Delayed enlistment training flight takes off at Travis

Published Sept. 15, 2011
By Senior Master Sgt. Ellen Hatfield
349th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Air Force Reserve's newest Airmen are getting a leg up on their future with the stand-up of delayed enlistment training flights.

Travis was selected as one of five pilot bases to launch this Reserve program. On Saturdays of the A and B flight unit training assemblies, the trainees meet at the Airman Leadership School.

The program kicked off Sept. 10, 2011, with 42 young, future Airmen eager to start at 7:30 a.m. Easily recognizable in their black Air Force Reserve tee shirts and blue jeans, they were marched into the building by flight leader, Master Sgt. Heather Bradley, 349th Air Mobility Wing equal opportunity office.

Master Sgt. Brian Burgin, 349th AMW recruiter, led a guided discussion on core values and gave a fitness lecture. Master Sgt. Victor Osborne presented a first sergeant introduction and discussed the rank structure.

After training conducted by Capt. Maria Rocio Vazquez, 349th Aeromedical Staging Squadron nurse, the trainees were welcomed by the wing commander, Col. Jay Flournoy, and Chief Master Sgt. Kathleen Buckner, the wing command chief.

Trainees have already received their units of assignment, so it was a pleasant surprise when units came to take them out to lunch.

According to Bradley, the purpose of the flight is to help the new enlistees with the transition from being civilians to Airmen, as well as prepare them for Basic Military Training.

There were administrative duties to attend to, getting ID cards, completing finance paperwork and partial in-processing, as well as face time with the recruiter.

"This was an engaged class," Bradley said. "They were attentive, respectful of our speakers and really interested in PT and BMT readiness."

"I think the biggest learning curve for them is comprehending military language and meaning, and sitting in lectures, trying to absorb the military subculture."

Future classes will focus on customs and courtesies, rank structure and dress and appearance. Trainees from the first class are already asking to return on B flight UTA, just for PT and more exposure. Still others have asked to stay with their group for the camaraderie and support. They are already asking for future meeting dates, said Bradley.

There are about 80 trainees in the program, and that number could grow to as many as 100. As trainees reach their departure date for BMT, more will join the flight to replace them. One area emphasized heavily is physical training. The flight spent an hour at the track alternating running with push ups and sit-ups. They wrapped up their day with a panel discussion with five Airmen, all recent graduates of BMT and their respective technical training schools. The trainees went home armed with valuable information to prepare them for their training and school journey.

"There is so much to explore with the trainees," Bradley said. "They want to learn as much as possible to better prepare for BMT. When they are receptive, it makes our jobs even more fun. We are not just creating smarter, disciplined, fit trainees, we're developing a framework of greatness. We want to provide them with the foundation of leadership, followership and discipline. We hope when the river takes them away at BMT, they will be prepared for the journey and be head-and-shoulders above the rest."