First Term Airmen's Center

  • Published
  • By Airmen 1st Class Joseph A. Pagán Jr.
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  When Airmen arrive at their first duty station, they may have to adjust to the new environment. The core values, Airmen's Creed and Air Force song have all been drilled into their brains, but they know little about the operational Air Force.

During their transition from technical school to their first base, Airmen face many changes in responsibility and freedom. To ease this transition, new Airmen are required to attend the First Term Airmen Center.

"FTAC is a nine day course that covers all of Air Force Instruction 36-2624, The Career Assistance Advisor, First Term Airmen Center and Enlisted Professional Enhancement Programs requirements," said Tech. Sgt. Laura Vance, FTAC NCO in charge. "In addition to the AFI requirements, Airmen are taken on a base tour to Information, Tickets and Travel, the wood shop, Auto Hobby Shop, Airmen's Attic and base Library."

FTAC is a one-stop-shop for incoming Airmen, allowing them to in-process, file travel vouchers and learn about various base organizations. Additionally, the staff continues to develop the students' professionalism throughout the course.

Ultimately, the course teaches Airmen what resources are available to them and to their dependents, added Vance.

While learning about the base, Airmen are encouraged by the FTAC staff to continue reinforcing the customs and courtesies, and standards of discipline previously learned.

"We help Airmen maintain everything they learned from basic training and tech school," said Vance. "We are here to provide a smooth transition from a training environment to the operational environment."

This transition is facilitated by briefings throughout FTAC by representatives from various base support agencies.

"Although some of the briefs were dry material, they helped explain all that is expected and encouraged of us during our careers," said Airman 1st Class Megan Jeffers, 2nd Force Support Squadron promotions office. "I enjoyed and found Capt. Frost's briefing on education and service very useful."

Airmen leave FTAC prepared for the operational Air Force and ready to start their careers.

"I will use the knowledge I've gained in FTAC," said Airman 1st Class Jaysen Richards, 2FSS. "I plan to keep my education options open and make sure I keep up with the correct standards of the Air Force, my base and job."