Professional Development Center is the nerve center for training

  • Published
  • By Jill Fuson
  • 48 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The RAF Lakenheath Professional Development Center is an educational focus point providing resources to advance military careers and provide information beyond the military.

The PDC provides a diverse range of intensive short courses for military members, Ministry of Defence and civilians by providing one-on-one counseling for assignments, reenlistment, and retraining.

The Professional Development Center provides professional development through education, motivation and mentorship.

The PDC has many viable resources. Here's a quick synopsis:

First Term Airmen Center
A two-week transitory seminar designed to assist Airmen with their transition from basic training and technical school to their first duty station. Adapting to the culture of the base, Airmen benefit greatly from a one-stop-shop program for briefings and information concerning the initial transition to their new assignment.

Assignments Counseling
The PDC provides counseling concerning issues such as eligibility windows, special duty assignments and assignment programs.

Reenlistment Counseling
Several programs are available when seeking the different avenues of reenlistment such as Career Job Reservation, Full Enlistment Policy and Selective Reenlistment Bonus.

Retraining Counseling
The Air Force is a big place with a variety of career opportunities. With today's military transformation initiative, the PDC offers advice on timing, flexibility, availability and suitability when exploring retraining options. 

Commissioning Programs
Whether Airmen already have a degree or are looking for another avenue of completing it, there is a variety of commissioning programs available including:
- Reserve Officer Training Corps.
- Airmen Education Commissioning Program.
- Airmen Scholarship and Commissioning Program.
- Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development.
- Professional Officer Course Early Release Program.
- Officer Training School.

Benefits Update
A variety of special pays which are incentives used to attract personnel to certain career fields or duty assignments are available to eligible Airmen such as selective reenlistment and continuation bonuses, proficiency pays and career incentive pays.

Military personnel receive additional indirect compensation under the Federal Tax Advantage since some allowances are not taxable. These allowances include Basic Allowance for Subsistence, Basic Allowance for Housing and Overseas Housing Allowance. Military members are also eligible for further tax advantages of basic pay and other special pays through participation in the Uniform Services Thrift Savings Plan, an optional retirement savings plan.

Retirement Plans
There are three retirement plans for Airmen. Airmen can apply for retirement no earlier than 12 months in advance and no later than 120 days from desired retirement date. Understanding options such as these are critical in making sound decisions that affect Airmen and their families beyond their Air Force career.

In today's challenging environment, the PDC offers a variety of avenues to keep Airmen well-informed and mission ready by developing and educating Liberty Warriors and keeping them focused on the mission and poised for leadership.

For more information, call the PDC at 226-2300.