Photo By Tech. Sgt. Curt Beach | Senior Airman William Rosenthal, Airman Leadership School student, speaks to United...... read more read more
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Being able to take a look into your future and meet significant individuals in your life years before your paths are intended to cross would be an interesting opportunity that could pay dividends and prepare you for your future. Half a dozen visitors to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, just turned this unique hypothetical event into a reality.
Six United States Air Force Academy cadets came to Barksdale for two and a half weeks for an immersion tour as part of their training after their second year of education.
All cadets complete a tour like this designed to give them a firsthand experience with the operational Air Force, aiding in their decision of whether they will commit to the Air Force, and if so, which career fields they will consider.
During their stay, they visited a host of base agencies within the 2nd Operations Group, 2nd Mission Support Group and the 2nd Maintenance Group. Engaging with Airmen and leadership at various levels, including group commanders from the 2nd Bomb Wing and 2nd OG, was a large part of the stay.
A stop at Airman Leadership School gave the future officers a chance to interact with future NCOs.
“What stuck with me most about ALS was the commandant there saying, once we become officers, we need to use our rank as a tool and not as a club,” said Cadet 2nd Class David Lee. “We’re going to be using our commission to help those we lead – not punish, berate or overpower them. We need to be their advocates, whether that be for better facilities, resources or increased manpower.”
Another piece of advice that was echoed to the cadets repeatedly about setting themselves up for success was to latch onto senior NCOs in their command for their mentorship and guidance.
The cadets also experienced the 2nd BW mission with some flight time in the B-52 Stratofortress.
“We realized just how relevant and important the B-52 is, with all its weapons and capabilities,” said Cadet 2nd Class Jake Magness. “After flying in it, we got to experience some of its maneuvers and tactics firsthand, and how cool of an airframe it is. I have a lot more appreciation for the airframe now and the men and women who support it.”
Master Sgt. Mark Tooker, 2nd MXG education and training manager, was one of the sponsors for the cadets during their tour.
“They’re a very professional, bright bunch of individuals,” he said. “They asked really good questions, and were a joy to have here. They far exceeded my expectations with their professionalism and eagerness to learn. I have very high hopes for what they’ll accomplish in the future.”
After their two and a half weeks as part of the Mighty Deuce, all six of the visiting cadets say they are excited about continuing their Air Force path.
“Everyone here has been really positive and proud of their life decision, and that’s been very motivational to see,” said Lee. “I think coming here has reaffirmed that this is a pathway which will lead to service to our nation, and it has strengthened my decision to commit to the Air Force, seeing how the Air Force works in support of national objectives.”
In a final message to the Airmen she and her colleagues may be leading years down the road, Cadet 2nd Class Molly Ferguson said, “Thank you. Thank you for the things we’ll ask of you in the future. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for everything you do.”
| Date Taken: | 07.12.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.01.2016 17:48 |
| Story ID: | 205732 |
| Location: | BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, LA, US |
| Web Views: | 197 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A glimpse into the future: upcoming officers meet present Airmen, by TSgt Curt Beach, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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