The 1st Special Operations Wing and the HSU Educational Foundation launched a training program July 8 to teach Airmen practical technology skills for solving unit-level challenges.“CATALYST aims to develop Airmen into innovators, empowering them to drive change within their squadrons and across the base, ultimately shaping the future of innovation within the 1st Special Operations Wing,” said Col. Patrick Dierig, 1st Special Operations Wing commander.The course empowers Airm...
The 1st Special Operations Wing and the HSU Educational Foundation launched a training program July 8 to teach Airmen practical technology skills for solving unit-level challenges.
“CATALYST aims to develop Airmen into innovators, empowering them to drive change within their squadrons and across the base, ultimately shaping the future of innovation within the 1st Special Operations Wing,” said Col. Patrick Dierig, 1st Special Operations Wing commander.
The course empowers Airmen to solve real-world, unit-level problems ranging from tracking training schedules to managing aircraft maintenance equipment.
According to the 1 SOW CATALYST Program Leader, solving these problems firsthand saves time and money on what would normally be outsourced projects. Airmen learn practical skills using Air Force-approved software including Python, Envision and Microsoft Power Platform.
The program begins with classroom instruction, then progresses to applied coding, data visualization and a final capstone event. Each week, instructors challenge students with real-world scenarios submitted by the students.
The HSU Foundation selected experienced instructors based on their professional expertise. They include Michael Corey, a computer scientist with the Air Force Research Laboratory teaching Python; Dr. Brian Salk, founder of Pinnacle Professional Development LLC teaching project management; Zac Strength, a U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army veteran teaching Envision; and Scott Hay, a 30-year data businessman teaching Power App.
Graduates will return to their units with the ability to build time-saving programs, force multiply dashboards, a training certificate and program management skills useful in and out of their units.
Negron added that what taxpayers and commanders invest in their troops is a vital resource that needs to be cultivated, with CATALYST serving as the launch point for that innovation drive.
If successful, Air Force Special Operations Command’s participation may lead to further additions across AFSOC, potentially branching into the Department of Defense, according to the Program Leader.
“If you like what we’re doing, roll up your sleeves,” said Dr. Paul Hsu, Founder of HSU Educational Foundation.