When Senior Airman Andrii Prysiazhnyi and Senior Airman Adam Gross aced their end-of-course skill-level tests at Dover Air Force Base, they didn’t just prove their technical prowess—they highlighted a quiet but vital truth about the U.S. military’s reserve forces. The 512th Civil Engineer Squadron’s power production journeyman scored perfect marks on a test that requires both theoretical mastery and hands-on expertise. Their success isn’t just a personal milestone; it proves the rigorous training keeps critical infrastructure operational, whether at home or in deployed settings.
The test, part of a Career Development Course, requires Airmen to study career field-related educational materials and pass a test to advance from the skill level of apprentice to journeyman, as DVIDS detailed. Prysiazhnyi, who said he “read his course materials hundreds of times,” finished the exam in 15 minutes—a speed that belies the complexity of the material. Gross, meanwhile, credited his four-month deployment with the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron for giving him “hands-on time with active-duty” colleagues, a rare opportunity that bridged the gap between reserve and active-duty training. “I was nervous going into the test,” he admitted, “but now I’m confident that I have what it takes to do this job.”
The Hidden Cost to the Suburbs
Power production specialists like Prysiazhnyi and Gross are the unsung linchpins of military operations. They manage everything from portable generators to 24-hour power plants, ensuring bases remain fully functional. Yet their work extends beyond the fence line.
It’s not just about showing up,” Young explained. “It’s about proving you can perform under pressure—whether you’re in Delaware or somewhere else in the world.
Why This Matters to America’s Communities
The stakes of this story aren’t confined to military bases. When reservists like Prysiazhnyi and Gross excel, it ensures the maintenance of critical power systems at installations that serve as emergency hubs for nearby civilian populations.
For now, Prysiazhnyi and Gross represent the best of what the reserve forces can achieve.
“The pressure was put on these guys and they really delivered.” — Staff Sgt. Timothy Young, 512th CES power production craftsman
For now, the story of Prysiazhnyi and Gross is one of resilience and dedication. It’s a reminder that the U.S. military’s strength lies not just in its technology, but in the people who keep it running. As the nation grapples with an increasingly complex security environment, the achievements of these two Airmen offer a rare moment of clarity: that with the right training, even the most demanding roles can be mastered.
And in a world where the line between civilian and military life grows ever thinner, their success shows what’s possible when preparation meets purpose.
