tech. Sgt. Brady Flynn. 

DAWG combines educational practices with game-based learning. It addresses Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chief of staff of the Air Force, action order A: Airmen, transforming the way we deliberately grow our Airmen through Air Force foundational competencies and core values.

To create Project Hermes, Luke Air Force Base innovators from the 56th Fighter Wing worked with the National Security Innovation Network experts to develop a digital recall roster with the ability to send messages through a secure GovCloud server. It allows instant communication at little cost to the owner with an easy-to-use platform.

Both innovative ideas compete for the Air Force top six spots that compete at the Air Force Association Warfare Symposium in March 2022. Winners will be announced during the symposium.

In addition, as part of a new category, the secretary of the Air Force announced 10 innovations that will move forward with SAF support, and two AETC submissions were selected. PME OutLOUD! Audio-enabled PME, submitted by Maj. Melissa Holt and Capt. Heather Brown from the 59th Medical Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas; and AM Focus, submitted by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Way from the 334th Training Squadron at Keesler AFB, Mississippi.

Leveraging streaming platforms, PME OutLOUD! Audio-enabled PME aims to enhance the way students learn, by adding the capability to "read” Air Force PME material via audio books, giving Airmen the ability to listen anytime, anywhere.

AM Focus is an all-in-one application that allows students to challenge themselves, provides additional innovative tools currently not accessible outside the classroom, and addresses knowledge retention shortfalls. Currently, the project’s scope is geared toward the schoolhouse environment. Its growth potential could extend to other career fields.

The submissions can be viewed at the following links:

DAWG: https://gain.apps.dso.mil/topic/detail/default/2/participate/37/suggestion/67/detail

Project Hermes: https://gain.apps.dso.mil/topic/detail/default/2/participate/37/suggestion/50/detail

AM Focus: https://gain.apps.dso.mil/topic/detail/default/2/participate/37/suggestion/430/detail

PME OutLOUD!: https://gain.apps.dso.mil/topic/detail/default/2/participate/37/suggestion/367/detail