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JBSA News
NEWS | June 27, 2008

Cadets get hands-on experience through Operation Air Force

By Meredith Canales 37th Training Wing Public Affairs

Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Lieutenant Chris Smith, a senior, got to fly in an F-16 last week. Many of his peers won't get the hands-on experience he has received since arriving on base June 2.

Operation Air Force, a summer program, has allowed him to experience the Air Force before he graduates from the academy.

"I've been working with the 149th Fighter Wing," said Cadet Smith. "I've been learning about the F-16, how to fly it and about the background needed to schedule the flight."

In addition, Cadet Smith has been serving as the Cadet in Charge of the program, mentoring his peers and teaching alongside leaders at Lackland.

Through the program, he said there is one benefit that has stood out among all of the rest.

"I get to see how the Air Force works beyond the dormitory," he said, referring to his hands-on experience.

Maj. Danny Davis, 324th Training Squadron commander and base director of the program, said the cadets' experience with the program varies with how far along they are in the academy.

"They are Air Force academy cadets. They are either going into their second year, third year or fourth year," he said.

"For the cadets who are going into their senior year, they know what they're going to be doing in the Air Force and will shadow Airmen who are currently working in that career field.

"The juniors don't have assignments yet, but we're putting them in their fields of interest. For the sophomores, their goal is to appreciate the enlisted role, as for most of them it's their first exposure to active duty Air Force. Our goal is to get them excited about the operational Air Force."

Second Lt. Jordan Smith, chief of readiness plans and analysis for the 37th Mission Support Squadron, said she appreciates her role with the cadets.

"I'm an action officer, so we plan everything, make the schedules and make sure everything goes well from day to day," she said.

"I was a 2007 graduate of the Academy, so I knew of the program. There was a call out for anyone who was interested."

Lieutenant Smith's experience with the program gives her a greater understanding of how to help the cadets currently enrolled.

"I really liked the program itself," she said. "I went to Nellis and Langley. There's just an appreciation for what the operational Air Force is like that you wouldn't get from the Academy."

"I like to think I'm helping the cadets have a good experience like I had when I did it."

Major Davis sees the program as beneficial for both the Air Force and the cadets. "This is an opportunity for us to develop and mentor these soon-to-be lieutenants," he said. "I think this program allows cadets to have a better understanding of what's required of the officer and enlisted Airmen who make up the world's greatest Air Force."