Prepared for take-off: 144th Student flight

Photo By Staff Sgt. Mercedes Taylor | U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Fawwaz Lawal, 144th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Device technician, instructs a group of 144th Force Support Squadron Student Flight members how to perform a drill movement July 11, 2021, at the Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif. Drill movements, Air Force core values and rank structure are part of the Student Flight curriculum to prepare incoming personnel for basic military training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mercedes Taylor)  

FRESNO, CA, UNITED STATES

07.11.2021

Story by Staff Sgt. Mercedes Taylor 

144th Fighter Wing

At one point or another, every Airman, has gone through U.S. Air Force basic military training. The 144th Fighter Wing prepares incoming Airmen for success in basic training through the Student Flight program, which future Guardsmen attend before they ship out.
Student Flight is the Air National Guard counterpart to the Air Force Delayed Entrance Program. The curriculum for Student Flight includes concepts such as the Air Force core values, drill movements and rank structure.
“The goal is to get personnel as prepared as possible,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adam Higareda, 144th Force Support Squadron Student Flight coordinator. “Student Flight prepares recruits for BMT rigors and technical school.”
Once a member completes the 8.5 weeks of basic training, they are then sent to technical school where they will learn how to perform their job duties. While engaged in the Student Flight program, members anticipate their opportunity to become an Airman.
“I’m looking very forward to going,” said Fritzi Martinez, a member of the Student Flight. “I’m anxious but excited. I’m ready to see what’s next.”
Since August 2020, about 90 Airmen have processed through the program. Once a person graduates and returns from technical school, they become an essential part of the unit.
“Seeing someone become an Airman is the most rewarding part of my job,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brittney Bell, 144th Force Support Squadron Student Flight coordinator. “It is an amazing feeling to watch someone develop and then return to the unit where I now can call them my wingman and coworker.”
As members begin their service, the Student Flight program prepares them for take off. As they continue to return as Airmen, the 144th Fighter Wing remains steadfast and dedicated at preparing each future generation of Guardsmen.

• Date Taken: 07.11.2021
• Date Posted: 08.08.2021 19:12
• Story ID: 400695
• Location: FRESNO, CA, US