Coming Soon: The Great 13M Debate

Should an Airfield Operations Officer obtain any, all, or some air traffic control (ATC), airfield management (AM), or radar/airfield/weather systems (RAWS) certifications? This question is referred to in the 13M community as the “Great 13M debate” since it is a topic that inevitably comes up when two or more 13M unicorns (see Story of the Unicorn) gather at a watering hole. This debate is extensive enough that we will dedicate three articles to the topic that will transition from immediate to long-term implementation capability. Part 1 will discuss if 13Ms should obtain more technical skill, then the current stated requirements in the 13M CFETP. This part will be located in the, There I was… category on the blog. Part 2 will tackle should any certification be required outside of the 13M technical school requirements, based on the current 13M training program. Part 2 will be located in the Ideas category of the blog articles. We’ll close the debate with Part 3 that will posit an alternative 13M training program for the “ideal” program to provide the foundation required from personal experiences. Part 3 will be submitted in the PonyIsland category of the blog since it is still in abstract form and needs refinement but ready for a broader discussion within the community.

We know that this discussion is occurring in the flights, at the MAJCOMs and all levels in-between them as to what is the right mix of requirements vs. nice to have. Our intent with this three-part discussion is to challenge the mindset of the old Chief of Air Traffic Operations (CATCO) of having all ATC ratings vs. having no ATC ratings vs. a mix of the two and incorporating more Airfield Management and RAWS skills. We will incorporate all the functional areas (Airfield Management and RAWS) into this debate. We also are aware and understand that the career field is looking into possible changes to the 13M training program. Once a formal decision has been made by the functionals, we will incorporate those changes into our suggestions or ideas. Our hope is that those reading this series continue the discussion. You can do this by commenting or suggesting alternative methods to us here at 13M DeBrief (we will be happy to post your thoughts on the blog), with your MAJCOM, or, if you have multiple 13Ms at a location, amongst yourselves. The intent of the debate is to ensure we continuously generate the best 13M possible, utilizing the most effective and efficient means available.

Before we post the various parts of this debate, we need to frame the problem so that we understand what we are trying to solve. Essentially, the question as we see it is: What foundational technical skills do 13Ms need to be an effective 13M throughout their career? To answer this question, we need to fully understand what a 13M does, is responsible for, or provides to the combatant commander.

According to AFI 13-204v1 13Ms are:

Responsible for the overall direction and management of services provided by ATC and AM personnel. Additionally, AO officers provide expertise on civil and combat airspace matters. AO officers provide senior leaders with guidance and recommendations for facility operations, programs, policy, and personnel actions.

Additionally, the CFETP states:

Performs and leads airfield operations (AO) functions of, air traffic control (ATC), airfield management (AM), air traffic control and landing systems (ATCALS), and airspace management within the National Airspace System (NAS), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and combat environments. Advises commanders on the effective use of AO assets. Provides AO staff leadership, supervision and technical assistance. Develops, formulates, and implements plans, policies and programs for executing Air Force (AF) AO responsibilities and activities.

From these two definitions of the purpose of 13Ms, we can draw the following conclusion. In essence, 13Ms should have expertise on ATC functions and matters, AM functions and matters, RAWS functions and matters, combat and US/International civil airspace functions and matters, as well as a general understanding of the administrative items all company grade officers in the US Air Force, will be responsible every day.

Bottom line, the problem to be solved is: How does the 13M career field train all the Active, Guard, and Reserve 13M1s in all these competency areas and to what knowledge/proficiency level should the trainee have to be considered mission qualified?