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Airmen transition to tackle new mission

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE S.C. --  The transition between technical training to the operational Air Force can be a daunting task for some Airmen, but with the help from several agencies on installations worldwide, Airmen receive the guidance needed to make the transition.

Upon arrival to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., these agencies provide the assistance needed to make the transition.

"We start transitioning (Airmen) from the training mindset to more of a first base, mission-oriented mindset," said Senior Master Sgt. Steven Wisecarver, 20th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor.

Services, to include dorm management, the First Term Airman's Course, and the Airman and Family Readiness Center, aid Airmen in achieving this feat.

Shortly after arriving to the base, dormitory leaders introduce themselves to these unaccompanied Airmen. They provide safe and comfortable living arrangements for approximately 630 occupants within nine dormitory buildings.

"We are really one of the first people that first term Airmen come in contact with," said Tech. Sgt. Andre Penn, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen dormitory leader. "These Airmen need a place where they can come back, unwind, and relax, after a hard day's work."

Having a home away from home often makes the transition to life on a military installation easier for Airmen, but feeling at home is not complete until they are comfortable with their "neighborhood." To these Airmen, Shaw is that neighborhood.

Some Airmen might need assistance trying to adapt to the neighborhood known as Shaw, and the FTAC program helps them adapt.

The FTAC program gives first term Airmen the opportunity to network with Airmen from various squadrons by learning about and visiting their new surroundings. Airmen receive briefings from several career fields ranging from finance to the Office of Special Investigations to learn about the help they can receive throughout their career.

"FTAC sheds light on all that the base could offer to me as an individual," said Airman Justin Martinez, 609th Air Communication Squadron cyber transport apprentice. "It showed me that there are countless things to do and there are always places that will help you if you are in need."

More than just hearing from agencies across the 20th Fighter Wing, the Airmen get a basic rundown of the installation as a whole.

"Everything from getting them the history of the base, understanding of our mission, and also the opportunity to get to know base leadership," said Wisecarver.

Along with FTAC, Shaw offers a Right Start orientation, held twice a month to welcome prior service and first-term Airmen to the base, and offer in-depth information and resources. Agencies such as the 20th Force Support Squadron speak to the group about the specifically designed services to benefit the Airmen.

"We talk about everything from youth programs, school liaison services, fitness, dining facilities, recreation, and the value of club memberships," said Derrick Rhems, 20th FSS marketing and promotions director. "It helps give new Team Shaw members a birds-eye view of upcoming events, which encourages them to become an active participant in the Team Shaw community."

Airmen do not undergo this transition alone, they are treated as equal and shown that they are vital to the mission.

"In technical school -in a training environment- everything is standardized where they can only do certain things," said Wisecarver. "We really start building them up from that point, start letting them know it doesn't matter if they have no stripes, one stripe, or two stripes on their sleeves, they are a valuable member of the team right out of the gate."

Airmen are the backbone of the Air Force and ensuring they are provided a smooth and information-packed transition into their career helps maintain the world's greatest Air Force.