AF Academy cadet presents LEAD program to Keesler Airmen

Published Nov. 3, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Duncan McElroy
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- A representative from the Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, visited Keesler Oct. 31, to brief senior leaders and Airmen on the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development program.

Founded in 1995, the LEAD program provides an opportunity for outstanding Airmen to attend the Air Force Academy's preparatory school with the intention of entry to the Academy upon completion.

"The LEAD program was established to help enlisted Airmen who are star performers get into the Academy," said Cadet 2nd Class Norman Hitosis, AFA junior and LEAD representative. "I think it's a great program because it allows the Academy to choose from a pool of enlisted Airmen who will be leaders at the Academy."

A program specifically for prior enlisted, LEAD allows single Airmen between the ages of 17 and 23 without dependents an alternative route to obtaining a college education.

Hitosis addressed squadron commanders, first sergeants, permanent-party Airmen and non-prior service Airmen on the benefits of the program. He also shared his personal story of attending technical school here five years ago before being accepted by the LEAD program and joining the Academy.

He encouraged Airmen to start applying as early as possible after basic training in order to have plenty of time to fulfil the strict education, fitness and leadership criteria.

"This program is important because it gives high achieving Airmen the opportunity to excel in the career by offering an appointment to the Academy," said Lutrician James-Davis, Base Operations Support education and training specialist. "It also gives unit and wing commanders the authority to nominate Airmen with officer potential."

"LEAD increases diversity at the Academy," Hitosis said. "If you only have direct-entry cadets attending, you only have that side of the Force represented. They don't have the same kind of experience as an enlisted Airman who's seen active duty. You can't put a price on that kind of experience because their direct-entry peers won't get that experience until they're lieutenants.

"This program allows the Academy to graduate lieutenants who are more aware of what the active-duty Air Force is like."

James-Davis urges Airmen who are interested in applying to study hard, keep their reputation clean and stay physically and morally disciplined.

"Airmen who are interested in air-and-space education and training are encouraged to inquire about the LEAD program," said James-Davis. "Graduates of the program go on to provide the leading edge for the nation's efforts in aviation, space and cyberspace."

For more information on the LEAD program, and to learn how to apply, visit www.academyadmissions.com or call James-Davis at the base education office, (228)376-8475.