Development and Training Flight improving training with feedback from returning Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jaimi Upthegrove
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Homestead Air Reserve Base's Development and Training Flight is in full swing, training would-be Airmen on Air Force standards and practices before heading off to basic training to give them a leg up on their Air Force career.

Recently, Homestead ARB's Development and Training Flight welcomed back to the base its first Airman to have gone through the program and return from basic and technical training.

Airman First Class Diego Zambrano, 70th Aerial Port Squadron air transportation apprentice, participated in the base's Development and Training Flight last year, and according to him, his experience with the Development and Training Flight was invaluable.

"It was a great learning experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat because it is definitely worth it," said Zambrano. "The Development and Training Flight prepared me for basic by providing something similar to a crash-course to get in the mindset of a trainee, thus preparing me for the shock and awe of the first week in training."

The Development and Training Flight prepared Zambrano both physically and mentally for the rigors of Basic Military Training and translated into his technical training as well.

Zambrano shared his experiences of basic training and technical school and stressed the importance for current members of the Development and Training Flight to listen and adhere to what they're taught during their training in order to succeed during their formal Air Force training. Because he experienced the Air Force's formal training recently, he can provide the most accurate, up-to-date information to prepare the members of the Development and training flight to navigate the murky waters of an ever-changing basic training environment.

"There are several benefits to participating in the Development and Training Flight," said Senior Airman Cynthia Pichardo, Development and Training Flight Administrator. "The training we provide gives the trainees a peace of mind in that they will be physically ready and they'll have an understanding of basic Air Force knowledge and practices before shipping off to basic."

The Development and Training Flight program is growing and expanding, giving its members a place to train and prepare while they wait for their ship dates.

"The program has helped fill the gap, instead of waiting for months and losing the enthusiasm and momentum when they first enlist, members who attend the program on the UTA's get paid to train and learn," says Pichardo. "Homestead Air Reserve Base benefits by having motivated Airmen who have been prepped to succeed in basic training."

Program administrators are seeking wisdom from other bases who have implemented this program as well to make it as successful as possible. According to evaluations submitted by Airmen who have gone through the program and returned from training, it has been exceptionally affective at preparing them for the training environment.

"If the program remains intact at HARB, I expect it to continue to succeed," says Pichardo. "I've received positive feedback from both the trainees and from established members of the wing. Also, I encourage established members from our wing to get involved and help continue to make this program successful."

If you would like the opportunity to take part in this program by participating in physical training with the flight or sharing some of your experiences, call Airman Pichardo at (305) 562-8298.