What are Air Force Career Development Courses and how they fit into career progression?

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 10:34:08 -0400

A recent thread here mentioned "Career Development Courses" used by the Air Force. Well, actually CDCs....

My quick search on the internet leaves me with the idea that they are somewhat like mandatory correspondence courses similar to Army SSD (structured self development), but tied to MOS performance/knowledge rather than general leadership.

Can anyone explain to me exactly what they are and how they fit into career progression?

Response by MSgt Jamie Lyons made Apr 19 at 2015 12:58 PM

MSgt Jamie Lyons — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 12:58:52 -0400

Sir it is exactly as you stated. They are essential a foundation of your skill set. They do not include any leadership / management training. They are essentially an extension of your technical training that you complete. They also serve as reference study guides for rank testing to the next level.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 3:25 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 15:25:44 -0400

Sir,
check out this link for definitions of CDCs/Skill levels

http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4_7/publication/cfetp3p0x1-x1a-x1b/cfetp3p0x1-x1a-x1b.pdf (Page 6)

This training plan pertains to Security Forces, however the skill level descriptions are generally the same across the board.

Response by Capt Matthew Avila made Jun 3 at 2015 10:08 PM

Capt Matthew Avila — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 22:08:09 -0400

Sir,
CDC's are a knowledge based study set for an individual's AFSC. They are given to an Airman immediately after earning their 3 level (apprentice level) within their primary duty and one of several requirements in order to gain their 5 level (journeyman level). The number of volumes given depends on their specific AFSC, but the airman is given thirty days to complete each volume, and a final additional 30 days before taking their end of course review, which is cumulative. Each volume contains several review checkpoints and a final test that must be formally administered, in addition the to the formal administration of the EOC. The process is repeated for an individual when they gain their 7 level.

Response by SSgt Tony Guy made Sep 25 at 2018 7:45 PM

SSgt Tony Guy — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 19:45:39 -0400

How do retired Air Force buy there CDC's from the Air Force . Mine where Aerospace ground equipment maintenance specialist .