SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Mobility Command officials announced today an expansion of Phoenix Horizon, the command’s company grade officer leadership and force development program.
Changes to the program include more cross-flow options, matching program participants with wing-level mentors, and new opportunities for Air Mobility Liaison Officers and Air Advisors.
“Airmen are our greatest source of strength and America’s asymmetric advantage,” said Gen. Maryanne Miller, Air Mobility Command commander. “We must intentionally broaden our Airmen’s experiences and ensure they are deliberately developed to operate in and lead the Joint force. Leaders at every level are key to maximizing opportunities that develop exceptional Airmen and future leaders.”
Phoenix Horizon encompasses three programs – Mobility, Reach and Torch. Phoenix Mobility broadens officers’ experiences in air mobility support, including contingency response and enroute operations. The Reach track crossflows an officer into a new weapons system, and Torch affords officers exposure to command-level programs and senior leader decision making at AMC Headquarters.
Under the 2019 changes, Phoenix Reach officers will be able to cross-flow into Air Education and Training Command to fly the T-1, T-6 or T-38 at Formal Training Units. Officers may also cross-flow into the 89th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Andrews supporting the executive airlift mission.
Phoenix Horizon applicants can now also become Air Mobility Liaison Officers or Air Advisors to broaden their experiences through working with Joint and international partners.
Finally, under a new mentorship construct, Phoenix Horizon officers will be mentored by the senior Mobility Air Force officer at the wing level.
In response to requests from officers for increased timing between assignment notifications and report dates, AMC has adjusted the timeline to match the newest Air Force Officer Assignment System timelines.
Phoenix Horizon applications can be submitted to AMC/A1KO (amc-a1ko@us.af.mil) by June 28 to meet the Phoenix Horizon Board scheduled for July 11-12.
“Phoenix Horizon is an Air Force benchmark for its ability to grow experts in the Mobility Air Force and produce exceptional joint leaders,” said Brig. Gen. Darren James, AMC Operations, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration director and Mobility Air Force Development Team Chair. “The program targets high-performing junior officers in critical career fields. We aim to deliberately develop them for senior leadership opportunities in the Air Force and joint community.”
Mobility Airmen with questions about the Phoenix Horizon program should talk to their leadership, AMC/A1K, or reference the Phoenix Horizon program expansion PSDM published by AFPC.