Academy cadets introduced to ‘real’ Air Force

Published Aug. 1, 2007
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Cadet 2nd Class Ridge Flick got a chance to be a "fly on the wall" during meetings and briefings with senior leaders at 2nd Air Force.
Cadet 3rd Class Tyler McBride discovered that the enlisted force is the backbone of the Air Force.

Cadet 3rd Class Michael Koslow learned about various officer leadership styles from the noncommissioned officers who serve with them.

The three cadets were among 26 future officers from the Air Force Academy who came to Keesler this summer as part of Operation Air Force.

The three sessions of the three-week summer program gave cadets the opportunity to do some on-the-job training and observation with Keesler senior noncommissioned officers, company grade officers and field grade officers.

This summer's program was coordinated by Capt. Barry Hunte, 335th Training Squadron, and 1st Lt. Ernest Stewart, 81st Contracting Squadron.

"We took the approach of learning to work in the operational Air Force as not going to briefings and tours, but actually shadowing mentors," Capt. Hunte explained. "We got volunteers from throughout the 81st Training Wing and matched the cadets with mentors across the base. We tried to match up Air Force specialty codes as closely as possible for the most meaningful experience."

Operation Air Force has three components.

Non-comm exposes cadets third class to an enlisted perspective of the operational Air Force through direct participation in an enlisted job. Cadets are assigned to a unit, trained in specific enlisted tasks, and allowed to participate in enlisted duties as an entry-level airman equivalent. The goal is to foster in the cadet an appreciation for enlisted teamwork, duties, culture and contributions, as well as an understanding of the value of a senior NCO to a junior officer.

Third lieutenant exposes cadets second class to company grade officer responsibilities through first-hand operational and support experience and mentoring. They may work independently on various tasks or projects or as an intern, performing tasks alongside a junior officer.

Brevet lieutenant introduces first class cadets to career-field specific experiences in an area of cadet interest or AFSC assignment. Internship and mentorship are the objectives. Cadets are assigned to a unit and met with the same expectations as young lieutenants.

The sessions began with a wing mission brief and some mentoring from Col. Richard Pierce, 81st TRW vice commander. Then the cadets were turned over to their mentors for the rest of their stay at Keesler.

"Some mentors moved cadets around within their own squadrons every few days so participants experienced more than one job," Captain Hunte pointed out. "Others assigned them actual tasks, such as reviewing enlisted performance reports, award packages and other small projects."

"I saw great examples of leadership at 2nd Air Force, particularly among some of the senior NCOs who bend over backwards to accommodate Airmen who are trying to sort out their (in lieu of) deployments," said Cadet Flick, who shadowed 2nd Lts. Daniel Harrison and Heather McDaniel. The work leaves a lasting impression for its quantity as well as its quality."

Maj. Gen. Michael Gould, 2nd Air Force commander, "taught me what it was like to be the leader in a unit, and Lt. Col. David Babyak could not have been a better mediator between lower level leadership and General Gould," Cadet Flick said.

Ironically, Cadet Koslow shadowed Master Sgt. Chip Coleman, emergency services flight chief for the 81st Medical Operations Squadron, who was one of his instructors for basic cadet training at the academy last summer. He observed emergency room operations, helped with paperwork and administrative information, sat in on a feedback session to see how it should be run and even took a field trip to correctional custody.

"Various NCOs gave me tips on how I can become a good officer," Cadet Koslow commented. "One sergeant told me, 'When you get into the operational Air Force, your NCOs will carry you,' and I believe him wholeheartedly."

Cadet McBride was tasked to find and document inconsistencies in the leave program while he shadowed Senior Master Sgt. Shirley Bailey and other 81st Mission Support Squadron members.

"Although my time here has been short, it's been very important to my understanding of the enlisted force and the base itself," he remarked.

"The cadets admit they thought they'd get a bunch of tours and group settings," Captain Hunte said. "How-ever, they seem to have enjoyed their time here and admit to learning more about the real operational Air Force from working with actual members rather than getting the 'dog and pony' shows. I know it was a very rewarding project for us."