KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 81st Training Group’s Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems training flight officially transferred from the 338th Training Squadron to the 334th TRS, Jan. 4, 2015.
The realignment centered on two Air Force Specialty Codes, 3D1X5 Ground Radar and 3D1X6 Airfield Systems, and the 41-person flight that facilitates the courses for non-prior and prior service students.
“The intent of the move comes as an effort to better meet the spirit and intent of the radar and airfield career fields in the operational community,” said Donald Lindsey, 338th TRS training support flight chief. “Since the 338th primarily focuses on cyber training, the 334th is a better fit.”
Two apprentice courses and five supplemental courses were involved in the move.
“This will better position the staff and trainees to have a more thorough understanding of the related AFSCs in the 334th TRS,” said Lindsey. “It will also allow for better mentoring opportunities and an easier transition to operational units after graduating.”
The two career fields were re-designated with the AFSCs 1C8X1 and 1C8X2 for ground radar and airfield systems respectively, once they moved to the 334th TRS.
“I worked alongside ATCALS personnel as an enlisted air traffic controller and as a member of this squadron in the ‘90s,” said Lt. Col. Steven Mullins, 334th TRS commander. “It does my heart good that our Air Force has returned these brothers and sisters and their mission back to this training squadron, just as they have returned to the operational Air Force.”