As we get further into the fall semester of 2010, the weeks seem to be flying by. Each week the cadre presents the younger members of AFROTC with something new, and they begin to teach different techniques that we will need to succeed in future missions and military areas of our lives. The new material, such as learning how to inspect uniforms and how to perform an ORI are essential because we will be performing these inspections once we become part of the military officially. As it was a little intimidating, it was a great learning experience to watch the FTP take on leadership roles and take charge of each squadron. Each FTP member would take turns commanding our squadrons and walking side by side with an inspector as they would in an official ORI. As freshmen, I stood there being inspected, while silently taking notes on the mistakes made and good things that were done as well. I look forward to performing these tasks and others as well, as my class becomes upperclassmen in the ROTC program and eventually officers in the Air Force. The upperclassmen this year have done a great job on making material interesting and useful, thus far.

This last week, the Det 440 wing took a trip to Columbia College in support of our fellow cross-town cadets. Lead lab opened with practicing parade marching, which was performed flawlessly at the Homecoming parade as the crowds cheered as we passed. Following practice, we began training for open rank inspections. This gave the GMC a new challenge where we will be performing ORIs and will be expected to know this information in the upcoming lead labs. To end the day, a formal retreat was performed requested by Columbia College.
As always, the FTP cadets are challenged to step up, lead, and learn from our mistakes, and this week was no different. We trained for open rank inspections, where we will be executing these in just a couple of weeks leading as the key staff. The knowledge we take in from every LLAB is essential to our preparation and success for Field Training. Each week, the challenges we face become increasingly more difficult and the FTP as a whole become a stronger and unified team. We have a true sense of team as we progress through the semester facing these challenges. Each FTP cadet wants the other to succeed and we are at each other’s side to motivate, push, and learn to show the best of our abilities and Excellence in All We Do. Next week, the FTP will be tested as we fill the major job positions in AEF 2, and we will face obstacles only teamwork and good leadership will be able to overcome. For any challenges we face this year, preparation as we gain knowledge to be great leaders, working together as a team, and learning from our mistakes and improving from them is essential to our success.
Daniel J. Steitz, C/3C, AFROTC

Transition from IMT to FTP

Moving from IMT to FTP marks a significant transition within Air Force ROTC. An IMT cadet's main responsibility is personal leadership, molding him or herself into the best member of a team while carrying out the orders of their team leaders to the best of their ability. However, their is a marked change in emphasis this year, we are no longer expected to simply sit back, observe, and learn from those above us, we are now expected to take on the responsibilities of leadership and learn through doing.

FTP (Field Training Preparation) year is meant to do just what its name implies, prepare cadets to undergo the rigors of field training. However, this explanation belies the true intention of this years training, to press FTP cadets into situations they do not feel fully prepared to address, forcing them to dynamically adapt and by doing so expand beyond their own boundaries of leadership and personal ability. Throughout this year we will be asked to not only increase our knowledge of important Air Force structure, codes of conduct, customs, courtesies, and regulations; we will be asked to further internalize what it is we are undertaking as members of the United States Air Force. This year truly represents the core of what the Air Force is, men and women thrust into situations that cannot be addressed simply through preparation and knowledge, but that require the dedication of a motivated team able to adapt and overcome through combined effort.

We all fully understand that the tasks that lie before us are not meant to be met as individuals. If there is one thing that we must all take away from this years training, it is that to overcome adversity we have to come together as a team. In every challenge we undertake, the emphasis lies on the point that we rise and we fall as a team, not as individuals. If we allow one person to fall to the side, it is the failure of everyone, not just that individual. This is pointed out repeatedly, through AEF (Air Expeditionary Force) training which requires constant accountability for every team member, and through FTP PT sessions, which are focused on group runs forcing every individual to put their strength towards a common goal. In everything we do this year, our constant focus must always be on the support of our fellow cadets, because our unity is our strength.

Regardless of the challenges that await us this year, the FTP class is fully confident in our ability to come together as a team and accomplish any goal. We know what is at stake, we know what we are preparing for, we know that Field Training is the culmination of all our efforts to this point, and that it will throw countless obstacles in our path. We will do everything in our ability this year to prepare ourselves in every way possible for this summer, and as a team we will not fail.

THOMAS J. SPEARING, C/3C, AFROTC

Career Day

This past Tuesday at DET 440 we were privileged to have many active duty officers come to career day. They took time out of their own schedules to talk to the cadets. There were several officers, including lieutenants, captains, and majors. Some officers came from Whiteman AFB, while others traveled from Leavenworth, KS! They represented many different careers including; Pilot, Air Battle Manager, Security Forces, LRS, Force Support, Aircraft Maintenance, Civil Engineering, and more. We were able to learn a great deal of information about the different career fields and life as an officer.

The officers were extremely helpful to those of us who already know what our careers in the Air Force will be. They were also helpful to those cadets who don’t know what they want to do yet. Either way, we were very excited to learn all we could from them. Career day is one of the most important Leadership Labs we have during the semester. As you can see, we gain a lot of knowledge from having the opportunity to talk to active duty officers. We are very thankful we had such a great turnout, and we really appreciate them taking their time to talk to our cadet wing.

The Beginning of Fall Semester at Det 440

Welcome back everyone! It is a month or so into fall semester here at DET 440, and we are getting a move on the semester quickly. We have accomplished a lot in just these last few weeks, and have a busy schedule for the rest of the semester as well. We have many new freshman and sophomore faces in the wing, and they are learning quickly.

So far, the freshman went to Alpine Towers as a class and had a great learning experience. They were able to get to know one another, and do some team building exercises. The entire wing went to Alpine Towers as well a couple weeks ago. The wing was also able to do some intense skill-building and team exercises. The FTP (sophomore class) have already started work on drill and are in training for this summer when they will go to field training. The freshman and new FTP are picking up drill quite nicely, and are working hard to perfect it!

Last week the wing did AEF (Air Expeditionary Forces) training. They learned how to do a vehicle search, land navigation, pace counting, self aid buddy care, and radio communication. They were able to practice hands on with these skills. These skills will be the building blocks for future AEF training days and AEF capstones at DET 440. The wing also participated in a warrior run after AEF training. We ran in groups and were able to build morale. It was a great way to end the day!

Next week the cadets will be taking their PFA's (personal fitness assessment), and we are looking forward to doing our best to pass with flying colors. The semester is going by quickly, and there is still a lot to learn. We have very motivated cadets and are excited to see how well we can finish the semester.