Cadets gain real-world experience through unique program

Published July 3, 2008
By Justin Oakes
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- There is certainly no shortage of programs found within the Air Force, but what opportunities exist for potential, future officers to really see first-hand what life is like to serve in U.S. Air Force?

One program in particular is specifically designed to meet such a need-Operation Air Force.

Operation Air Force is a three-year program for both AFROTC and USAFA cadets that takes place during the summer period prior the cadet's three upper-class years. The program is structured to provide the cadet real-world experience in a career field all the while performing under the mentorship of a senior leader. Operation Air Force encompasses a variety of career fields, but all serve the same purpose-to prepare the cadets for their duties as a future Air Force officer.

Each course is three weeks in length and consists of three major levels: Non-Comm, Third Lieutenant and Brevet Lieutenant.

Cadets begin the first part of the program in the Non-Comm portion, which exposes rising USAFA three degrees and rising ROTC sophomores to an enlisted perspective of the operational Air Force. A cadet will gain this perspective by direct participation in an enlisted job.

During this stage, the individual will be assigned to two units in different career fields, trained in specific enlisted tasks and allowed to participate in duties equivalent to an entry-level Airman.

A Senior Non-Commissioned Officer will be assigned to a cadet to serve as their mentor during the training. Through daily interaction and guidance, the cadet should gain a working knowledge of an enlisted Airman's duties and responsibilities.

By the end of the program, cadets should understand the valuable roles enlisted members play in the Air Force.

The next stage of Operation Air Force includes the Third Lieutenant portion.

This aspect exposes rising USAFA two degrees or juniors to Company Grade Officer duties in both the operational and support units.

The cadets may gain operational and support experience by working independently on various tasks or projects or they may work as an intern, performing alongside a CGO.

Mentorship plays a large role in Third Lieutenant as well. In each unit, cadets are assigned at least one Field Grade Officer in squadron leadership. The goal of providing this type of mentorship is to enhance their appreciation for the roles CGOs play and to hear first-hand a squadron leader's expectations for their CGOs.

Besides gaining an understanding of operational and support units, their Third Lieutenant experience should help focus their upcoming Air Force Specialty Code decision.

The final stage of Operation Air Force -- known as Brevet Lieutenant -- is similar to a capstone program. During this time, USAFA first class cadets and ROTC seniors undergo specific career-field training ideally in an area of interest to the cadet.

The two main objectives of Brevet Lieutenant are internship and mentorship.

The internship objective is fulfilled by successfully executing a mission in their designated unit. A CGO is assigned to each cadet and helps guide them much like the first two phases of the program. The amount of the responsibility given to this level of cadet is comparable to a junior lieutenant.

To successfully achieve the mentorship goal, cadets are assigned to an experienced FGO. Constant and effective communication with the FGO is required in order to enhance the cadet's appreciation of what it means to function as a CGO.

Luke will host approximately 50 cadets during the summer.