DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. — The 355th Wing has expanded its First Term Enlisted Course into a three-week curriculum designed to better prepare new Airmen for the demands of military service while advancing the wing's priority of building combat-credible Airmen.
The updated First Term Enlisted Course, or FTEC 2.0, extends beyond traditional newcomer requirements by incorporating mission immersion, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear certification, emergency response, drone awareness, deployment expectations and a mini field training exercise shortly after arriving at their first duty station.
"While a three-week FTEC curriculum requires a larger upfront time investment from our units, this schedule is deliberately designed with readiness in mind," said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kelvin Hatcher, 355th Wing command chief. "By taking the time to reinforce small-team dynamics, sustain physical readiness, and execute intensive combat-skills training, we ensure that when these Airmen reach their work centers, they are fully prepared to integrate and execute the mission on day one."
The final week of the course introduces Bay Orderly duties, allowing Airmen to support installation operations while completing in-processing requirements before joining their assigned units.
"FTEC 2.0 gives Airmen early immersion into the mission while building the skills they need to be ready from day one," said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Jones, 355th Force Support Squadron professional development noncommissioned officer in charge. "We're building on the foundation they received in technical school and preparing them to contribute immediately to the mission."
By shifting administrative requirements and readiness training to the beginning of an Airman's career, FTEC 2.0 allows supervisors to focus on mission-specific training while receiving Airmen who are certified, prepared and ready to contribute to the 355th Wing's mission from their first day on the job.
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