Air Force Launches Revamped Weapons School Program

The Air Force Weapons School at Nellis AFB, Nev., launched its newly revamped graduate program, according to a base release. The five-month program, initiated on June 9, is meant to ensure that the school continues to produce expert instructors and specialists, while adjusting to funding cuts brought on by budget sequestration, states the June 18 release. It features a revised integration phase, changes to each Weapons Instructor Course syllabus, and modifications to the Core I and Core II academic blocks. Lt. Col. John Kent, Weapons School deputy commandant, said staff developed the new program after the Air Force had to cancel Class 13B last year as a result of the funding cuts. Every Core I block will address basic integration in specific mission sets and provide a base of academic knowledge. Core II will remain focused on providing hands-on mission planning for exercises, and deal with tactical skills. The new program allows for two classes per year, states the release. (Nellis report by SrA. Timothy Young)