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Scared, wide-eyed and fresh from learning the basics of their trade, first-term Airmen journey onward toward their first duty assignment.
Moving from the routines of basic training and technical school, these Airmen begin to evolve into proficient members of the Air Force. The First Term Airmen’s Center assists in the transition from a training lifestyle to becoming an active-duty Airman.
FTAC holds an eight-day class beginning every other Monday to help first-term Airmen get all the information they need about the base and all it has to offer. “We guide the Airmen through their first duty station and let them know what is standard and what’s expected of them,” said Tech. Sgt. Ian Quiza, 86th Force Support Squadron First Term Airmen’s Center noncommissioned officer in charge.
Airmen are briefed on a number of things during their eight days in the class, including a welcome brief by the Command Chief of the 86th Airlift Wing, Chief Master Sgt. James Morris.
“I explain who I am and how I am here to help,” said Morris. “I educate them on the dangers of being stationed in Germany; high speeds on the autobahn, the young drinking age and not mixing the two together. I also let them know the things they can get involved with, like taking advantage of the many
volunteer opportunities we have here.”
FTAC students are also shown what it is like to meet a promotion or awards board.
“Meeting the board was my favorite part because it showed me what to expect of the board. I now know what to do in that situation,” said Airman 1st Class Stephanie Torres, an FTAC student and a class leader who graduated Wednesday.
Airmen are also briefed about the Enlisted Force Structure (Air Force Instruction 36-2618).“Being briefed on the force structure was a great learning experience,” said Airman 1st Class Zachary Kettner, an FTAC student and the other class leader who graduated Wednesday. “It gave me an idea of what is expected of me as well as what I can anticipate from my supervisors. It also gave me insight as to what will be expected as I move up in rank.” Along with briefings and a tour of the base, the students go to physical training five out of the eight days of the class. “We have the Airmen go through a mock-fitness test to see where they are,” said Staff Sgt. Maurice Morrell, 86th FSS FTAC flight leader. “On the last PT day the Airmen play volleyball against either the first sergeants or the chiefs. It is always a fun event.”
The eight-day course also gives new Airmen an opportunity to get to know other Airmen who are in the same boots. “We tell them that networking is important,” said Quiza. “It’s a great opportunity for them to meet other Airmen from different career fields and make new friends.” Quiza and Morrell added that they ensure the new Airmen have a good classroom environment.
“They really care about us and make sure we are taken care of,” Kettner said about Quiza and Morrell. “If we have questions that they don’t know the answer to, they find the answer and get back to us.” “They want us to have the correct information and know as much as we can about the Air Force and our base,” said Torres. “Overall the FTAC class has been a valuable and great experience for me. I have truly enjoyed my time here and met some really great people.” Through FTAC, these Airmen become less scared and more in-tune with their first base as they gain tools and learn valuable lessons needed to become successful Airmen.
