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D&TF Airmen stretch wings before basic flight

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ben Mota
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  Just as a bird stretches its wings to prepare for flight so must new trainees here at Grissom prior to leaving for basic training.

Grissom recently introduced a development and training flight consisting of approximately 50 individuals in an effort to conquer many of the unknowns Airmen have prior to leaving for basic training.

"The purpose of the program is to prepare new enlisted Airmen for basic training and to help with long-term retention," said Chief Master Sgt. Tamara Jones, 434th Development & Training Flight facilitator. "We want members to know that this is what they want before they go to basic training rather than them deciding that this was not the right path after they return from tech school."

The Air Force spends approximately $150,000 on each enlisted Airmen by the time they have completed basic training and technical training school, Jones explained, adding that the Air Force Reserve Command is experiencing an increased numbers of Airmen leaving the military shortly after training or immediately after their initial enlistment contract has ended.

Long waiting periods between basic training and recruitment in addition to poor preparation prior to basic training can lead to problems for new recruits.

The program's design will help to ensure Airmen are both physically and mentally prepared for the basic training before they go, explained Jones. This preparation will save the military money by eliminating individuals who are not prepared or simply decide the military is not for them, she continued.

James Miller, 434th D&TF trainee, stated that during his time in the D&TF he has participated in regular physical fitness that has helped prepare him for basic training. He also learned proper rank structure and other military customs and courtesies.

"The program has really helped me become acclimated to the military," said Miller. "I feel that I am better prepared for basic training, and I know what to expect when I get back."

And, there's more than just a preparation benefit for the trainees.

The program also gives trainees the opportunity to meet and speak with other people who are going through the same thing, explained Jones.

"While trainees are participating in the program they are mandated to follow the same rules as traditional reservists regarding attendance and discipline," she added. "They also earn retirement points and time in service while participating in the program."

The D&TF program is a mandatory program implemented byAir Force Reserve Command. All Reserve units were expected to have a D&TF by Sept. 31, 2012.

The 434th D&TF is a part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the AFRC.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer