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Operation Air Force brings cadets to Tinker

  • Published
  • By Danielle Gregory
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  Several cadets came to Tinker Air Force Base under Operation Air Force Base in hopes of learning more about leadership positions in the Air Force. 
   According to Lt. Col. Kyna McCall, program director for OAF cadets, Operation Air Force is a Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff, United States Air Force directed work, mentor and internship based program. This program is both challenging and rewarding for AF Academy & AF Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets. The program consists of three three-week periods of Jun. 2 through Aug. 2. 
   "This program is critical to the Air Force's officer corps and our mentors play a key role in motivating these future leaders," said Colonel McCall. 
   Group Practice Manager Captain Ryan Gabel explained, "The cadets primarily spend time with a CGO or NCO mentor, but we have also set up days where they have specific programs or tours, such as spending a day with the Third Combat Communications Group or getting a tour of a static E-3. The seniors will also get to shadow Wing Commanders or Deputy Commanders." 
   According to the program directors there are three courses: Noncommissioned, Third Lieutenant and Brevet Lieutenant. Non-Commissioned Officer is for sophomore cadets, this program focuses on the enlisted perspective. 
   Cadets are assigned to a Senior NCO and trained in specific enlisted tasks and allowed to participate in enlisted duties as an entry-level equivalent. Senior NCOs will provide formal mentoring sessions. 
   Third Lieutenant is for junior cadets, which exposes cadets to Company Grade Officer duties in both operational and support units. 
   Cadets are allowed cadets to gain first-hand experience by working independently on tasks/projects or work as an intern - performing along side a CGO. Cadets are assigned to at least one Field Grade Officer for formal mentoring sessions. 
   The objective is to enhance the cadets' appreciation for the roles of CGOs and gain understanding of the operational and support units. This experience should help the cadets determine which AFSC they wish to pursue. 
   Brevet Lieutenant is for senior cadets, which exposes cadets to their area of interest. Each cadet is assigned to an officer who trains and guides them in the performance of CGO duties within the unit - and specified career field. Each cadet is expected to meet all expectations normally levied to young lieutenants within that career. The objective for this portion is internship and mentorship. 
   "The three programs will give the cadets a chance to see the mission from an enlisted perspective, gain insight to the functions of an operational and support unit, and get a first hand view of what life is like in their assigned AFSC," stated Colonel McCall.