Airmen explore the world of special duties

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FL, UNITED STATES

08.19.2016

Story by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph 

6th Air Refueling Wing

As a result, twice a year Master Sgt. Byron Hayes, career assistance advisor assigned to the 6th Force Support Squadron, hosts a special duty fair. The event allows Airmen who have completed a special duty assignment to speak with others about their experiences, and educate them on the different avenues available.

“I like to coordinate the special duty fairs with the time that they begin vectoring for them, which is around March and September, and that is why they normally take place in February and August each year,” explained Hayes. “My goal is to inform Airmen about the special duty and developmental special duty assignments prior to the vectoring and application process beginning.”

With the recent implementation of developmental special duty (DSD) assignments, there are more opportunities available. In addition to the nearly 10 special duty assignments that can be applied for through equal plus, there are now 10 DSD assignments offered to Airmen.

For this fair, 10 representatives discussed various special duties, including former Air Force honor guardsmen, military training instructors and military training leaders. Each representative had a table, and the Airmen walked around and gathered information from each special duty assignment that sparked their interest.

“I’m so glad I was able to attend the special duty fair because it was very enlightening and informative for me,” said Staff Sgt. Emese Dickman, the NCO in charge of administration and reports with the 6th Security Forces Squadron. “I came to the fair with interest in one particular special duty, but after hearing about experiences from other special duties, my interest has expanded. It was such an eye opener.”

For more information regarding special duty and DSD assignments, contact Master Sgt. Byron Hayes at [phone].

• Date Taken: 08.19.2016
• Date Posted: 08.29.2016 10:10
• Story ID: 208291
• Location: MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US