SNCO returns as CGO

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jessica Martin
  • 926th Group public affairs
A senior non-commissioned officer in the 706th Fighter Squadron here graduated from Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., on Dec. 16.

Second Lieutenant Melanie Singer, previously Master Sgt. Singer, was selected for the Deserving Airman Commissioning Program and celebrated her pinning on at a ceremony attended by her family and peers.

"I decided to pursue a commission in February of last year," said the new lieutenant. "I felt there was more opportunity as an officer to facilitate change."

Lieutenant Singer was an Active Guard Reserve member working as the knowledge operations manager for the 706th FS when she began the journey to officership. After submitting an extensive package and meeting a board, she was notified of her selection to OTS in June.

The process was a learning curve, as Lieutenant Singer was the first person in the 926th GP to apply for the Deserving Airman Commissioning Program. Through her experience, she in turn was able to assist another 926th GP member with their application, a coworker who ended up being in Lieutenant Singer's lower class at OTS.

Upon graduation, Lieutenant Singer returned to the 706th FS as a Traditional Reservist. She heads to technical school in February for six months to cross-train into communications as a cyber space operations officer.

"Melanie is a hard-charging leader with unique vision," said Lt. Col. Craig Jones, 706th FS commander. "I'm proud of what she's achieved and look forward to the great things she'll continue to do for the squadron with her new rank."

The Deserving Airman Commissioning Program is unique to the U.S. Air Force Reserve, enacted when officer positions become available by the unit's commander. It's designed to handpick those enlisted members recommended to fill leadership roles as officers. For more information on the program, members can contact their local military personnel flight career enhancements section.

"It's been a long road to this new position, and I'm not quite done yet," Lieutenant Singer said.  I'm excited about learning a new career field and eager to make a positive impact in the Reserve."