FTAC prepares Airmen for success

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Darlene Seltmann
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Reporting to the first duty station used to be confusing for first-term Airmen and frustrating for supervisors. To make things worse, brand new Airmen found it difficult to get to various locations to in-process, due to lack of transportation.

The First Term Airman Center simplifies the process. The center is designed to transition Airmen from the strict, disciplined routine of basic training to the operational Air Force.

"FTAC is centralized," said Airman 1st Class Tyler Nixon, 56th Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Control radar apprentice and former FTAC student. "It brings people together and allows them to give only one brief to a group of newcomers."

"FTAC is a one-stop shop where first term Airmen receive in-processing and get an opportunity to network," said Tech. Sgt. Kristine Gamilla, 56th Force Support Squadron FTAC NCO-in-charge. "It is beneficial to those who are not familiar with how a base works and for those who don't always have transportation."

The FTAC program was founded at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., in 1977 by Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Estrem. Initially, it was a 30-day program, two weeks of in-processing and two weeks of base cleaning details. Later, it was decided to discontinue the details because they were deemed not very welcoming to Airmen.

"As for the transition to the operational air force, it (FTAC) tells you what to expect and what is expected from you," Nixon said.

During the transition, Airmen are expected to adhere to military standards, to include customs and courtesies, uniform standards and standards of conduct.

The Luke Air Force Base program is eight days of mandatory curriculum. They receive briefings on military regulations, safety, Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, sexual assault, legal, equal opportunity and suicide prevention and awareness, along with others. Airman and Family Readiness Center personnel talk to the Airmen and spouses are encouraged to attend.

The wing commander and command chief speak to the Airmen and invite them to ask questions. Chief, first sergeant and Airman panels also give the Airmen a chance to interact with base service members.

A mock physical training test is held on the first day to let supervisors know what PT areas need to be worked on. They also participate in team-building exercises which include volleyball, Frisbee and bowling.

Airmen also have one day dedicated for mandatory appointments like medical screenings, dental checkups, hearing tests, lab testing and gas mask fittings, to ensure their schedule will not be interrupted when they report to their duty assignment.

FTAC gives Airmen everything they need to be resourceful since they will not have someone with them every step of the way, according to Gamilla.

"We're here to help Airmen transition from the basic and tech school mindset to the operational Air Force," she said. "It helps Airmen understand overall standards and gives them ideas about how to go above and beyond. It's always rewarding to hear that an Airman of ours got below-the-zone or awards by using information received during our course."