The Air Force is actively working to shift the mindset of its people to be multi-capable while identifying advanced training for specific career specialties to prepare Airmen for Air Force Force Generation deployments in support of Agile Combat Employment operations.
The Multi-Capable Airman training framework provides a consolidated training and educational approach for Airmen to conduct a wide range of military operations. The MCA training framework includes:
- Foundational: Introduces total force Airmen to MCA fundamentals, beginning with accessions delivered via academic or practical exercise
- Functional: Focuses on primary Air Force Specialty Code skill set, occurs typically during technical training
- Main operating base: Cross-utilization training to support mission employment for Airmen demonstrating a capacity to handle additional tasks beyond their primary AFSC
- Forward operating sites: Intermediate-level MCA training designed to support rotational operations or theater-assigned forces for ACE-capable force packages
- Contingency locations: Advanced-level MCA training designed for small, multidisciplinary teams to support independent force packages conducting ACE at austere locations. Only a small percentage of Airmen require training to this level
At the foundational level, Ready Airman Training ensures Airmen are prepared for worldwide operational requirements. This training has two levels: Ready Training Areas and Advanced Ready Training. RTA is for all Airmen, and ART is for Airmen identified to support missions in locations requiring additional, more complex training.
The Air Force's training model has begun incorporating the 12 Ready Training Areas maintained throughout the AFFORGEN cycle. Deployment locations will determine which Airmen receive follow-on ART. Finally, cross-utilization training rounds out the training continuum for Airmen identified to learn competencies outside their primary AFSC.
"Every Airman needs to develop an MCA mindset focused on how they provide a capability, not just a specific functionality," said Chief Master Sgt. Jason Sells, Headquarters Air Force Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection senior enlisted leader. "This change in how we organize, train and fight will make the force more agile, lethal and survivable to operate in a contested environment."
Airmen supporting ACE operations operate independently in an expeditionary environment, reducing the number of Airmen put into harm's way to generate airpower.
"Agile combat employment enables a shift away from large, fixed infrastructure to networks of smaller, dispersed locations during contingency situations," said Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, HAF deputy chief of staff for operations. "Multi Capable Airmen enable ACE by providing support with the resources they have available at the time within acceptable levels of risk."
Specific training objectives are available at myLearning.
