First group of Ops Air Force cadets depart

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The first group of Air Force Academy cadets seeking operational experience finished their tour with Sheppard personnel June 22 after a three-week stay.

The cadets arrived June 4 to serve with active duty personnel before returning to the academy. The cadets - rising sophomores, juniors and seniors - spent their time shadowing an assigned facilitator and learning what it's like to be in the Air Force.

Cadet 3rd Class Ryan Nissim, a rising sophomore at the U.S. Air Force Academy, said his visit to Sheppard and time with active duty personnel provided a glimpse of what the Air Force is really like.

"It wasn't what I expected," he said. "For a (rising sophomore), it's a great thing."

Each cadet's facilitator, a senior NCO for rising sophomore, company grade officers for rising junior and seniors, was tasked with showing their roles in the Air Force to their cadet.

Cadet Nissim was paired with Master Sgt. Vernon Anderson, a training manager with the 372nd Training Squadron. The cadet said he got more than he expected from the time spent with Sergeant Anderson.

"I think I've learned more about real leadership in the last three-weeks than the last year at the academy," he said.

That is one of the primary goals of the program, alongside learning more about the operational Air Force.

"It was good for them to get a look at what it is like here," said Capt. Dale Weller, an instructor pilot with the 80th Flying Training Wing and first-time facilitator. "They get to see the skill, flexibility and work ethic it takes to get the job done. This might be the only opportunity they have to see another mission (than the one they will be doing) in the Air Force.

"They may not get the chance to see it again. (To see) the hardworking people in the Air Force doing what it takes to get the job done."

Cadets were also given the chance for one-on-one contact with a field-grade officer, for mentoring sessions.

"It's a really good opportunity to discuss things with an officer that's been in 12 or 14 years," Captain Weller said. "It sets them up for a very successful career."

In addition to the time spent with their facilitator and mentoring officer, the cadets also found time to test out a few new skills. Cadets spent one day away from the office at combat skills training, similar to the training Team Sheppard members receive before deploying. There they learned about convoy procedures, close-up rifle combat and medical readiness procedures.

Cadets were also given the opportunity to fly with an instructor pilot in a T-38C Talon.

"It might be their first taste of military aviation," Captain Weller said. "This year we were lucky enough to have the resources and support to get all of (the cadets) an incentive flight."

Sheppard will host two more groups of cadets from the Academy, the first arrived on June 25 and the second is scheduled to arrive July 16, for a total of 45 Operation Air Force cadets.