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.
- The program, called Critical Analysis Training Accelerator: Learning to Yield Solutions through Technology, or CATALYST, is a seven-week course that teaches Airmen coding technologies, data analysis and project management at the HSU campus near Hurlburt Field in Fort Walton Beach.
“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.
- “You guys know what your squadrons need, you’re closer to the problems,” Dierig said during the kickoff. “Now your job is to solve the problems—you are now the pathfinders.”
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.
- “I believe that CATALYST has roots in a concept that we believe in,” said Amanda Negron, HSU Chief Executive oOfficer, “to add skills to already very accomplished, talented individuals and empower them to come up with their own solutions.”
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.
