McConnell hosts Operation Air Force cadets

Maj. Michael Murphy, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Commander’s Action Group chief, reviews an itinerary for the wing commander with U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 2nd Class Heather Ireland June 7, 2010, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Cadet Ireland is one of nine Academy cadets visiting McConnell to experience life on the job at an Air Force installation. USAFA cadets enrolled in the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Summer Research Program “shadowed” Air Force officers to experience day-to-day operations at Air Force Bases. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Maria Ruiz)

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McConnell hosts Operation Air Force cadets

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 2nd Class Kyle Schwochow uses magnetic powder to uncover fingerprints from a computer disc, June 7, 2010, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. McConnell’s Office of Special Investigations demonstrated their criminal investigative procedures by familiarizing Cadet Schwochow with investigative equipment they use to complete their mission. OSI is one of many groups at Team McConnell that cadets visited while touring McConnell during the Cadet Summer Research Program. . (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrea Salazar)

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McConnell hosts Operation Air Force cadets

Special Agent Jeremy Richardson demonstrates how to find fingerprints using magnetic powder to U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 2nd Class Kyle Schwochow June 7, 2010, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Cadets like Schwochow were immersed in daily Air Force operations, like the Office of Special Investigations, at McConnell as part of the Cadet Summer Research Program happening Air Force-wide. The program is a widespread mentoring initiative that assists U.S. Air Force Academy cadets with their academic and professional development, helping cadets gain more exposure to the operational Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrea Salazar)

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McConnell hosts Operation Air Force cadets

U.S. Air Force Academy Capt. Nick Williams, 384th Air Refueling Squadron command executive officer, speaks to students from Douglas Middle School and cadets from the Air Force Academy, about McConnell’s active-duty, Guard and Reserve mission capabilities June 8, 2010, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The cadets toured McConnell to learn and observe the different career field options available when they become commissioned as officers. There are nine cadets from the academy here at McConnell, they arrived June 1 and will be here until June 17. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrea Salazar)

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McConnell hosts Operation Air Force cadets

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets run a 5K with Team McConnell’s 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron members June 4, 2010, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Nine USAFA cadets are visiting McConnell this month as part of the USAFA Cadet Summer Research Program to experience day-to-day operational Air Force activities by visiting a variety of squadrons on base. The USAFA educates and trains individuals to become commissioned officers in the USAF. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Maria Ruiz)

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McConnell hosts Operation Air Force cadets

Published June 9, 2010
By Airman Armando A. Schwier-Morales
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Nine United States Air Force Academy cadets began a three-week tour here June 1 to 16 to experience day-to-day Air Force operations.

This tour is part of Operation Air Force, a program that sends Air Force Academy and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets to bases throughout the Air Force during summer break after their sophomore year to view firsthand the Air Force mission, its diverse career fields and the responsibilities of today's Airmen.

McConnell has hosted the program for the past five years, and during their time at McConnell, the cadets tour the base and shadow Airmen from a variety of career fields.

"The cadets are getting exposed to all three groups [at McConnell], the support directorates, the 931st Air Refueling Group and the 184th Intelligence Wing," said Lt. Col. William Stowe, 22nd Operations Support Squadron operations officer. "One of the main goals of this program is to allow cadets to experience first-hand what active-duty life is like and how our Guard and reserve partners fit in."

The opportunity to experience real world Air Force operations at McConnell can also be enlightening for the cadets.

"It is a really good experience to see what the operational Air Force is all about," said Cadet 2nd Class Gabrielle Quirao. "It gives us a good perspective on how many different sections are working together to complete the mission."

In addition to touring the base, the cadets spend time with McConnell's senior leaders for personal mentoring and discussions about the cadets future career decisions.

When the cadets begin their junior year, fall 2010, they will need to make two decisions, said Colonel Stowe. They will have to decide if they will stay in the Air Force committing their last two years at the academy and what career path is suited for them after being commissioned.

"This program will affect two major decisions these cadets need to make in the near term," said Colonel Stowe. "By exposing them to the various career fields they will be able to make a better informed decision on what that path is."

With a preview of daily Air Force life at McConnell, the cadets will have a clearer idea of what choosing to be an Air Force officer in today's force will mean.

"[The program] gives us a better perspective on what we want to do because there are so many jobs out there that we didn't know existed before all of this," said Cadet Quirao. "It gives us a better understanding of what career choices are out there," she said.

After being mentored and learning the Air Force life during their stay the cadets will depart June 16. However, Operation Air Force will continue and nine more cadets are scheduled to visit McConnell from July 11 to 29.