Cross-training: a new opportunity awaits

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Delaney Gonzales
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The Air Force provides many opportunities for Airmen seeking career change and development. Cross-training is a way for Airmen to change career paths toward the end of their enlistment; however, it is possible for troops to retrain even earlier.

“First Term Airmen are guaranteed a chance to retrain,” said Master Sgt. James Rollins, 325th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor. “It is not guaranteed that they will be approved to retrain, but they can apply for it.”

As a FTA, Airmen have an eight-month window to apply to retrain into a new career field. For a four-year enlistee, the window is between the 35th and 43rd month of enlistment. For a six-year enlistee, the window is between the 59th and 67th month of enlistment.

According to the myPers website, Airmen should review the Air Force Enlisted Classification Directory to understand entry requirements for the Air Force Specialty Code they wish to apply for. They should then cross-reference with the Online myPers Retraining Advisory to check the availability of their desired career choice.

Automatic disqualifications for retraining include possessing a referral Enlisted Performance Report, being under investigation by the Office of Special Investigations, or being deemed ineligible to reenlist or ineligible to promote, Rollins stated.

“If you are looking to retrain early, you can retrain at the halfway point in your career,” Rollins said. “For a four-year enlistee, that is the two-year mark and for a six-year enlistee, that is the three-year mark of their enlistment.”

Although there is one exception to this rule, Rollins added. Security Forces members who are six-year enlistees can apply to retrain at their two-year mark, but only into combat arms or military working dog career fields.

Individuals who wish to retrain early must choose an AFSC from the Retraining Shortfall Requirements List.

To locate this list, follow these simple steps:

  •  Log into the myPers website, https://mypers.af.mil
  •  Click on retraining, located on the left side of the webpage
  •  Then under tools, click the link for the Retraining Shortfall Requirements List

“Prior to applying for an early retraining opportunity, remember to cross-reference the careers on the Retraining Shortfall Requirements List with the Online myPers Retraining Advisory to see if there are slots open for your particular grade,” Rollins noted.

Upcoming classes to help Airmen gain more insight on retraining and career opportunities are the Special Tactics Recruitment Briefing slated for March 15 at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and the Retraining Crash Course, scheduled for March 23 and April 20.

“The Special Tactics Recruitment Briefing is perfect for Airmen who are not particularly interested in retraining, but are looking for something a little more high speed,” said Rollins. “If you are recruited, you will be able to stay in your current AFSC while working with the Special Tactics Group.”

For more information about cross-training, visit the myPers website at https://mypers.af.mil.