Apply for CDE - You never know where it might take you Published March 9, 2012 By Masao Doi Air Force Safety Center KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- I'm one of those civilians who gets excited every time the Air Force Personnel Center releases its annual call for civilian development education applications. During my 13 years with the Air Force, I've been able to go from the flickerball fields of Squadron Officer School to the State Department, the halls of Capitol Hill and a Federal Executive Institute course. I've benefited from each unique experience, and CDE made this all possible. At an early stage in my career, SOS gave me an opportunity to learn more about the military culture and leadership and followership by working with Air Force captains on different projects and participating in physical training. I have used the lessons learned at SOS throughout my career. Through the Air Force Legislative Fellows program, I worked for four-and-a-half months at the State Department on foreign military sales and other political-military issues and helped to arrange meetings for senior department officials on Capitol Hill. Then, for 10 months, I worked for a member of the House of Representatives, providing her information on tax policy, military, foreign affairs and wind energy issues. The Legislative Fellows program gave me a unique understanding of the interagency process and how policy is made on Capitol Hill. The program provided me a glimpse into the State Department's role in advancing U.S. national security interests and how the State and Defense Departments work with each other and the legislative branch. Attending the Air Force Civilian Leadership Course informed my classmates and me about the budgetary and personnel-related challenges affecting the Air Force directly from members of the Senior Executive Service, and CDE made all of this possible. I know growing civilian leaders is a big deal for the Air Force, and a lot of people are involved with civilian career development. I'm grateful for the support provided by my family, supervisors, commanders, career field program managers, developmental teams and CDE selection boards who have given me opportunities to excel. I encourage all Air Force civilians to learn about the CDE opportunities available to you, discuss your career development goals with your family and supervisor, fill out your Transition-Civilian Development Plans (T-CDPs) and apply. And, for supervisors of civilians, promote CDE opportunities within your organizations. Apply for CDE. You never know where it might take you. For more information, go to the Air Force Personnel Services website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.