AF releases officer development selection results Published Nov. 23, 2011 By Debbie Gildea Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- More than 250 officers have been selected for advanced academic degrees and career broadening opportunities, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today. Selection for an advanced academic degree or special experience exchange duty slot is an important step in an officer's career, said Angel Espinosa, AFPC academic and special utilization assignments. "Officers selected for advanced degrees (master's or PhD programs) will complete a degree in a discipline consistent with their Air Force career field, and after completion will use that advanced degree in support of Air Force mission needs, which could be working in the National Reconnaissance Office, or serving as an Air Force Academy or Air Force Institute of Technology faculty member." Advanced degrees are only one aspect of the program. Applicants selected for the special experience exchange program will work temporarily outside their career field either with other Air Force functions, other federal agencies or for civilian companies. "Special program selections are some of the earliest opportunities for officers to begin building complementary skill sets," he said. "The experience they garner during their exchange tour will help them understand the larger Air Force picture, and how what they do affects and is affected by other functions. Understanding the broader scope is critical for Air Force leaders, so this program is integral to developing future Air Force leaders." The opportunities are limited and selection for a program is very competitive, Espinosa explained. "Annually, active duty officers from specific career fields compete for one of 14 programs that include U.S. Air Force Academy Instructor Faculty Pipeline, Education with Industry, and the U.S. Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School, to name a few," Espinosa said. "Officers interested in the AAD/SPEED program should review the criteria and prepare early for next year's program." For more information about the available programs, application criteria and related guides, go to the Air Force Personnel Services website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil and conduct a word search for "AAD/SPEED." Click here for the entire list of officers selected for advanced academic degrees and career broadening opportunities.