Ready to learn Published June 13, 2011 By John Cochran 377 Air Base Wing Public Affairs Kirtland Air Force Base -- Eleven cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy class of 2013 are spending two weeks at Kirtland Air Force Base to learn more about how the operational Air Force works. During "Operation Air Force," the future officers will visit various Team Kirtland units, gaining exposure to multiple missions. The cadets arrived May 31 and will be on base until June 16. Capt. Kristen Newsome, Physical Therapy element chief at the 377th Medical Group, is one of the base' s OAF host officers, coordinating events for the cadets. " 'Operation Air Force' is an opportunity for Air Force Academy cadets to experience what it's like to be on a base, to learn about different AFSCs, job areas and units on that base that may not have had exposure to, to help them decide where they want to go with their careers," Newsome said. "It gives them a general experience of what the Air Force is like. Usually, 'OAF' is for Air Force Academy cadets and ROTC cadets, but this year, due to budget cuts, it's limited to Academy cadets, because it's required for them to graduate." The visiting cadets, who will be juniors in the fall, have committed to a term of service in uniform, but may not have committed to a specific career path. "Some cadets are undecided on their specialties, and this program helps by showing them what's out there," Captain Newsome said. "It's not just the pilot or engineer tracks that they're really familiar with. This is a great experience for them. They'll get to fly with the 58th Special Operations Wing. We have them set up for flights on the HH-60, C-130 and CV-22. They get mentoring sessions with squadron commanders and chiefs and a lot of interaction with many different areas on base. It's a good opportunity for them, because they might not know that some of these careers even exist without having this experience. They came to the medical group one day where one of our officers talked to them about the MSC. One cadet was particularly interested after he talked to them, and I think it's good to show them everything that's out there." Captain Newsome said that one goal is to give the cadets as much interaction as possible with company grade officers on base, including Company Grade Officers Council meetings and weekend activities, so they can feel comfortable asking questions. She also credited her 'OAF' co-host, Capt. Mia Holley, executive officer in the 377th Air Base Wing, as well as unit representatives base wide, with making the operation a success. "It could not have been accomplished without her help and the teamwork from all our unit POCs," she said. Captain Newsome said a second 'OAF' session at Kirtland AFB for six more cadets is scheduled for July.