First traditional reservist selected to Logistics Career Broadening Program

  • Published
  • By Maj Bill Pierce
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing
Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma --  Major Ben Walker, aerial port freight officer for the 72nd Aerial Port Squadron became the first traditional reservist to be selected for the Air Force Logistics Career Broadening Program.

"This type of training is typically available to only active duty Air Force. Before my selection the Air Force Reserve was looking for opportunities for traditional reservists to compete in and be selected for this type career broadening training," said Walker.

Walker credits his selection, in part, to the support of his family, his mentor Brig. Gen. Stacey D. Harris, former vice commander of the 507th Air Refueling Wing and current mobilization assistant to the Commander, U.S. Africa Command, his deployment experiences, current training and making sure his records and appraisals were all up to date. "His records, training and his performance both in the squadron and during his deployment proves why Maj. Walker is deserving of this recognition," said Lt Col. William Young, 72nd Aerial Port Squadron commander.

The Air Force Logistics Career Broadening Program is a two-year program that provides unique instruction in logistics as well as gives officers opportunities to grow as managers and leaders. "This program provides a true depth and breadth look at logistics centering on Air Force Material Command (AFMC). Additionally, it pin-points future potential leaders for rapid upward mobility as well as assess future acquisitions, while maintaining current programs like the KC-135. Knowing Maj. Walker he'll probably be on the ground floor for the new tanker air platform," said Maj. Dennis Sivert, commander of the 507th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

Officers in the career broadening program will work in various disciplines. Each discipline offers a rotational training providing experiences in maintenance management, program management, and supply chain management. Furthermore, completion of these rotations leads participants to professional certifications. According to Walker, due his prior experiences in these areas he'll walk away with advance certifications.

Selectees to the program can complete their training at bases such as Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Robins AFB, GA, and Tinker AFB, OK. Maj. Walker has completed more than half of the training requirements for this program at Tinker AFB, OK.

Maj. Walker's Air Force career began with him enlisting in 1987. After leaving active duty service Walker joined the 507th ARW in 1997 as a crew chief. Upon completion of college he was commissioned through Academy of Military Science, McGhee Tyson Air Guard Base, TN. Walker's additional assignments include his work for the 72nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Tinker AFB, OK. As the Chief of the Deployment and Distribution Flight.

Maj. Walker served in Operation Enduring Freedom as the Aerial Port Flight Commander for the 386th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, Ali Al Selem, Kuwait. "He is a proven warrior and problem solver. In Kuwait he ran one of the busiest ports in the Air Force. his proven leadership in theater as a flight commander and his perseverance during the wing's Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) as well as the ORI reinspection and the fact that he's made it a year in Logistics Career Broadening Program, proves why he deserves this opportunity," said Maj. Sivert.