News

Reservists prepare for careers in the 446th Airlift Wing

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Moody
  • 446th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  One of the most important milestones in military life is completing basic training and Reserve recruiters here are implementing a new training and development program aimed at better preparing new enlistees for a successful transition from civilian life.

Newly enlisted Reservists spent part of a Reserve weekend with recruiters and other members from the 446th Airlift Wing here, Sept. 10, 2011. Led by Chief Master Sgt. Scott Terpening and his team of recruiters, 22 new enlistees learned to develop their skills and knowledge in Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremony, and physical fitness. It's all part of the day for the junior Reservists in the Training and Development Flight as they prepare for basic military training at Lackland AFB, Texas.

"We are one of the test bases standing up this UTA and the rest of the command will be up by August 2012," said Terpening. "The enlistees will go through a curriculum to help them prepare for success in basic [training] with a heavy emphasis on memory work and physical training."

Challenging the flight to recite the Airman's Creed, Airman Richard Eckhart, an electrician apprentice with the 446th Civil Engineer Squadron here, readily sounded off for the chief.

"I am an American Airman..." said Eckhart, who recently enlisted in the Reserve and is scheduled to attend basic training in January 2012.

The new "guardians of freedom" marched for miles and poured over piles of paperwork, demonstrating their enthusiasm to begin serving once basic training is completed.

"It's a new experience and I get to find out who I really am," said Airman Marc Holloway, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning apprentice with the446th Civil Engineer Squadron. Holloway is scheduled to attend basic training in December 2011.

"Every one of these trainees are motivated to be here and they showed it today," said Terpening.