MQT graduates first official class of space operators

The first Mission Qualification Training graduation class Airmen stand together for a photo May 4, 2017, on Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. MQT is the secondary part of training that all of Buckley AFB’s space operators receive to become certified and familiarized with the base’s specific weapon system. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jacob Deatherage/Released)

Published May 4, 2017
By Airman Jacob Deatherage

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Sixty Airmen from Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., had the honor of being the first official graduating class of Mission Qualification Training May 3, 2017.

Mission Qualification Training is the secondary part of training that all of Buckley AFB’s space operators receive to become certified and familiarized with the base’s specific weapon system. The Airmen graduated in separate sections, with those being command and control, ground systems, mission processing and mission management.

Ranging from brand new Airmen to officers, the MQT graduates will be performing at a higher level by expanding their baseline space knowledge to a new variety of space-systems experience.

“I think it’s important because you can know about space, but knowing how to operate our specific weapon system is technical enough and difficult enough that it demands its own training,” said Capt. Mitchell, 460th Operations Support Squadron Space-Based Infrared Systems staff instructor. “With our variety of space experiences, students are able to bring outside skills and teach the new Airmen how to use their knowledge.”

2nd Lt. Erin, 460th OSS space-based missile warning student, added this graduation is an honorary event for the Airmen because once they pass further evaluations, they will be certified and ready to support Buckley AFB’s mission of effective missile warning capabilities.