Operations Management Trailblazes New Tools into Civil Engineering Processes Published Dec. 12, 2025 By Courtesy of 366th Training Squadron 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 366th Training Squadron Operations Management Schoolhouse is advancing the 3E6, operations management, career field by integrating emerging technologies into its training curriculum. In partnership with the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, operational subject matter experts collaborated with 366th TRS course development and training managers during a recent weeklong meeting to refine career field training objectives. The effort focused on enhancing how operations managers build upon their skills both in the schoolhouse and in operational units. The combined team reviewed the Career Field Education and Training Plan, developed by a separate group of operations management experts, and explored how to translate those skills into specific lessons for initial skills trainees. By leveraging AFCEC subject matter experts, instructors at the 366th TRS can continue daily instruction while receiving ground-level feedback to guide course revisions. New this year, artificial intelligence has been added as a skill for initial skills training. Apprentices will learn to use programs such as NIPRGPT to support civil engineering processes. The goal is to make AI a go-to tool for routine tasks, using prompts to optimize data solutions, improve task prioritization, and enhance data analysis. “This updated Career Field Education and Training Plan ties the Specialty Training Standard to a hands-on, competency-based approach, putting AI skills front and center,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Lauren Wilson, 3E6 readiness and training manager. “From basic to expert-level training, we’re training 3E6 Airmen to transform data into real-world insight, to ensure our leaders make smarter decisions, and drive both innovation in operations and maintenance across bases.” Once finalized, the training plan will be presented to senior leaders from each major command, AFCEC, and the career field management team to confirm training requirements for operations managers. While still in its early stages, formalizing the use of AI in civil engineering processes, as part of initial skills training for operations managers, marks a promising step forward for the career field and its commitment to innovation.