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Future officers gain experience, insight

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Williams
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Officer cadets from colleges across the country are at Shaw learning how an operational Air Force wing works. 

The program, Operation Air Force, has been in existence for quite some time, said Maj. Mark Commenator, 20th Fighter Wing deputy chief, commander’s action group. 

“It’s an opportunity for (U.S. Air Force) Academy and ROTC cadets to immerse themselves in the operational Air Force,” he said. 

Maj. Commenator said there are three levels of the program. 

The first level is for “non-commissioned” cadets going into their sophomore year in college. They generally work with senior NCOs to gain an appreciation and understanding of the enlisted force. 

The second level is for “third” cadet lieutenants going into their junior year. These cadets typically familiarize themselves with company grade officer duties. They spend half of their time in the operations side of the Air Force and the other half in the support side. 

“Brevet” cadet lieutenants participate in the third level and are going into their senior year. They spend most of their time with a company grade officer in their projected career field. 

The program recently underwent changes to make it a more hands-on experience, Maj. Commenator said. If they are projected to go into security forces, they drive on patrols and perform gate guard duties. If they are going into communications, they will work in the network control center. The idea is to show them how things run. 

“We’re getting a chance to see how an operational base works,” said Cadet 3rd Class Evan Farren, U.S. Air Force Academy. “This year, we get to see the enlisted side. At the academy, our teachers are all officers and we interact mostly with them. I’m enjoying this. (The enlisted) are hard workers and they get the job done.” 

His fellow academy classmates agree. Many of them have been through this program before. They say their time at Shaw will help guide their careers as Air Force officers. 

“This is the best year in my experience,” said Cadet 1st Class David Van Alstine, USAFA. 
“The 79th (Fighter Squadron) helped a lot with flights and scheduling. It was great hanging out with them and seeing how focused they are.” 

He also credits Maj. Commenator with running a first-rate program for the cadets to get their real-world experience. 

“It’s great seeing the different aspects of the base,” said Cadet 2nd Class Rob Brown, USAFA. “I’ve been with the (20th Medical Group) getting the feel for flight physiology. I got a lot of insight from pilots stationed at other bases who are going through the altitude chamber.” 

“I’ve been spending the week with NCOs at the 79th FS commander’s support staff,” said Cadet 3rd Class Daniel Rottinghause, USAFA. “It’s nice to see what the Air Force is really like and go to the (dining facility) without the (uniform of the day). 

This group of cadets arrived at Shaw June 4 and will depart today. The next group will be here from June 25 through July 14. The third group arrives July 16 and leaves Aug. 4. 

The training received at Shaw will enhance their abilities to be the officers of the future.  We have great cadets that’ll be joining our ranks, Maj. Commenator said.