AFROTC cadets learn about the AF at D-M

  • Published
  • By Capt. Stacie N. Shafran
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  During the summertime, the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) and the U.S. Air Force Academy offer its cadets the opportunity to participate in a professional development training program called "Operation Air Force."

There are currently 15 AFROTC cadets, from a variety of universities, at D-M participating in this program. The four rising seniors and 11 rising sophomores will be here until July 11. Over the course of the summer, the base will host three rotations of cadets, nearly 60 in all.

The Ops AF program, as it's affectionately called, is a three-week program, held at either stateside or overseas bases, that provides cadets the opportunity to experience an operational Air Force base. Cadets are immersed into the Air Force way of life through the use of tours, hands-on experience, and by shadowing Air Force personnel in a variety of career fields. It also gives them an opportunity to interact with other cadets across the nation.

The base's Ops AF coordinators are Capt. Sean Baerman, an A-10 pilot from the 358th Fighter Squadron, and 1st Lt. Brandon Fritz, a navigator from the 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron. Prior to the group's arrival, they coordinated the program's schedule and arranged the cadets lodging, transportation, and shadow/mentorship program.

The cadets are also scheduled to fly aboard an HC -130, visit the Barry M. Goldwater Range, tour the aircraft parked at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, and participate in service projects, both on and off base.

"The experience I gained from this PDT is very helpful," said Cadet Fourth Class Sarah Smith, a sophomore at South Dakota State University, AFROTC Detachment 780. "I get to see how everyone and everything works. I have never been on a base before and being able to see everything from a variety of different angles lets me see the real Air Force. While here I hope to have a better understanding of what career I want to pursue in the Air Force."

The cadets also volunteered to participate in community service while here. On Saturday they painted the child care center at Tucson's YMCA and on July 7, they will assist at a Tucson food bank.

For more information about the program, contact Captain Baerman at sean.baerman@dm.af.mil or Lieutenant Fritz at brandon.fritz@dm.af.mil.