Team Goodfellow helps make ROTC training a success Published March 9, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Anne Gathua 17th Training Wing/Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas -- Forward Operating Base Camp Sentinel was a-buzz with activity Saturday as 28 cadets from the Reserve Officer Training Corps, Angelo State University, went through field training Saturday. This was part of a two day training session designed to teach them what military life entails. The first part of training was designed to specifically address possible career opportunities for cadets in the Air Force. They were briefed on what intelligence training involves and the wide range of jobs that they do. They also went through deployment training, including weapons handling, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosives training and proper wear of Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear. The training concluded in an all day exercise filled with scenarios where they put into practice what they learned. Cadet Major Jonathan Avera, training squadron commander, said they decided to do the training because with the Air Force transitioning to an expeditionary force, deployments have become part of the job, therefore, it was necessary for cadets to get a feel of what to expect when they become active duty. "The training was beneficial because they got a basic understanding of what to expect down the road as they prepare to go for even more field training this summer," said Cadet Avera. "When faced with these situations at field training, they will have a basic understanding and will begin to question themselves "how do I lead this exercise?" instead of "how do I do this exercise?" Master Sgt. Christopher Hernandez, 17th Training Wing, law office superintendent said it was important to expose the cadets to what the military does so they know what to expect as future leaders. Cadet Avera said Team Goodfellow was the backbone of this event, with planning taking more than three months. "Though the training was high speed, we gained real world knowledge passed on by Airmen who were fresh from deployments," the cadet added. "The training was exciting and opened our minds to what the Air Force has to offer officers besides flying planes." Col. David Rearick, 17th Training Wing vice commander, was impressed with the training and applauded the people who planned it. The vice commander was also happy with the progress of the cadets, adding that they were already exhibiting the traits needed to be an officer. ROTC, Detachment 847 commander, Col. Mike Buck said the training was a very important educational tool that not only exposed them to the real Air Force, but also taught them leadership skills. "I want to thank all members of Team Goodfellow who had part in this," said Cadet Avera. "The team work exhibited by all Airmen showed us how strong the community is and ultimately made us feel a lot better about joining the military because of how well each member worked with the next."
