Academy Cadets tour Holloman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Means
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  A select group of cadets from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., are descending upon the 49th Fighter Wing throughout the summer to participate in the Operation Air Force program and experience the active duty lifestyle first hand.

Each summer the cadets visit different Air Force bases around the world.

Through this program, he students are able to experience the full active duty lifestyle. The cadets are given the opportunity to work alongside Airmen they may one day lead and work for in the future. The experience ranges from getting their hands dirty in a maintenance back shop to shadowing pilots.

Students spend about two weeks with different units on base including operational flying squadrons, medical, communications, security forces and contracting. From the unit visits, the cadets learn what it takes to keep the Air Force mission going.

"It's interesting to see how things operate in the active duty Air Force," said Cadet Quinn Evans. "It's really helping me figure out what career path to choose."

Cadets also receive one on one guidance and have a minimum of two mentor sessions.

"My goal as an Ops facilitator is to motivate and encourage cadets and get them excited about becoming an Air Force officer," said 2nd Lt. Brandon Sanders, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron.

While on base, cadets get the chance to shadow both officers and enlisted. Their mentors take them through their normal duty day giving them hands on training.

"Working and shadowing officers like Lieutenant Sanders has been a highlight for many cadets and that portion has received rave reviews," said Capt. Christopher Mahaffey, 49 FW operations program director.