Training Minot Airmen important to these Warbirds

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Stratton
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  In an effort to continue a full spectrum experience of all the services offered at the Francis X. Deignan Center here, you decide a visit with the folks in the training section would only increase your knowledge of Air Force operations.

The Francis X. Deignan Center offers everything in training from informal and formal training to the Weighted Airman Promotion System and on-the-job training. No matter what kind of training Minot Airmen require, the training center has the ability to meet those needs.

Todd Pryor, 5th Force Support Squadron education and training technician, works with trainees and students to update their status codes, approve tuition assistance, resolve billing issues and ensure unit training managers from both the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing are up-to-date with the status of their Airmen.

Mr. Pryor is also required to perform an inspection and review of each units training programs every 24 months. In addition, every quarter he must guarantee all training requirements are met per a status of training brief with the 5th BW commander.

Senior Airman Bernardo Garcia, 5th FSS formal training clerk, is responsible for formal training of both enlisted and officers. He works directly with the UTMs in making sure all Minot Airmen are ready for the fight.

Airman Garcia is not the only one who handles training at the FXD center. Staff Sgt. Gabriel Levy, 5th FSS noncommissioned officer in charge of formal training, handles everything from WAPS to Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support to civilian training.

Sergeant Levy schedules people for all classes, processes orders and sets up contracts with contracted workers. He also schedules people for billeting and procures their pass on base and makes sure all feel welcome and at home here at Minot AFB.

"We are the middle man for the civilian contractors," said Sergeant Levy. "We actually go out and do the recruiting for teachers direct from other companies for such classes as the senior leadership course and the civilian personnel management course, all the while working closely with the Protocol office to get the job done."

Sergeant Levy said he works closely with Andria Schmidt, 5th FSS test control officer, in scheduling promotion and testing for those looking to upgrade to a noncommissioned officer position.

So, whether you need to update your status code, resolve a billing issue or take a DANTES test, the folks at the FXDC can assist you no matter what your training needs.

For more information, call 723-2883.

[Editor's note: This article is part two of a three-part series highlighting the services offered at the Francis X. Deignan Center here.]