ROTC cadets experience the Air Force at Scott

Published June 23, 2010
By Bekah Clark
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 375th Air Mobility Wing played host to 21 Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from around the country June 1 - 17 as a part of the Operational Air Force Summer Program.

The program is geared toward freshman and sophomore cadets, many of whom have had limited exposure to the military before now, and is focused on giving them a small taste of the military lifestyle and various careers the Air Force has to offer.

"I applied because I wanted to experience military life. I wanted to do something productive with my summer," said Cadet 4th Class Dexter Joseph, Jr., a freshman History major at the University of Delaware.

During their time at Scott, the ROTC cadets received briefings and tours from units across Team Scott including U.S. Transportation Command, the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center, the 375th Operations Group and the 375th Mission Support Group.

"Before I got here, I didn't know much about Scott. I had no idea that it was a joint base, or how many headquarters were here," said Cadet 4th Class Ted Bertsch, a Russian major at Kent State University.

In addition to learning about Scott units, the cadets also participated in combat survival training and fitness activities, saw working dog demonstrations, practiced their shooting skills in a firearms training simulator, and flew on KC-135 and C-40 orientation flights. They also performed gate guard duties and volunteered at the 16th Annual Salute to Scott held at the O'Fallon Community Park.

"It was really cool to see what everyone does and the career options available in the Air Force," said Cadet Bertsch.

During combat survival training, the cadets acted as opposing forces for a 932nd Airlift Wing aircrew requalifying on their three-year combat survival skills training at Scott Lake exercise grounds.

The cadets also took turns riding in the cockpits of the KC-135 and C-40 during the orientation flights.

Face-to-face interactions with base leadership, including officers and senior NCOs, were also enjoyed by the cadets during mentorship sessions and a panel of chief master sergeants. Additionally, Airmen from across the 375th AMW also stepped up to help mentor the up-and-coming officers through job shadow opportunities in a variety of offices.

"It was a great opportunity to learn and see firsthand how to be a good officer," said Cadet Joseph.

During their off time, the cadets got to venture into the greater St. Louis metropolitan area to check out the Gateway Arch, the City Museum, the Saint Louis Cardinals, and other local attractions.

The group ended their time at Scott with a final outbrief where they discussed the elements of the program they liked and what could be improved for future rotations of the program.

It was during this time that Maj. Kent Freeman, 54th Airlift Squadron, Assistant Director of Operations, and the lead program manager for Scott, encouraged the cadets to go home recharged for the upcoming school year and expand on the lessons they had learned.
"When you go home, be the fire-and-forget cadet. Be the one the commander tasks with confidence that the job is going to get done and get done well," he said.

"The work you put into your detachment now will have a direct correlation with what you get out of your future Air Force career."

To be considered for the program, cadets had to apply in the fall semester, have a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average, be in good standing within the Air Force ROTC program and be selected by their detachment commanders. Cadets also must have passed the Air Force Standard Physical Fitness Assessment.

Scott will host two more sessions of the program from June 21 - July 1 and July 13 - 29.