There’s nothing casual about a casual lieutenant

Photo By Senior Airman Beaux Hebert | Second Lt. Christina McMillan, 14th Student Squadron student pilot, is assisting the 14th Medical Group by organizing files on a computer Oct. 4, 2017, on Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. Most lieutenants on casual status have to juggle studying for Introductory Flight Training and Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training with their jobs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Beaux Hebert)  

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, MS, UNITED STATES

10.05.2017

Story by Airman 1st Class Beaux Hebert 

14th Flying Training Wing

When walking around Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, it doesn’t take long to realize the high population of lieutenants. They are either in pilot training or waiting until their class starts.
Each year, roughly 375 lieutenants go through the 14th Student Squadron Casual Lieutenant Program.
“This program is a great opportunity to experience a career field they would otherwise never get to see,” said Capt. Ryan Fortney, 14th STUS Transition Flight Commander.
The Casual Lieutenant Program has been around for a long time, but while on casual status, the lieutenants are anything but casual. They still have required training and events. Every Monday morning, all casuals attend mentoring and training provided by Fortney.

While on casual status, those students without a civilian private pilot license are required to attend Introductory Flight Training in Pueblo, Colorado; which for many is their first taste of a formal flying training program.

Once they graduate the IFT program, they are eligible to start Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training.

There are several other benefits to the casual program which help the lieutenants have a better understanding of how various Air Force squadrons and organizations operate and contribute to the total mission.

When the lieutenants first arrive, depending how long the wait is for their class to start, the students are assigned to an organization based on their preferences and available jobs.
Most of the lieutenants are fresh out of ROTC, Officer Training School or the U.S. Air Force Academy and are adapting to the operational Air Force.
“At USAFA [the U.S. Air Force Academy] everything was so close and you lived where you worked; here you are more responsible for your own schedule and what you need to do,” said 2nd Lt. Marcello Peray-Genovese, 14th STUS student pilot, who is assisting the 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs office.
Fortney said almost every section on base has a few casuals working with them. They are motivated and work to the best of their ability, some even putting in extra hours after work.
“There is always something going on and it keeps me busy and helps me prepare for the busy schedule of pilot training,” Peray-Genovese said.
Some of the casuals even work in the wing headquarters offices, and others are trained and trusted with the security of the base by working the gates.
“Security Forces is one of the more interesting jobs,” Rineer said. “There’s is a lot of responsibility but I’m glad to help defend our base.”
2nd Lt. Austin Rineer, 14th STUS student pilot, who is assisting the 14th Security Forces Squadron and other casual lieutenants who assist the 14th SFS receive four days of training and all certifications required to work the gate.
The hard work and dedication of the young lieutenants’ helps support the mission to Produce Pilots, Advance Airman and Feed the Fight.

• Date Taken: 10.05.2017
• Date Posted: 10.05.2017 16:59
• Story ID: 250772
• Location: COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, MS, US