DENVER -- The first force development team for Air Force Reserve officers in the space career field met June 12-15, 2007 at the Air Reserve Personnel Center here.

During the four-day visit, the seven-person development team reviewed development plans and records of 276 Reserve officers who started or completed their online career development plans.

"This is a significant step in mentoring officers and giving them advice on what they can do to better prepare themselves for leadership positions," said Col. Roscoe Griffin, reserve adviser at Air Force Space Command. Colonel Griffin served as chairperson of the space development team.

Officers who did not start their Reserve Officer Development Plans were given recommendations to begin their R-ODP.

"Those who participated (in the R-ODP) are going to get advice. Those who didn't are going to say to themselves, 'I need to participate.'"

The team's first meeting at ARPC was also significant because Colorado serves as the center of space activity for the Air Force, and subsequently the Air Force Reserve, Colonel Griffin said.

The team plans to meet again in August.

The Force Development Division of ARPC's Directorate of Assignments supports the Air Force Reserve's initiative to develop people with the skills and occupational competencies necessary to meet future mission challenges.

Plans are under way to include enlisted career fields for future development teams. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)