Base establishes new training flight

  • 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 (DTF) hosted 24 potential airmen who have enlisted in the Air Force Reserve but have not received training, during the unit training assembly, Aug. 11.

The DTF is designed to prepare airmen for basic military training and the Air Education Training Command environment.

The goal of the DTF is to reduce the number of seats lost in basic military training and technical school by ensuring trainees are better prepared.

"Our job is to make sure these Airmen are fully prepared to continue or begin their training so they can go on to be productive, fit-to-fight Airmen," said Senior Airman Cynthia Pichardo, flight assistant program manager.

The program started in August of 2011 with six test bases. The program prepares trainees by providing courses on Air Force history, customs and courtesies, enlisted force structure, dress and appearance, team building, and physical training.

"This is a program I wish I would have had before I went to basic," said Senior Airman Joel Lara, flight volunteer instructor. "It's important to talk to the trainees and make them feel welcome and comfortable."

The training also helps them become familiar with life on an Air Force base, observing other Airmen.

"The best part is getting a chance to spend time with people on base and get used to being around other military members to see how they do things," said trainee Diego Zombrano.

A lot of planning and coordinating has gone into making the program successful. Many other AFRC bases have implemented the program but specific guidelines have not been established. HARB's program is also still under development. Eventually, it will expand to encompass prior service individuals who have had an extended break in service or require training and students who have graduated basic military training and are waiting to go to their assigned technical training.

"There were a lot of unique challenges in the planning of this program," said Senior Master Sgt. Henry Restrepo, program manager. "Having seen everything go smoothly and be so successful was definitely worth all of the late nights. It's a privilege to work with these trainees and keep them engaged and excited about the Air Force."

Just as the instructors face difficulties, so do the trainees.

"Hands down, the hardest, and most beneficial, part of this training has been the physical training," said trainee Jessica Howell. "I realize now just how important it is to be physically fit."

There is an intrinsic benefit to this flight from the facilitator's point of view. The trainees get to build and form relationships with those around them and the facilitators get to watch them grow and develop.

"The neatest part of this program is the cradle to the grave concept, seeing them go through this as a trainee and then come back as a full-fledged Airman," said Master Sgt. Carmen Martinez, assistant program manager. "It's very rewarding to put the plan into action and watch the trainees learning and growing right in front of your eyes."