To Train, Develop and Inspire

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Laura R. McFarlane
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
SAN ANGELO, Texas --  The 312th Training Squadron Special Instruments Training Flight demonstrated aspects of their job during the Texas Computer Education Association Area 15 Robotics Competition at Angelo State University Nov. 9.

The SPINSTRA team demonstrated the science, technology, engineering and mathematics aspects of their career field.

According to stemedcoalition.org, the central mission of the STEM Education Coalition is to inform federal and state policymakers on the critical role that STEM education plays in U.S. competitiveness and future economic prosperity.

The SPINSTRA instructors used the demonstration to train students from Class 16-001.

“Our Remote Sensing class was there to demonstrate and discuss a few pieces of the equipment they utilize in class; infrared camera, Spectrometer and Geophones,” said Staff Sgt. Natasha Mattoon, 312th TRS SPINSTRA instructor.

The students’ task was to display some of the equipment used to sense the different wavelengths along the electromagnetic spectrum, according to Airman 1st Class Paul E. White, 312th TRS SPINSTRA student.

The students used the same instruments the next day to complete a remote sensing collection exercise.

“These devices are used in a collection exercise, a training milestone, that helps them to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different technologies,” added Mattoon. “A broader understanding of those technologies and scientific fundamentals allows the Air Force to significantly increase its capabilities and prepare them for a test the next day.”

The students passed their collection exercise Nov. 10 and graduated Nov. 12.

For Airman 1st Class Aaron B. Elmore, 312th TRS SPINSTRA student, the demonstration and collection exercise tuned him in to the joint use of the equipment.

“I felt that it actually opened my eyes up to what we’re actually going to be doing and working together in different departments and how we come together as one for the final goal,” said Elmore.

Elmore enjoyed the opportunity to learn and demonstrate at the competition.

“It was amazing,” said Elmore. “That was probably my favorite training day since I’ve been here.”