The Firstclass Summer 

The light is approaching at the end of the tunnel - your last year is underway. Now you are the leadership that everyone is looking to, and the summer programs reflect it. Now you need 2 summer programs that involve leadership. There are many to choose from - CST cadre, BCT cadre, Combat Arms Instructor, Soaring instructor, Jump instructor, etc, etc. I was a cadre member for 1st BCT and an Evasion Instructor. For BCT I was an element leader personally in charge of the development of about 15 basic cadets. Of course, the leadership goes all the way up to the Group Commander, and that cadet is in charge of the entire basic training. Lots of leadership experience here. As an evasion instructor, I was an Element Leader in charge of an element of 6 instructors. A typical day involved teaching the CST students how to evade the enemy during the day, and then hunt them at night. Below are some pictures of our time out in the woods. My element had a great time - most of us were good friends before starting this, so we had a lot of fun. 

Our humble living conditions for two weeks            My element at the start of another day of teaching 

End of the day teaching evasion                                            Hunting the students with night vision

THE FIRSTCLASS YEAR

This is where all of your leadership training is supposed to be put to the test.  As a firstclass cadet, you are now in charge of the various activities that go on in your squadron.  You are expected to set the example for the lower three classes, as well as mentor them.  This is also the year that most closely resembles being at a civilian university.  Though you still have to live in the dorms, keep your room clean, etc, etc, this is the first year where you are permitted to leave the base during the week.  All the other classes can only sign out on the weekends.  As a firstie, your only thought is of graduation.  Graduation is like your own personal superbowl.  Every fourth year the President of the United States attends the graduation, and you can usually expect the highest ranking Generals in the Air Force to always be there.  Your name is called, you walk up on stage to receive your diploma and shake hands with the leaders of this country, and when everyone has received your diploma you throw your hats to the Thunderbirds as they rip by the stadium in their F-16s and perform for your family.

Here are pictures from Graduation for the Class of 2000

Last Updated: May 18, 2003