Fighter wing demonstrates total force integration

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jeremy Roman
  • 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colorado Springs, Colo. --  Members of the 301st Fighter Wing recently received the unique opportunity to impact the next generation of Air Force leaders by exemplifying total force integration during a trip made to the United States Air Force Academy as part of the Cadet Sponsorship Program over Labor Day weekend.

Historically, sponsor wings from this program have only come from the active duty Air Force.

In December 2011, the wing became the first of only four Air Force Reserve Command sponsor wings selected to support one of the 40 cadet squadrons.

The program's goal is to prepare cadets for a successful military career by coupling them with Air Force units they will likely see after graduation. With Total Force Integration in the forefront, the Air Force can benefit from exposing its cadets to the knowledge and experience offerred by Reserve wings.

"This is significant in part because it shows how committed the Air Force is to the total force concept," said Colonel Bill Lyons, 301st Fighter Wing vice commander and Air Force Academy alum. "It also demonstrates the level of trust that the Air Force, USAFA, and AFRC have in the wing's ability to positively influence the development of the Air Force's future leaders."

"The initial visit to Cadet Squadron 34 was made in February where we exchanged the wing's flag, other mementos and were able to meet the cadets," said Major Charles Huber, 301st Fighter Wing cadet sponsorship program project officer. "Since then, we've been working very closely with CS 34 to put together this trip, which gave us a great opportunity to bring out the men and women of the 301st this time to meet and spend time with the cadets."
The trip served several purposes. Foremost, it allowed the 301st to provide mentorship and answers to cadets' questions.

"The purpose of the program is to give the cadets the opportunity to interact with and see the real Air Force," Lyons said. "They get to see how the Air Force theory they study in the classrooms of Colorado translates into field operations around the world."

The trip also allowed 301st members of the to gain better insight on the commissioned Air Force.

"Seeing the phenomenal atmosphere here, and being a Reserve unit that sponsors a cadet squadron, it really shows support as a unit and as one branch of service," said 301st civilian employee Tisha Grant. " I think they have something to look forward to, not in terms of position or rank, but just to know we support what you are doing, we've been where you are, and we encourage you to go further in your endeavors."

The Cadet Sponsorship trip took place during the Air Force Academy's parents' weekend. The 301st provided two flyovers that weekend, one for the parade and the other before the AFA Falcons' college football game. There were opportunities to join the cadets in their classes, numerous times to speak with the cadets during the tailgate, and see the 301st and 457th Fighter Squadron shields painted on the dormitory walls during the meet-and-greet night. Both the 301st and CS 34, nicknamed "the Loose Hawgs" had positive things to say about the weekend trip.

"Whether it's a cadet learning or giving the wing an initial shot at mentorship, the program is an awesome opportunity for everyone involved," said Captain Rodney Ellison, Jr., 301st chief of public affairs and AFA graduate. "Having been part of a sponsorship program before, it's good to be on the other side because I remember the benefits I got from it as a cadet and now want to make sure I share those same benefits with these up and coming cadets."

"I really enjoyed talking to everyone who came to visit us this weekend," said Group Academic Officer, Cadet Master Sergeant Sarah Davis. "Now that we have mentors, it's great to learn about what life will be like in the real Air Force after graduation. I've received a lot of good advice about what to do when I get to my first base."

Of the events scheduled for that weekend, the opportunity which caused the biggest excitement came when offering two cadet incentive flights. The names were drawn at random providing everyone had a fair chance regardless of rank or classification.

"We're so excited to get two cadet incentive flights," said Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Froerer, CS 34 Cadet squadron commander. "I've never heard of a sponsor base doing that before. It's huge. We hope it keeps happening."

Succeeding as a sponsor wing allows the 301st the opportunity to demonstrate the dedication, competency and seamless resiliency to audiences possibly unfamiliar with the Air Force Reserves' capabilities.

"Regardless of their career field, many USAFA graduates will work side by side with Reservists in their first duty assignment," said Col. Lyons. "The more we can do to prepare them for that transition, the better off they will be, and the more effective the total force will be."

"Now as we start talking about TFI and integrating more with the active duty, we are here to share the collective experiences we have within the 301st Fighter Wing and what the Reserve is all about, said Maj. Huber. "The more exposure and interaction we can have with them will only make us stronger as a collective force. It's a combined effort not only to expose them to the airplanes, flyovers, and what officers do, but to bring them out and show them what the maintainers, technicians, and civilians do. We really want to share our breadth of experience in the Reserve with the Air Force's newest officers."

The Cadet Sponsorship Programs' next phase is planning a visit the 301st Fighter Wing.