FTAC sets new Airmen up for success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Keith
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A group of bright-eyed young Airmen listen intently as a speaker briefs them on safety. This is just one in a long line of briefers the Airmen will listen to over the next several days. This may sound familiar to most new Airmen.

The First Term Airmen Center is part of the orientation process for all new Airmen when they reach their first duty station to help them transition from a rigid training environment into the operational Air Force, while continuing to instill the Air Force's core values. Bases throughout the Air Force use FTAC as a tool to help Airmen prepare for life in the operational Air Force by providing information that will aid them socially and professionally throughout their careers.

The course was established to alleviate multiple appointments for in-processing briefings that first-term Airmen had to attend; it was a time-consuming schedule which often resulted in confusion. FTAC offers these required briefings in an organized, time-efficient manner and provides additional opportunities for the Airmen involved.

Airmen get to interact with specialists from the finance, equal opportunity, Air Force Office of Special Investigations and legal office, however, the course isn't just briefings. While attending FTAC, Airmen also undergo stringent physical training, an open ranks inspection and face a mock board. The Airmen with the best score in each area receive recognition for their accomplishment during the completion event.

Technical Sergeant Shaila D. Lane, FTAC Noncommissioned Officer in Charge here, has been leading the course for two years and said she enjoys her work.

"The Airmen we have enlisting today really impress me," she said. "They are fully aware that they will deploy quickly, most within the first year, and the majority can't wait to go. I admire them for that."

With only eight days to complete all of the mandatory briefings and computer based training requirements, Sergeant Lane tries to make the course as interesting as possible within the allotted time constraints.

"I try to make the most of what little time I have," she said. "I really hope that each airman is able to take something valuable away from the course."

Although all of the briefings given at FTAC are important, Sergeant Lane sees how the students especially appreciate the invaluable tools Family Advocacy provides during their time with their students.

"It's important for young Airmen to know how to build healthy relationships, both in their personal lives and with their co-workers," she said. "Learning these tools early on can make a positive difference in their lives and their career," Sergeant Lane said.

Airman 1st Class Maxim Naumenko, a recent graduate of the course, agreed about the importance of the information provided from FTAC.
"Although I doubted FTAC before, I realize now how valuable it is," he said.

He said throughout the briefings it was clear all of the speakers had the Airmen's best interests in mind and conveyed useful information. One of the most informative briefings for Airman Naumenko was about enlisted force structure and deployments by Chief Master Sergeant Edwin Forrest from the 17th Mission Support Group.

During the course the Airmen get the opportunity to interact with experienced servicemembers such as first sergeants and chief master sergeants from different units across the base, and veterans from the local Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Along with the briefings and interacting with veterans and senior enlisted members, Sergeant Lane said another important aspect of FTAC comes from networking among the Airmen.

"One of the many benefits of attending FTAC is the chance for the Airmen to get to know their peers from across the base," she said. "They get to meet Airmen from other career fields that they wouldn't normally get to interact with."

Being able to network gave Airman Naumenko a better understanding of how each job in the Air Force is important to accomplish the mission.

"I got to know other Airmen I had seen on base but hadn't really had any contact with," Airman Naumenko said. "After attending the course, I feel more confident of my knowledge of the base and I feel like I am better prepared for my Air Force career."