KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- As he sits outside the room waiting to be called into the interview, his brain feels like a whorl wind. His thoughts go into overdrive trying to make sure he prepared enough for this important day. He silently recalls the Airman’s Creed and the wing’s mission statement while also going through every possible question the board could ask in the interview.
Second Lt. James Selig, then an enlisted technical sergeant as a military pay specialist with the 403rd Wing’s finance office, said when he was preparing for the Air Force Reserve Deserving Airman Commissioning Program, his nerves were a wreck. The program’s board is only held once a year to select future officers, so he said he wanted to be prepared.
“The program is designed to select highly qualified enlisted members for leadership roles as officers,” said Senior Master Sgt. Monica Brown, 403rd Force Support Squadron superintendent.
Selig said the program was the perfect next step for him because he wanted to become an officer to utilize his college degree and grow as a leader. After getting recommendation letters, filling out forms, writing an essay and obtaining the other necessary documents to submit his package, the interview was the next hurdle in the race.
He said he remembers saying a last few prayers before being called in. Walking into the room, he centered himself in front of a panel of officers from his wing, stopped at attention and properly saluted.
“Although it’s people you may know, it’s a different environment,” said Selig who competed with seven wing members applying for the program. “It’s very formal. You stand at attention the full time while giving your answers.”
Months later, he went on to Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Selig commissioned as a second lieutenant and now works as a logistics readiness officer with the 403rd Logistics Readiness Squadron.
Second Lt. Anthony Gehl, the 403rd Maintenance Group’s executive officer, said being an officer who inspires others was a life goal and the reason he got commissioned through the DACP.
Whatever the reason, programs like the DACP provide eligible enlisted members who demonstrate leadership abilities to fill vacant officer positions within the wing and achieve their goals.
“Selection is an honor reserved for the most qualified, motivated and deserving individuals,” said Brown.
For those interested in commissioning, the upcoming 2017 DACP may be the next stop to drive their military career to the next level. Packages are due during the September unit training assembly and interested members can get more information by contacting Senior Master Sgt. Monica Brown at (228) 376-8479, or checking on the 403rd FSS Sharepoint at https://keesler.eis.aetc.af.mil/403WG/403MSG/403FSS/Commissioning%20Programs/Forms/AllItems.aspx