The Acquisition Utilization Field encompasses staff and management functions peculiar to the Air Force acquisition life cycle. Air Force Supplement 1 to DoDI 5000.2, Defense Acquisition Management Policies and Procedures, provide basic and detailed guidance for acquisition programs.
Specific instructions on the utilization of the AFSCs follow:
It is desirable that entry into the career field be preceded by assignment in another utilization field whenever possible. Officers who enter the career field on their initial tour should seek a subsequent assignment in another utilization field followed by a return to the acquisition program management career field. This desired career broadening is to provide a better perspective and understanding of the interfaces between functions of acquisition management and related functions in the developing, operating, training, and support commands. Lateral inputs will include only those officers who have clearly demonstrated a potential for effective administration and program management beyond their basic specialty.
AFSC 63A4, Acquisition Manager, identifies positions with responsibilities for systems, major subsystems or equipment, or in the overall aspects of the program management effort.
AFSC 63A3, Acquisition Manager, identifies positions with the responsibilities for assisting in the planning and management of the system, subsystem, or equipment acquisition programs.
The terms "program" and "program management" are concerned with the acquisition effort managed by the Air Force. In addition, the term "logistics" relates to the Integrated Logistics Support function performed by the program manager with the assistance of the Air Force Materiel Command.
