JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
During their summer break, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets can take advantage of great opportunities such as Operations Air Force to further their professional development and get a look at Air Force operations throughout the country.
Joint Base Langley-Eustis supported OPS AF this summer, welcoming cadets from 24 different universities across the country, May 31 – June 10, 2022. The cadets were split into two groups, each one staying for a week.
“Investing into our cadets early in conducting these tours not only help them make key informed decisions in their life but also in the life of the troops they will lead in the future,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Steven Bisbee, 633d Communications Squadron network infrastructure and architecture officer in charge. “Rather than a classroom setting, hands-on experience is more impactful, memorable, and solidifies the intent of OPS AF.”
The program is intended to orient cadets on the Air Force mission being carried out at the host installation and expose them to Air Force culture.
Cadets are given the opportunity to see into what their futures can look like in different career fields. By talking to officers and enlisted personnel, they can make informed decisions and set goals for the type of leaders they can someday become.
“When cadets are able to tour a base and talk to Airmen from different units, they get a first-hand glimpse of what awaits them once they get to their first duty assignment,” said Erin Wood, 633d Air Base Wing Public Affairs chief of community engagement. “Normally tours are a one-day event where we schedule as many unit stops that will fit into a limited timeframe. The Operations Air Force visit was unique because the cadets were able to visit multiple units over multiple days, giving them more exposure to different career fields and the Air Force culture.”
Cadets visited different units such as the 633d Security Forces Squadron, 633d Civil Engineer Squadron, 1st Munitions Squadron and the 1st Operations Support Squadron. They also had a chance to meet with a company grade officer panel to ask questions about being an officer in the military.
“Coming to JBLE has definitely had an impact on my career,” said Ruth Shepard, AF ROTC cadet attending the University of Portland. “The experience I had this week was one I would never be able to replicate. It has been incredibly valuable and has given me a lot of perspective not only for the command and importance of the officers, but also for the importance of the enlisted Airmen hard at work."
JBLE will be welcoming 60 more cadets this summer through different programs.