Air Force implements new transition program

Published Nov. 30, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Moore
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Air Force's new technical training transition program was implemented Nov. 15, after test periods at Keesler and Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas.

"Over the past 18 years, the enlisted phase program had transformed into a bloated management tool used to control and manage Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Edward Bradley, 2nd Air Force's military training chief, in explaining why the change was necessary.

In an effort to create a more descriptive way to explain the duties of their position, military training leaders have gone through a few title changes, from student training advisor to military training managers to MTLs.

"Unfortunately, the management philosophy did not change with the titles, so a new transition program was developed," the chief said.

The new transition program will better help Airmen ease into the Air Force lifestyle. A few noticeable differences between the old program and the new are the number of phases, phase backs, MTL workload, physical training testing and tobacco use.

"Previously, in the three-phase system, if an Airman met all requirements, Phase II was granted on Day 15 and Phase III was granted on Day 36," Chief Bradley explained. "The new two-phase transition program uses an initial transition period and an advanced transition period that employs a core values approach to adapt Airmen to the military lifestyle.

"During the ITP, the goals are to indoctrinate technical training lifestyle, set the standard and define expectations," he continued. "Airmen must meet requirements such as excelling in performance in dormitory and dress and appearance inspections, display knowledge of the unit mission and core values and exhibit academic excellence prior to transitions into the ATP.

"During the ATP, MTLs will continuously monitor and mentor focusing on the whole Airman," he pointed out. "They will inspire Airmen's behavior through their own actions and rehabilitate Airmen when required, providing appropriate counseling. The new program allows MTLs to act as leaders rather than just managers, to get away from their desk to provide more supervision and utilize their personal and military experiences while mentoring."

Once Airmen reach the ATP, they'll remain there. Gone are the fears of phase backs, in which a student would be reassigned to a previously completed phase and have to re-accomplish requirements to "phase up."

"Phase backs will no longer be in place," Chief Bradley said. "Rather, those identified would undergo a remedial transition period which will run parallel with their current ITP or ATP. The specifically identified behavior will be focused on and corrected. MTLs will work in conjunction with squadron senior leadership to tailor corrective measures."

The remedial transition period, a temporary measure tailored to raise perforamnce to meet standards, should last no more than 15 calendar days. A flight chief may extend the RTP another 15 days, not to exceed 30 consecutive days. Subsequent RTPs may be applied whenever performance falls below standards.

Workloads of MTLs will also change. To allow MTLs to better interact and lead, a unit may have to instill three shifts; days, swings and mids. Additionally, with academic success as a requirement to advance into ATP, MTLs will have to work closely with the Airmen's academic instructors.

"Previously, there was little to no interaction between the two," Chief Bradley said.

"Through the old phase system, Airmen took physical training tests to 'phase-up' and prior to departing for their first duty station," he noted. "In the new transition program, Airmen will take monthly PT appraisals and PT three days per week."

Another noticeable change from the phase system to the transition program is the smoking policy. Under the old phase program, students weren't allowed to smoke on base.

"Not allowing students to smoke presented a huge obstacle with our local communities," according to Chief Bradley. "Unfortunately, Airmen were smoking right outside the gates or in front of people's residences. They were also smoking in the woods and dormitories, creating a fire hazard. With the new program, students can use tobacco in designated tobacco use areas within their training area during non-academic hours and while not in uniform."

Students smoking, PT standards, phases and MTL workloads are just a few areas undergoing changes with the new transition program, and tweaks are expected to be made.

"This is the way we're going to do business," the chief said. "Are there things that'll have to be tweaked? Yes. However, we need to implement and give the program a chance."

"While in tech training, Airmen will employ the skills taught in basic military training," Chief Bradley stated. "Furthermore, they have a responsibility to continue to learn and adapt to the military profession while conforming to military standards and customs and courtesies, all in a manner commensurate with the Air Force core values."

"On the surface, the students will love the new program because they see privileges granted at an earlier stage," he added. "However, upon completion of technical training, they will have experienced an MTL who has actually mentored and led them. It should be a positive, long-lasting impression on their careers."