Sheppard graduates first 9-level Aircraft Armament course by Capt. Brittany Martin 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs 9/26/2011 - SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- The first class of nine-level Aircraft Armament Systems senior NCOs graduated here Sept. 23. The 15 master sergeants who attended the course averaged 14 years of service since they completed their seven-level upgrade training. The two-week course is designed to teach career maintainers how to become managers. While initial armament systems training is aircraft platform specific, the nine-level course combines Airmen from all airframes in the same classroom. The aircraft armament is the third Air Force career field to require a course to complete nine-level certification, officials said. Traditionally, nine-level certification is obtained through on-the-job training. "Because of the drawdown in manpower, there is not enough overlap," said Beverley Fisher, the 363rd Training Squadron aircraft armament training manager. She explained that the nine-level course was needed to further help NCOs with career progression. Chief Master Sgt. Michael Lucchesi, the Aircraft Armament career field manager, visited here recently during the course's first training days. The first class has successfully graduated 15 students, but the real test of the course's success is yet to be seen, according to Fisher. He explained that the desired result is to increase the efficiency in the process of creating an effective nine-level aircraft armament NCO. Currently, four courses are scheduled to be held here a year, officials said.