Photo By Alexx Pons | U.S. Air Force Air Commandos conduct marching drills with cadets Nov. 21, 2014, at...... read more read more
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CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. - That immediately set the tone for what would be a day reminiscent of basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, held in the slightly more specialized operations environment of Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from Clovis, New Mexico high school were mentally and physically tested by an elite core of Air Commandos as part of a growing partnership with Cannon’s local community.
The cadets were immediately confronted with former basic military training technical instructors, who have gone on to assume critical roles here, yelling orders at them, as well some of Cannon’s most influential leaders.
“We are here to show them that there is something truly bigger than them,” said Chief Master Sgt. Randy Scanlan, 27th Special Operations Wing command chief. “We are effectively investing in our replacements – our future airmen.”
Troops were quickly rallied into two separate flights and provided instruction and demonstrations from experts in varying career fields, ranging from drill and ceremony to special tactics.
“We are using this as a recruiting tool for the Air Force to inform and educate JROTC; simultaneously allowing them to touch, feel and see some very unique Air Force Specialty Codes and ultimately providing them a taste of what the Air Force has to offer,” said Chief Master Sgt. Ami Masaniai, 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron manager. “Something like this might be the ultimate deciding factor on whether or not these cadets chose to enlist. We are trying to instill the very basics of the Air Force, while highlighting the fact that Cannon is one of the most relevant wings today.”
Standing before the cadets as a testament to what JROTC can inspire one to do, Tech. Sgt. Thomas Canada, 27 SOW command chief executive assistant, shared powerful and personal words of encouragement.
“I spent four years in Army JROTC and served as my battalion commander,” he said. “When you are in JROTC, you learn core values and leadership traits that will help you acclimate quicker to the demands of a military lifestyle. The environment today will provide all of you with a great background and foundation for what may potentially lie ahead should you chose a career in service to your nation.”
When the two flights separated, Master Sgt. Whitfield Jack, 27th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, and Master Sgt. Marvin Jimerson, 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, rallied their cadets for what would be a stressful BMT-fashioned drill session.
The two master sergeants, both former technical instructors at Lackland, motivated trainees who were clearly not expecting the intense level of realism from the pair evident from the expressions on their faces.
“This entire training program started out on a very small scale with us originally just being asked questions about drill competitions,” said Jimerson. “Drill is an excellent way to instill motivation and demonstrate teamwork. Being out here definitely took me back to my Lackland MTI days; it is still one of the best job in the Air Force. It is all about standards and discipline - no wavering from standards.”
On the opposite site of the base track, the second flight was introduced to security forces members’ weaponry, fire department gear, equipment and engine capabilities, and explosive ordnance disposal lifesaving technology and counter terrorism measures.
“I admire what these cadets are doing,” stated Jack. “When I was in high school, I was not able to participate in a JROTC program, but had I known I was going to enlist I would have wanted this training.”
“This collaboration is extremely positive for the base and Clovis High School; it is an outreach tool for our wing, and a good way for our community to know we are here to help them and be positive role models,” he added. “We need their support to do what we do and this shows we want to take care of them.”
Jack shared much of the nostalgia sentiment Jimerson did.
“I am recalling the impact I had on my airmen at Lackland; I can only hope we have the same effect on these cadets,” Jack said. “It is great to be able to support our local kids.”
Drill and becoming acquainted with several AFSCs were just the beginning. As the day progressed, members of the 26th Special Tactics Squadron gathered the trainees for a strenuous physical training session. With safety as a top priority for all involved, emergency first responders were standing by if needed.
“This invitation was a huge deal for us,” said the JROTC senior instructor. “Being able to introduce these kids to tip of the spear and really show them how much the Air Force has to offer has been phenomenal. This program is not about recruiting, it is about leadership and citizenship; however, I wanted to present the Air Force in the best possible light after 21 years of service. Overall, the students seem to be responding positively to this training; they came out here, see our Air Commandos and are hopefully motivated.”
With muscles fatigued and limbs aching as they collapsed on the field for an end-of-day debrief, the cadets were gathered for lunch at the Pecos Trail Dining Facility, complete with a variation of the infamous BMT "snake pit" - a collection of tables where MTIs congregate to call upon select trainees and put Air Force knowledge to the test, on the spot. Failure to respond to these questions, answer incorrectly or without a proper reporting statement, rarely yields positive results for the trainees.
“This was a lot more intense than what we are used to, but I feel like it was a really good experience for some of the freshmen just starting out in JROTC,” said Yvonne Sisneros, Clovis JROTC cadet commander. “I did expect something along these lines, but it was still shocking to see how intimidating it could all be. The training has really prepared me for what lies ahead; I’ve got my sights set on an Air Force career and this just reassured me that I’m ready.”
| Date Taken: | 11.21.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.25.2014 09:50 |
| Story ID: | 148768 |
| Location: | CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO, US |
| Web Views: | 75 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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