Countdown to AETC Symposium Published Jan. 6, 2010 By Scott Knuteson Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- As the "First Command," Air Education and Training Command will continue its annual tradition presenting the most innovative technological advancements in Air Force training during the 2010 AETC Symposium, to be held Jan. 14-15 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas. This year's symposium, in conjunction with the Alamo Chapter Air Force Association Exposition, is expected to draw about 3,400 attendees. Air University's role in the event will be multifaceted, given that the institution provides the full spectrum of Air Force education for officers, enlisted and civilian personnel throughout their careers. More than 90 lectures are scheduled to be presented or moderated by the nation's leading military members and defense contractors. The lectures comprise eight distinct seminar tracks, running the gamut of topics from perennials like leadership to cutting-edge innovations like immersive virtual reality education. Speakers will also delve into issues of international significance, spanning the globe from North Korea to Israel and Africa to Afghanistan. Departing terra firma, talks will also examine the implications of space as a contested environment and touch on the realm of Remotely Piloted Aircraft. "Participants can decide which lectures and discussions they want to attend, tailoring their experience at the symposium to their own professional needs and interests," said James Sturch, AETC Symposium event director. Conference planners from AETC have been accepting and evaluating lecture proposals since the conclusion of last year's event, which saw popular seminars packed to standing-room only. This year may be no different, as the lecturers seek to address issues of immediate relevance to the AETC community and the Air Force at large. One such lecture is "Dealing with a Nuclear Iran," by Dr. Chris Hemmer, professor of International Security Studies at Air University's Air War College. At a time of strong rhetoric from Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and continued international pressure for that government to curtail its nuclear ambitions, Dr. Hemmer said he hopes his lecture will prompt Airmen to think about how policy in that region could impact the types of missions the Air Force carries out in the future. "I hope my presentation can help contribute to the continuing professional military education of the broad cross-section of the Air Force attending the symposium," he said. "This is an opportunity to continue the mission of Air War College and Air University by interacting with a wider Air Force audience." Though he teaches in a classroom at Maxwell Air Force Base, Dr. Hemmer emphasized how the symposium is one way Airmen can further their knowledge outside traditional venues. "Education is an ongoing process," Dr. Hemmer said. "It's not just something you do when you are selected to attend a particular school." Following two days of seminars and a technology exposition, the symposium culminates with a formal ball set to honor the five remaining Air Force Medal of Honor recipients. Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force chief of staff, will provide the keynote speech complementing the rare occasion in which all five members are gathered together. "This event will give our service members an opportunity to learn more about our military training heritage and pay tribute to the people who have served before us," Mr. Sturch said. To learn more about the 2010 AETC Symposium, visit http://www.aetcsymposium.com. Editor's Note: Capt. Rose Richeson, Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs, contributed to this article.