By Jeff Murphy,
October 23, 2017
WARRENSBURG, MO – In its efforts to recruit high-quality men and women to become
military officer pilots, the United States Air Force Recruiting Service has entered
into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Central Missouri that
launches a new test program to help meet this crucial need.
The MOU was signed during a ceremony at UCM’s Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport Friday,
Oct. 20, the only airport in Missouri owned and operated by a public university. The
agreement sets in motion a process by which the university’s Department of Aviation
can annually nominate up to five senior aviation student applicants for the Air Force’s
Pilot Officer Recruiting Program. If accepted upon their graduation from UCM, they
will go on to attend the Air Force’s Officer Training School (OTS) followed by Undergraduate
Pilot Training (UPT).
“We are excited to be establishing this partnership with the Department of Aviation
at UCM. It’s an institution which develops young men and women in the field of aviation
while adhering to the same core values of integrity, service and excellence that guide
our Airmen in the U.S. Air Force,” said Maj. Gen. Garrett Harencak, commander of the
Air Force Recruiting Service. “I have no doubt that many graduates who’ve established
a foundation in these principles will go on to make incredible pilots and leaders
in our Air Force.”
Maj. Gen. Harencak and Charles Ambrose, UCM president, signed the MOU. The Air Force
Recruiting Service Operations Division (AFRS/RSO) will coordinate an annual date for
UCM senior aviation students to submit applications to the USAF via the director of
the Aviation Department. AFRS/RSO Headquarters will review and evaluate the UCM applications,
and contact applicants with regard to their selection or non-selection.
“This agreement is symbolic of UCM’s continued commitment to serve the U.S. Air Force
and our many men and women in uniform,” Ambrose said. “Nationwide, there is shortage
of pilots that is impacting commercial aviation and the military. UCM has an exceptional
aviation program, and we are grateful that we have an opportunity to produce graduates
who will help fill a critical need for Air Force officer pilots. This program is
a next big step in the Whiteman Advantage, a comprehensive program to serve military-related
and veteran students across the region.”
The Whiteman Advantage includes programs that help active duty military personnel
who want to advance in their careers, as well as those who are preparing to make a
transition to civilian life. Key elements consist of the Military and Veterans Success
Center, which provides a one-stop resource for active duty service members, veterans
and military dependents; Military Tuition Package to help reduce college costs not
covered by traditional military benefits; and Command Pass that provides active duty
military and veterans free admission to UCM athletic events.
A retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and B-2 pilot, Tony Monetti, executive director
of aviation and the Skyhaven Airport, echoed Harencak’s comments about the alignment
of UCM aviation and the Air Force’s core values. He added, however, that UCM’s core
values also include “relationships,” “joy,” and “safety always.”
“It is a natural progression that the U.S. Air Force has chosen UCM as a test program
to evaluate future USAF pilot officer candidates,” said Monetti. “This is an amazing
opportunity which brings me much personal ‘joy’. To think that some of our students
can now have a fast track to fly for the greatest Air Force in the world excites me.”
“As a graduate of UPT nearly 30 years ago, I can assure you that this is a huge honor.
UPT was the most demanding training I have ever endured,” Monetti said, also noting
that he looks forward to UCM aviation students soon having the privilege of “lighting
the afterburners of a T-38 supersonic Talon (training jet) while dancing with the
clouds.”
According to the MOU, the Air Force Recruiting Service and UCM Department of Aviation
will annually
review this agreement. As the partnership evolves, the MOU will be updated through
addenda to reflect additional collaboration between UCM and the AFRS.
The university’s nationally known aviation program currently offers bachelor’s degrees
in three areas, the professional pilot program, aviation maintenance management,
aviation management with the airport management or flight operations management options;
and a master’s degree in aviation safety.
