Accession Number:

AD1064584

Title:

Entry Level Training for Combat Communications Personnel

Descriptive Note:

[Technical Report, Master's Thesis]

Corporate Author:

AMERICAN MILITARY UNIV CHARLESTOWN WV

Personal Author(s):

• Larson, Joshua T.

Report Date:

2018-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

211

Abstract:

This research explores the effectiveness of the entry-level information technology IT technical training methodology currently employed by the United States Air Force USAF. The USAF training model includes a mixture of best practices recommended by the IT industry, including professional certification, technical and non-technical skills development, and the encouragement of undergraduate and graduate level learning. However, new accessions into combat communications telecommunications units seem unprepared to meet the demands of todays workplace. Through survey of these new employees and their supervisors, this study explores whether or not the USAF combat communications training model is effectively preparing new employees to operate in the cyberspace domain. The scope of this study is limited to the USAFs five active duty combat communications units. However, the results gathered have implications for the greater USAFs information technology and cyberspace training models, and could impact how the organization chooses to train and employ entry-level telecommunications and cyberspace professionals. USAF cyberspace professionals are trained in part using guidelines and recommended best practices taken from both industry and government. Therefore, the results of this study will either reinforce or contradict current opinions from the field regarding the best way to train and educate new information technology and telecommunications specialists.

Descriptors:

• air force
• employment
• information systems
• warfare
• cybersecurity
• personnel management
• education
• governments
• students
• training
• acquisition
• doctrine
• united states
• computer programs
• department of defense
• job training
• military training
• best practices
• computers
• literature surveys

Subject Categories:

• Personnel Management and Labor Relations
• Military Forces and Organizations

Distribution Statement:

[A, Approved For Public Release]