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Operation Air Force at Scott: Training future leaders of character

  • Published
  • By Cadet Samson S. Sower
  • Squadron 19, Class of 2014
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Operation Air Force is a program that allows Air Force Academy cadets--officers in training--a chance to experience what life is like at operational Air Force bases. Academy cadets are randomly assigned an Air Force base, and live there anywhere from three to six weeks during the summer. While stationed at a particular base, cadets shadow different squadrons to get exposure to various career fields and hopefully spark interest in one or more of those career options. During their stay the soon-to-be officers have the opportunity to work with both enlisted and officer Air Force personnel to see what their day-to-day life is like in the operational Air Force.

Scott has accommodated approximately 30 cadets this summer who have shadowed units such as the 375th Security Forces Squadron, 906th Air Refueling Squadron and the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron. Within these squadrons the cadets have helped with tasks such as traffic duty during rush hour, pouring cement for new construction projects and even participating in a KC-135 refueling mission.

The current group of cadets at Scott, who arrived July 10, are approaching the end of their three week stay.

"The 'ops' program did a really good job of informing me on different Air Force career options for when I commission," said Cadet Tyler Jordan, Air Force Academy junior. "There were certain fields which I had never considered before, and now I have a great interest in. "

In addition to getting exposure to career field options, the cadets have also been able to participate in squadron intramurals, morning PT, promotion ceremonies and mentoring sessions.

"It was good to see the other side of the Air Force, outside of the Academy bubble," he said. "Getting to see the interactions between enlisted personnel and officers has helped me to better understand what is needed in order to keep an Air Force base working properly and effectively."

As the Operation Air Force program comes to an end this summer, the cadets will head back to the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., where they will soon start their fall semester of classes. Team Scott's role in the Operation Air Force program is imperative to the future of the Air Force in that it provides education and firsthand experience to future officers. The Air Force Academy, with the help of Scott and similar bases around the world, takes another step forward in aiding in the mission of training future leaders of character.