Evading the enemy

CAMP ASHLAND, Neb. -- Liza Short, a cadet with the Reserve Officer Training Corps, uses bushes to conceal her position during land survival training June 11. Survival training provides cadets with the necessary tools to evade capture and use their surroundings to their advantage. U.S. Air Force Photo by Dana P. Heard

Where should we go next?

CAMP ASHLAND, Neb. -- Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets use a map and compass to plot their next move during land survival training June 11. Survival training provides cadets with the necessary tools to evade capture and use their surroundings to their advantage. U.S. Air Force Photo by Dana P. Heard

Preparing for the fight

CAMP ASHLAND, Neb. -- Liza Short, a cadet with the Reserve Officer Training Corps, applies camouflage paint to her face during land survival training June 11. Survival training provides cadets with the necessary tools to evade capture and use their surroundings to their advantage. U.S. Air Force Photo by Dana P. Heard

Cadets visit Offutt, learn about Air Force operations

Published June 26, 2009
By Lt. Col. Joan Y. Fournier
Air Force ROTC Detachment 70 commander

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- From June 1 - 19 Offutt was home to 22 Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from a diverse assortment of schools and detachments. The cadets visited the offices of the wing commander, 343rd Recruiting Squadron, weather squadron, as well as the 55th Maintenance and Medical Groups. The cadets also had a significant impact on the dining hall.

The purpose of the cadets' visit was to familiarize them with the operations and management of the Air Force. After an initial week of tours and introductions, including seeing an RC-135 and the control tower, the cadets went into their second week here with more hands-on activities. They were soaked during water survival as they struggled to deal with leaky suits and rafts, they were covered in mud as they spent several hours evading the enemy during Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape training, and they were drenched with sweat after an intense four-hour Krav Maga self defense class.

One very beneficial part of the visit was the opportunity for each cadet to observe Air Force Specialties that interested them. Cadets of the medical sub-group shadowed doctors in the clinic and learned firsthand about clinical procedure, physical therapy and radiology. Cadets with an interest in security forces participated in ride alongs, while cadets who desire careers in maintenance, force support, as pilots or in criminal investigations spent numerous days interacting with squadrons they might one day work in.

These unique opportunities enhanced the cadets' Air Force knowledge and gave them a better understanding of the Air Force mission. Furthermore, they now have a stronger sense of what direction they'll take and purpose they'll serve in the Air Force.

As they look back at their visit, the cadets would like to thank the Offutt community. During their stay, they put a strain on the base's shuttle, dining and lodging services. They sat in on doctor visits and numerous meetings. Every step of the way Team Offutt did everything they could to accommodate them. Thanks Team Offutt, for putting up with 22 college students on one of the most rewarding "field trips" of their Air Force education.

(Editor's Note: The cadets' visit to Offutt is part of the Operation Air Force Program which will continue to bring ROTC groups to visit Offutt throughout the summer. The program is designed to give AFROTC and Air Force Academy cadets an opportunity to see how an Air Force base operates and carries out its mission.)