LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Master Sgt. Jarred Baker, 47th Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent, was selected for Officer Training School on Feb 21, 2020.
Baker is scheduled to attend OTS where he will learn the ins-and-outs of how to serve in a higher leadership position and then move on to his new career field as an intelligence officer.
“I’ve got a little over 14 years in active duty and this has been goal number one for me since I enlisted,” Baker said. “My father is retired from the Air Force and he told me if I’m going to join then to do it as an officer. It took me 14 years but I’m finally here.”
Baker, who has five higher education degrees – three Community College of the Air Force degrees, one Bachelor’s degree and one Master’s degree – plans to use the skills he’s learned in his time as a security forces member as insights in his new career.
“Security forces generally has five sections and one of those is intelligence, which is where our investigations section falls under, and I’ve worked that for a couple of years.” Baker said. “While what we do is a different scope of work focusing more on the Security Forces way, I’m really excited to learn something new. I’m excited for something different and something I’ve never seen before.”
Baker’s command staff is supportive of his achievements and his career prospects from his hard work.
“We are super excited for him, and it’s great to see our folks succeed,” said Maj. Jeffrey Beene, the 47th SFS commander. “It’s great to see the good work Baker has been doing and to see his drive and desire to want to do more.”
Baker encourages others interested in applying to the Enlisted-to-Officer Program not to be afraid to seek advice.
“Make sure you have people to look over your application before you submit anything,” Baker said. “It’s taken me several tries finally to get here. It was my fourth application before I was finally selected. Don’t give up.”
After attending Officer Training Baker will graduate as a second lieutenant. From there, he’ll begin intelligence training at Goodfellow AFB, where upon completion, he will become a U.S. Air Force intelligence officer.