82nd Training Wing Instructors Answer Call to Elevate USAFA Cadet Training

  • Published
  • By Courtesy of 82nd Training Group
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Co --  

Instructors from the 82nd Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base played a pivotal role in shaping future Air and Space Force officers by helping launch the United States Air Force Academy’s first Cadet Warrior Instructor Course.

At the request of U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, U.S. Air Force Academy superintendent, a team of experienced professionals from Sheppard AFB and the 82nd TRW’s Geographically Separated Units assisted in establishing the new program,

David Sample, an evaluator with the 82nd Training Group, mobilized 68 instructor volunteers for the effort, all crucial to the CWIC’s success. Sample stated, “while USAFA created a draft curriculum, Sheppard’s Faculty Development Flight refined the lesson plans taught to 480 cadets.”

The Sheppard instructors brought the curriculum to life, ensuring cadets understood instructor development concepts for standardized training across the Academy Cadet Wing

The curriculum began with academic instruction covering teaching methods, communication, and leadership fundamentals. Cadets then practiced instructional techniques through demonstrations and exercises, focusing on lesson delivery, student engagement, and fair evaluation.

A significant portion of the program centered on Ready Airman Training skills, with cadets teaching 12 critical RAT blocks. The 10th Special Forces Group added a tactical element, delivering and evaluating instruction on small-unit tactics. The Sheppard cadre adapted Army learning objectives into an Air Force Course Training Standard, integrating mission planning into realistic scenarios. The 82nd TRW instructors participated as trainees and evaluators.

During a five-day field exercise, Sample and his six team leaders managed logistics for more than 3,000 items valued at $5 million, supporting 500 personnel daily. The course culminated in a two-day field training exercise, assessing cadets’ ability to apply learned knowledge and skills in operational environments.

This partnership highlights a commitment to developing effective future officers. The 82nd TRW’s deployment to USAFA demonstrated Sheppard’s exceptional instructional capabilities and dedication to developing the next generation of Air and Space Force leaders, ensuring the CWIC’s lasting benefits for the Academy and the Air Force.