ROTC Det. 847 comes to Goodfellow to learn warrior skills, ethos

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephen Musal
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Twenty-two cadets from Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 847 descended on Goodfellow Jan. 9-11 to learn skills they will later use as officers in the world's greatest Air Force.

The cadets, all students at Angelo State University, were briefed on Goodfellow's mission, toured the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy and learned just what an intelligence officer does. They also shadowed noncommissioned officers and senior NCOs in their prospective career fields, who helped them understand what enlisted leaders look for in their commissioned leaders.

Additionally, the cadets were mentored by the 17th Security Forces Squadron, learning to handle and fire the M-4 carbine, the M-9 pistol and the M-16 rifle. For many of the cadets, this was their first opportunity to handle a firearm.

Additionally, members of the 17th Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness Flight explained the basics of Chemical, Biological, Radiation, Nuclear and Explosive protection, including how to use a gas mask.

"Everyone stepped forward to show these future officers what Goodfellow has to offer," said Col. Michael Buck, Detachment 847 commander. "The amount of positive exposure to Air Force NCOs has been tremendous."

The three-day event culminated in a field training exercise at Camp Sentinel, where the cadets learned valuable warrior skills such as building clearing, challenging procedures and convoy tactics from a variety of Air Force and Army personnel.

"These are our future leaders, and I'm going to give them everything I have," said Staff Sgt. David Banton, a member of the 17 SFS who instructed the cadets during the FTX. "Right now, we're showing them the basics, and as we go through these scenarios, we'll let them know what we expect of officers."

Cadet Steven Lemaire, who was also a part of Goodfellow's previous ROTC event last year, said he was glad to see that the program had expanded to three days.

"Last year was good," Cadet Lamaire said, "But this year was much better."

Cadet David Chung, who was in charge of the base visit this year, said he agreed.

"I gained a very positive experience with what the military is all about," Cadet Chung said. The young officer-to-be, who hopes to become an aircraft maintenance officer, added that Goodfellow's focus on joint operations was new to him, and he was glad for it. "After this, the cadet wing would love to do this every year if that's possible," Cadet Chung said. Col. Buck agreed.

"It's amazing the amount of support for ROTC from the base," the colonel said. "This has given them things to build on; very soon they'll be training for this as officers."