LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy are learning firsthand this summer what life is like for military training instructors and trainees in Air Force Basic Military Training.
The 34 cadets in the Summer Leadership Program are spread among seven BMT squadrons at Lackland as they develop skills by shadowing MTIs. The cadets from the academy's incoming junior class arrived on base May 26 and depart July 8.
"They're working for a living when they're here," said Lt. Col. Michele Johnson, 321st Training Squadron commander and program director."They are doing exactly the same thing our NCOs are doing here. In order to do well, you have to want to get up and be at PT (physical training) at 4:45 a.m., and then (at the squadron) all day with the MTIs.
"(Not only do they) experience what BMT is like, more importantly for the cadets, they take what they've learned back to the academy. These cadets will be (leading) basic cadet training for six weeks next summer (for incoming freshmen). They are emulating what they learn from our MTIs," she said.
Two academy cadets first class, seniors Chris Reith and Malcolm Strong, oversee their underclassmen counterparts. Both participated in the Summer Leadership Program last year, and understand the long-term benefits.
"It's stressful, tough work, and we're asking a lot of them," Reith said. "They're going to get a lot out of it and be much sharper cadets.
"One of the best benefits is we get to work with the MTIs, the cream of the crop in the NCOs corps. How to properly train the next generation of cadets comes from their shadowing with the best NCOs in the Air Force. Learning to work with different people and being mentored by NCOs before you commission, that's valuable training for an officer."
Strong said the underclassmen are exposed to each week of the BMT 8.5-week training program. He feels the leadership program helps the cadets appreciate the servicemembers they will be commanding one day.
"I think the most effective way to lead someone is to know where they come from," he said. "In this program, we're treated like a third lieutenant, as a future officer.
"It gives the cadets a better understanding that when they do commission, even though you'll be an officer, you're going to attach to a (senior NCO or NCO) to teach you the ropes of that specifi c career field."
Johnson said while the immediate focus and primary benefit of the program is for the cadets to pass on their training knowledge, exposure to working with members of the enlisted corps is just as important.
"When they're at the academy, they get minimal exposure (to NCOs)," she said. "They may have one or two enlisted assigned to their squadron.
"Here, when they work, they're working (with NCOs). While that's not the primary purpose, that's an awesome secondary effect they get from the program."
During their six weeks at BMT, the cadets work on perfecting their military drill skills.
The program's culminating event takes place today when the cadets will fill all of the key positions in the weekly BMT graduation parade.