CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
In the last six months while assigned as the 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant, I have noticed a large increase in first-term Airmen joining our LRS team.
I make time to meet individually with all the newly assigned squadron Airmen and find out a little bit about each member and their families, give some first sergeant expectations and, of course, my list of "Things To Do" for success. The First Term Airmen Center is a new roadmap to success.
When I arrived at Tyndall AFB, as a new jet engine mechanic with nine other Airmen in the early 80s, FTAC did not exist.
Your success or failure as a newly assigned Airman often depended on having good supervisors, adapting quickly, watching, listening and learning from experienced co-workers while making responsible choices both on and off-duty. These facts remain true today, but I know from personal experience that FTAC could have benefited me, my friends and co-workers.
Maybe if this roadmap for success were available and had been applied during our first year in the Air Force, it could possibly have been smoother one. Unfortunately five of my team members were no longer serving after the first year of active duty. Tragically, I lost a good friend who was involved in a fatal car accident and then another friend who died in a recreational vehicle accident. Attending these two funerals only months apart was a wake-up call for me. I realized quickly I needed to make choices that are more responsible or I could be joining my departed friends in death. Three other friends and co-workers were separated from the Air Force for disciplinary reasons, all involving bad choices and bad decisions.
Tech. Sgt Jennifer Kindernay, NCO in charge of FTAC and her staff members do an outstanding job by providing each new Airman with a roadmap for success; it is up to each Airman how he uses the information.
The 10-day FTAC seminar provides a structured program to transition Airmen from training to a mission-oriented environment. This is accomplished by providing briefings covering various topics from base in processing to security forces augmentee training. This great opportunity creates an environment for Airmen to develop the warrior spirit and an expeditionary mindset.
If you are interested in conducting a briefing or just helping the FTAC staff, please contact Sergeant Kindernay, I'm sure she can get you involved in a class.
I have included the schedule for the next three FTAC graduations. Consider attending a graduation if you can spare some time to welcome our newest Airmen who are ready and able to apply the information given to them at FTAC, for a prosperous Air Force career.
FTAC Graduation Dates
Oct. 26 11:30 a.m. Airmen's Center
Nov. 9 11:30 a.m. Airmen's Center
Dec. 7 11:30 a.m. Airmen's Center