Air Force Junior ROTC/Civil Air Patrol Summer Leadership School

  • Published
  • By Penny L. Huston
  • 377 ABW Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  Every other year for the past 13 years, Sandia High School's Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps in conjunction with the New Mexico Civil Air Patrol, has hosted a summer leadership school for AFJROTC/CAP cadets from across the western United States.

More than 100 basic cadets, cadet staff and AFJROTC instructors from high schools in four different states attended this year's leadership program. The week-long in-residence program provides an opportunity to apply followership and leadership education practices and uses principles and techniques similar to what airmen receive in basic training. On the academic side, cadets attend classes in Air Force mission, history and traditions; core values and ethics; sharpening leadership and management skills; followership traits, study habits and test taking strategies. Cadets also refine their skills and knowledge of customs and courtesies, marching and drill and ceremonies.

"We provide leadership and team building activities and lessons, and try to introduce the cadets to a wide variety of Air Force and Air National Guard units and work sites," said retired Maj. Kenneth Thalmann, program coordinator.

Activities included physical training, individual and room inspections, drill practice, land navigation scenarios, team sports, a field day, and a full-dress parade. Cadets also visited several base units during their stay.

Units from across Kirtland, to include the 150th Fighter Wing, 58th Special Operations Wing and the base fire department, opened their doors to the cadets. Members of the Kirtland AFB Company Grade Officers Council spoke to the group and answered questions. The cadets also toured Plant 1 of the Manzano Mountain Complex and were given a brief history of the old Manzano Air Force Base mission.

While touring the 58 SOW, the cadets talked to pilots and crewmembers of a CV-22 Osprey, an HC-130 P/N Combat King, a HH-60G Pave Hawk, and a UH-1N Huey. Later, they toured life support and donned helmets and other flight gear.

"It was impressive to see how eager the cadets were to learn as well as the level of questions they asked about the aircraft flown and the mission of the 58 SOW," said Major Brent Nestor, 58th Operational Support Squadron, who was the tour coordinator.
Major Nestor went on to say that the tour helped increase awareness of the missions being conducted on base and spark future interest in the Air Force.

The cadets were treated to an opportunity to see an F-16 and visit the aircraft maintenance shop of the 150th New Mexico Air National Guard. SSgt. Bryan Judy, a recruiter for the 150th Air National Guard, spoke to the group about the Guard's current and future mission and the role of the National Guard in today's military environment.

"We appreciate all the support Kirtland AFB gives to this program," said Major Thalmann, "and all the time and effort goes into making these tours possible. The cadets and staff really appreciate it".