PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Members of the 302nd Airlift Wing and 310th Space Wing Development and Training Flight walked out to the flightline Sept. 13, 2015 to tour a C-130 Hercules aircraft. The group of future Airmen looked different from other tour groups because they were marching in formation, just like they will when they eventually attend Air Force Basic Military Training.
It has been almost three years since the D&TF was launched at the 302nd Airlift Wing, together with Schriever AFB’s 310th Space Wing, at Peterson AFB to prepare new Air Force Reserve recruits for Basic Military Training.
Trainees participate in one Unit Training Assembly per month. The focus of the program is to prepare trainees for basic training, technical school and an Air Force career.
“The key is to keep potential Airmen on track while they are waiting for a date to ship out to basic training,” said Chief Master Sgt. Otis Jones, 302nd Airlift Wing command chief.
They learn Air Force history, the Air Force Creed, rank structure, drill and ceremony, uniform appearance, and perform physical training including a mock fitness test.
In addition to physical training and classroom instruction, trainees are paid for UTA participation, have access to base resources, and have full benefits including health care. They have signed a contract with the Air Force and have taken the oath of enlistment. They are considered part of the Air Force.
The program is designed to set trainees up for success.
“They hit the ground running with an advantage,” said Tech. Sgt. Darren Campos, 302nd Airlift Wing D&TF program coordinator. “We work to implement a global picture for these future Airmen here by informing trainees how the Air Force Reserve works and how to keep an open mind to opportunities.”
According to Campos, the intention of a global view is to retain Airmen in their careers over time and knowledge is key. These trainees learn about the Air Force as a whole and their Air Force Reserve career before ever leaving for basic training.
Campos has been the program coordinator at D&TF since June this year. He said just since August, there have been three honor graduates, a top graduate, and a top male physical training graduate from the Peterson-based program at BMT, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
“We have had numerous honor graduates from basic training since this program was implemented here,” verified Jones.
Jesse Anderson, D&TF trainee, attests to how well this program prepares future Airmen. “They really encourage leadership here and give us opportunities to lead the flight,” he said. “Sometimes they bring in an MTI [Military Training Instructor] to do drill and show us the ops [operations] tempo of basic training.”
“We have MTIs from the Air Force Academy come out to work with them,” confirmed Master Sgt. Jason Broadaway, 310th Space Wing D&TF program manager who is assigned to the Air Force Reserve’s 310th Space Wing, Schriever AFB, Colo.
“They are learning the basics from marching, standing at attention, parade rest, saluting, military customs and courtesies, dress and appearance requirements, military terminology, and fitness routines; from the start of the UTA until dismissed, their day is run in a very similar fashion as basic training.”
Since the program’s inception in December 2012, it has helped Airmen succeed here and throughout the Air Force Reserve Command.
“I love this program,” exclaimed Campos. “All the coordination during the month and admin preparation is all worth it; we are getting these trainees off on the right foot.”