Summer programs give cadets view of ‘real Air Force’

  • Published
  • By Susan Griggs
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
Cadets from the Air Force Academy and ROTC programs from across the country get an introduction to "the real Air Force" through two programs taking place at Keesler this summer. 

Operation Air Force
 
Twenty-six academy cadets spend three weeks shadowing Keesler members as part of Operation Air Force.
 
The first group of eight cadets arrived last week and leaves June 23. The second and third groups, with nine cadets each, are on base June 25 through July 16 and July 16 through Aug. 4.
 
Cadets are involved in one of three OAF components:
 
"Non-comm" exposes cadets to an enlisted perspective of the Air Force by assigning cadets to a unit, training them in specific enlisted tasks and participating in duties of an entry-level Airman. Cadets are also assigned to a senior noncommissioned officer as a mentor to foster an appreciation for enlisted teamwork, duties and culture.
 
Third lieutenant demonstrates duties of company grade officers in specific units, where they may work independently on various tasks or projects or as a intern working alongside an officer. A field grade officer also mentors each cadet to learn the expectations squadron leaders have for junior officers. 

Brevet lieutenant, for first class cadets, gives specific experiences in a career area of the cadet's interest.
 
Cadets are invited to participate in recreational programs or family activities with active-duty members to learn what off-duty life in the Air Force is like.
 
ASSIST
 
Aerospace 100 special training, commonly referred to as the ASSIST program.
 
The first five-day session took place last week, and the second began June 11 and runs through Friday. Other sessions are June 18-22, July 9-13, and July 16-20.
"There are going to be between 10 and 12 cadets each week from a variety of colleges and universities," said 2nd Lt. Michael Newson, who's coordinating this summer's program. "We're giving them a broad introduction to the base's mission and operations and are trying to make each tour and activity exciting and informative." 

ASSIST's goal is to recruit, retain and train cadets by exposing them to the daily operations of an active-duty base. They're introduced to as many facets of the base's mission as possible. Tours and demonstrations are highlighted and briefings are kept to a minimum. 

The schedule includes a windshield overview of the base and tours of many base agencies and facilities. The cadets meet with a panel of company grade officers, as well as a group of enlisted leaders who share their insights with the future officers.