It’s all beeps to me Published Aug. 31, 2015 By Senior Airman Scott Jackson 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Goodfellow’s 316th Training Squadron implemented a new Morse code training course at Goodfellow after taking the lead from the Army. Previously handled at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, the Morse code course made its way to Goodfellow due to the Air Force becoming the sole defense department component with a standing requirement for Manual Morse training. As mentioned in the article, Morse code training moving to Goodfellow, the Army conducted joint service Morse code training at Fort Huachuca until the Navy started their own program, which both Navy and Marine members now attend. The Army later moved to stop requiring the course and the Air Force saw fit to take the lead on training and moved the course to Goodfellow. “The class is now an 81-day self-paced training course, blending computer-based and instructor-led curriculum,” said Tech. Sgt. Ryan N. Kilcrease, 316th TRS instructor. “Since the move from Ft. Huachuca to Goodfellow, the 17th Training Group has added computer-based testing to meet Air Force course training standard requirements and a typing tutor to increase the student’s ability to simultaneously transcribe code throughout the course.” The Manual Morse Training Course trains students to meet both Air Force and joint service requirements in simulated intelligence traffic, basic analysis, use of receiving and recording equipment and typing skills. The Air Force retains the Morse code requirement in order to keep a constant flow of Airman versed in Morse code due to its continued value. “Morse code is still a valid form of communication and utilized throughout the world,” said Kilcrease. “The Air Force’s Morse code training will ensure the DoD and our allies continue to have the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operational capability to meet current threats and future global contingencies.” With the move to Goodfellow, the Air Force saves around $45,000 a year in additional student travel and administration costs and allows Air Force students to earn residency credits through the Community College of the Air Force.
