Chapman Training Annex, Texas — The Air Force Special Warfare Training Wing has launched Pipeline Optimization, an initiative designed to streamline how special warfare candidates train, progress through the pipeline, and arrive at operational readiness.
The effort reduces inefficiencies in the current training structure, where some skills were previously taught redundantly and candidates sometimes had to wait between courses. Pipeline Optimization introduces a cohesive, end-to-end training model that increases efficiency while maintaining the rigorous standards associated with Air Force Special Warfare.
“Pipeline Optimization is about delivering more capable Airmen to the fight, faster,” said Col. Kaveri Crum, commander of the Special Warfare Training Wing. “We’re eliminating friction points in how we train so we can produce lethal, mission ready operators without delay.”Two major outcomes of Pipeline Optimization are the Zulu Course and a redesigned Assessment and Selection. The Zulu Course is a 16-week common skills course that provides all special warfare trainees with foundational instruction before they enter their respective career field training. Among other skills, the Zulu Course will cover small unit tactics, communications, and mission planning. The updated Assessment and Selection course has been redesigned to better evaluate candidates’ physical capabilities, cognitive performance, and overall personal character.
Previously, students faced gaps between training events due to scheduling limitations. The optimized model greatly reduces student-not-in-training time (SNIT) by delivering skills and courses in a more deliberate progression. The new structure will reduce SNIT for the average trainee by 62 days, allowing candidates to move more efficiently through the pipeline and arrive at their first units better prepared.
“The team was able to minimize SNIT time for all students, while creating a course that teaches skills that are common to all special warfare Airmen,” said Lt. Col. Brad Crosson, Chief of Staff at the SWTW. “Ultimately, we can get more capable Airmen to their operational units faster.”Leaders emphasized that no career field standards will be lowered in the new pipeline. Combat controllers, pararescuemen, special reconnaissance operators, and tactical air control party specialists will still complete all previous training standards at equal levels. The goal of Pipeline Optimization is not to change the intensity or difficulty of the Air Force’s special warfare pipeline, but to make the process of producing qualified operators more effective.
“Pipeline Optimization doesn’t change what we do, it strengthens how we produce our operators,” said Col. Crum. “Our Airmen are already the most elite in the world. Now they’ll get to the fight with more cohesion, more capability, and less delay.”
Pipeline Optimization is aligned with Air Education and Training Command’s ongoing efforts to modernize the force development enterprise and ensure the Air Force remains prepared for the future fight.
For more information visit www.specialwarfaretw.af.mil or follow @specialwarfaretw on social media for updates.
| Date Taken: | 10.10.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.10.2025 12:31 |
| Story ID: | 550109 |
| Location: | TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 2,064 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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