JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- The trainees in the 446th Airlift Wing's Development and Training Flight program aren't just learning how to march and salute. They're finding their footing in a new world. For some, it's a chance to become a United States citizen. For others, it's a path away from dead-end civilian jobs. And for all of them, there’s Tech. Sgt. Adam Olander, 446 D&TF Coordinator, who wants to give them the tools to succeed in the Air Force reserves and in life.
Olander’s commitment to going beyond basic military training is transforming new recruits into confident and capable airmen.
Olander’s approach is focused on giving the trainees the “why” behind the “what”.
“I try to keep my transparency at the forefront,” said Olander. “I give them all the information and I explain why we do certain things. It's not just because I say so.”
This is a lesson Olander learned from his own experience as a former aircraft maintainer.
“I used to be a primary trainer for other crew chiefs,” said Olander. “Instead of telling them to flip a switch because the book tells you to, I walked them through how the system works to give them the reasons why. It helps them retain the information much better.”
To make sure the trainees are ready for their Air Force careers, Olander incorporates unique activities.
“The scavenger hunt is about landmarks around the base,” said Olander. “Stuff that they need to know when they come back.”
The trainees also get a taste of different career fields. They explore a C-17 Globemaster III, hang out at the fire station and learn how to use different types of equipment. Olander is also working on getting them acquainted with security forces and medical personnel.
“Olander brings a different perspective and drive to the program,” said Chief Master Sgt. James Bolling, 446th Airlift Wing command chief. “His initiative, leadership and his enthusiasm are what set him apart from other candidates.”
Bolling trusts Olander and gives him the autonomy to innovate in the D&TF program.
“This is your program,” said Bolling to Olander. “Don't think in the box. I want you to think outside of the box.”
Despite Olander's proactive approach, the program occasionally faces hurdles.
“We’ve encountered some procedural obstacles, particularly with funding and Training Line Number acquisition, which are beyond our immediate control,” said Bolling. “We are addressing these issues through the chain of command, up to the NAF and AFRC levels. Olander has been working with his counterparts at Lackland to ensure our concerns are understood and resolved.”
A TLN is required for members to go to any type of school or training. Without it, Olander can’t get the trainees the orders they need for basic training and tech school.
“Delays in funding and TLN issuance have, on occasion, nearly prevented trainees from shipping to basic training as scheduled,” said Bolling. “We are working to improve these processes to avoid negatively impacting our new recruits.”
Olander believes in being transparent with the trainees about these challenges.
“I believe in being upfront with the trainees,” said Olander. “It's not fair to mislead them about potential delays, especially when they've made significant personal arrangements to be here. We do our best to keep them informed and ensure they're not negatively impacted.”
Olander has also taken the initiative to solve other problems in the program. He became an Organization Defense Travel Administrator so trainees could get travel reimbursements. He also became a Unit Training Assembly Processing System monitor to ensure trainees are properly accounted for and paid for their time.
“Olander is fully engaged and proactive in addressing these issues,” said Bolling. “He keeps me informed, and I provide support at my level to ensure our concerns are heard.”
The effectiveness of the program is evident.
“The first group of Olander’s trainees who’ve returned from basic training and tech school, have told us that the program significantly prepared them for what to expect,” said Bolling.
Airman 1st Class Lana Fuehring, an honor graduate of BMT, credits the program for her success.
“The D&TF program helped us prepare for basic training and tech school by letting us talk to people who had already gone through it and by giving us insight into the physical fitness tests,” said Fuehring.
Fuehring also feels that the program gave her a head start.
“One of the other advantages that the program provides is the new experience and culture to the trainees,” said Fuehring. “New things like the standards, reporting procedures, even reciting the creed and song every morning was a shock. Obviously, there is still some culture shock when you initially arrive at BMT, but I think since I got to experience the D&TF program I had less of a shock and was more comfortable in that new environment when compared to the other trainees.”
Witnessing the trainees' growth brings Olander a sense of fulfillment.
“It's rewarding to see the trainees mature and develop into better versions of themselves throughout the program,” said Olander. “For example, some arrive with a casual appearance and need guidance on military standards. Seeing them return with a sharper image and a more disciplined mindset is very satisfying. Knowing I played a part in that is a great feeling.”
The D&TF program, with Olander at the helm, is about more than just preparing airmen for basic training; it’s about launching them into a successful future.
| Date Taken: | 05.09.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.13.2025 02:55 |
| Story ID: | 497540 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 9 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Air Force Program Builds More Than Airmen, by TSgt Paolo Felicitas, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
