KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The 8th Fighter Wing leadership held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to reveal two renovated testing rooms at the Kunsan Education Center on Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 22.
The education center underwent renovations to provide a better, more comfortable and less distracting testing environment for Airmen. The project helped centralize all professional military education testing to one location by creating a second testing room, expanding testing capabilities by 33 percent.
“It is because of these renovations the Airmen at Kunsan can continue to better themselves and further develop both their technical proficiencies and their leadership skills,” said Maj. Bailey “Herc” Mark, 8th Force Support Squadron commander.
Weighted Airman Promotion System and career development course testing was previously limited to one room at Kunsan, which was insufficiently soundproofed. Additionally, the limitations of one room prevented Airmen from taking more than one kind of test at a time.
“Airmen must be able to progress when they are ready, whether through the ranks or through skill-level categories,” Mark said. “Airmen shouldn’t be distracted by noise when they are trying to concentrate, or have to wait for testing center availability in order to better themselves. The upgraded and improved education center is now able to provide that for our Airmen.”
In a coinciding initiative, the building will being updated with fiber optic cabling for faster communication. This will allow for electronic testing for users.
These projects were funded by the Republic of Korea government through the Logistics Cost Share Program. This program is used by all of U.S. Forces Korea entities to fund facility projects, purchase equipment, supplies, war reserve material maintenance or to utilize transportation services.
With the new renovations, the education center can continue to conduct over 5,000 tests annually and serve the Wolf Pack through education.