Army begins to establish formal EW specialty - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Army begins to establish formal EW specialty

Dedicated electronic warfare specialties will be established for commissioned officers, warrant officers and enlisted soldiers as part of an ongoing effort to make EW a core competency for the active and reserve components.

Under plans now being developed, an electronic warfare structure will be established throughout the force, from service component commands down to battalion level, according to a worldwide directive recently issued by the Army.

A key to creating the new EW structure will be the establishment of a commissioned officer functional area (FA 29) and a qualification course for officers who will pursue careers in the new specialty.

Once the course is developed at Fort Sill, Okla., the Army will establish military occupational specialties for warrant officers and enlisted soldiers.

Pilots for the new course will begin this month and in June for selected captains and majors of the active component, National Guard and Army Reserve.

The curriculum for the 10-week course will contain EW training beyond that offered in the Additional Skill Identifier 1J course, officials said.

Officers who successfully complete the course can request a career field transfer once the FA 29 specialty is formally established. In the interim, they will hold the ASI 1J designation.

Officers who are interested in attending a pilot course should consult All Army Activities (ALARACT) Message 181634Z Dec, issued by the office of the G-3 (DAMO-AOC).