Tinker program celebrates 1000th graduate Published Aug. 21, 2008 By Danielle Gregory Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- One Tinker program is helping employees further their education. The Immersion Education Program was introduced to Tinker, Hill and Robins Air Force Base to help instruct the Air Force Material Command supply workforce on key concepts needed in the purchasing and supply chain management business environment. The program is recommended for all supply and related support personnel and provides a basic understanding of the skills, tools, concepts, and expectations needed for the future. "The program is primarily focused for members of the Global Logistics Support Center. However, slots are also offered to organizations within the Air Logistics Centers and AFMC," said Brian Polesky, Immersion Education Program Manager. The inaugural Immersion Education session kicked off October 2005 with 100 MSD employees -- 25 from each selected base -- participated in a nine week course consisting of work and simulation exercises. The course has since been shortened to seven consecutive weeks of classroom instruction. The Immersion Education Program now consists of 19 courses, three case studies and a Capstone project that concludes the seven-week session. The two primary types of courses cover core competencies and dimension capabilities. Each module focuses on the critical aspect of supply chain management and the eLog21 Campaign Plan. "This is our 14th class to graduate and this graduation results in 1000 students successfully completing Immersion Education. At Tinker, we have three separate classes, a total of 75 students per session. Tinker has achieved a 100 percent attendance fill rate since the program started," said Mr. Polesky. Supervisors have not only helped make attendance a priority but have also been encouraged to attend the classes to see first-hand what their employees are participating in. Supervisors submit the names of their employees for the course. "Leadership at all levels from the director, 448th Supply Chain Management Wing, to each individual first-line supervisors have emphasized the significance of this program and the important role the program plays in enhancing individual performance as well as supporting the warfighter," said Mr. Polesky. The next Immersion Education class is scheduled for Oct. 6 thru Nov. 18.