AFCOMAC reaches a milestone

by The Air Force Combat Ammunition Center staff
9th Reconnaissance Wing

1/15/2015 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -- The Air Force Combat Ammunitions Center celebrated the graduation of its 15,000 student Dec. 19, 2014, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif.

AFCOMAC has provided ammunition troops with realistic training and the skills needed to perform during wartime scenarios.  It is an Air Force level school for senior airmen and above to receive 7- or 9-level upgrade training.

Staff Sgt. Olivia Tipton, AFCOMAC student from the 509th Munitions Squadron, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., was recognized as the 15,000 student to graduate from the school house.

"My first thought was, 'wow, I'm the 15,000th student,'" Tipton said. "This is an accomplishment for AFCOMAC. The training given is so important to the ammunition community. I'm thankful to be a part of its history."

AFCOMAC has provided ammunition educational courses since 1984. The primary course provided by AFCOMAC is the Combat Ammunition Planning and Production course. Eight classes are held each year consisting of 70 students per class and lasting three weeks. The first two weeks the students have in-depth classroom discussion and general hands on training.  The third week consists of a four day intensive practical exercise known as the Iron Flag. The Iron Flag exercise tests the students' abilities to assemble their work pad, follow their created plan of execution, meet order numbers, time and quality, and repack the equipment when the exercise is completed.

The Iron Flag gives the students a chance to put all their planning and practice to work as they are tasked with building more than 1,000 bombs that must be inspected and delivered to simulated aircraft.  The graduating students leave with four Community College of the Air Force credits.

"Our whole purpose and motivation is to ensure that our knowledge is passed onto the up and coming ammunition troops," said Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Adams, 9th Munitions Squadron AFCOMAC combat advisor. "AFCOMAC has been the epitome of continuity for ammunition troops throughout the years. The 15,000 graduate is a testament to that.  To continue the shared knowledge of all things ammo, the doors to the AFCOMAC school house must stay open."

According to the AFCOMAC school house, since 1984 students have built more than 275,000 munitions, supported more than 38,500 simulated sorties, and recently graduated its 15,000 student.