Ancillary training helps Airmen

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. David Williams
  • 22nd Medical Operations Squadron unit training manager
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Have you ever wondered who comes up with all this ancillary training and why does it seem like you never get a break? If you have ever felt this way you are not alone. When this training is due it's like the end of the world will come if you don't stop what you're doing and complete the training right that minute.

I'm very aware of this because I'm one of those individuals always asking someone to accomplish some kind of training. I'll bet you wonder if all this training really applies to your job and your unit's mission.

If you are one of the thousands of us who has thought about this issue, I have some good news. The Air Force has broken down the Ancillary Training Program into four distinctive categories. The new categories are listed below with a brief description of each:

  1. Annual Total Force Awareness Training is general awareness-level training for the "Total Force" for the most part this does include DoD civilians. This training is usually in the form of Computer Based Training blocks. It may also be downloaded and taught by a functional expert during commander's calls or unit functions. Some examples of TFAT include Information Protection, Force Protection, Human Relations, Sexual Assault and OPSEC training. All training in these courses is required once every 12 months. 
  2. Selected Force Training requirements are targeted to specific groups or populations and are given when needed; usually on a specified reoccurring basis. In some instances it's a one time good deal. This training can be taught by CBT or by a functional expert. Please get with your unit training manager or unit training monitor to determine which selected force training requirements affects you and your unit. 
  3. Event Driven Training is training triggered by some event and can be one-time or recurring. This type of training can be effective when there is a change in policy or a general deficiency in a program. An example of this would be Sponsorship training. This type of training can usually be taught to large audiences in a lecture format. 
  4. Expeditionary Skills Training is training directly related to an Airman's ability to survive and operate in a contingency environment. EST is managed separately from other ancillary training and may be managed by your unit training manager or unit deployment manager. The whole idea behind this training is to get you the skill sets needed to accomplish your war time mission and return home safely. You should visit your readiness section or UDM to request a complete list of EST required for your unit.

The reason the Air Force developed these four categories of training was to cut down on the amount of time you spend behind a computer or in a briefing room accomplishing training that may not apply to your duties. Please see your UTM or UDM if you don't understand your training requirements. When one doesn't understand what is required you can always bet that deficiencies are in the near future. Training deficiencies lead to accidents and incidents that cause physical harm as well as mission degradation.