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Reserve program preps recruits to 'Grab Some Air'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Samuel King Jr.
  • 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  The 919th Special Operations Wing's newest Airmen can be seen each unit training assembly practicing facing movements and marching in formation as part of a six-month-old program that prepares delayed enlistment Airmen for basic military training and life in the Air Force.

So far, more than 30 Airmen awaiting BMT are enrolled or have transitioned through the program that familiarizes the new recruits to what will be expected when they finally 'step into the blue.' The Air Force Reserve Command program, which has its own flight here, the Development and Training Flight, is maintained by Duke volunteers and managed by Master Sgt. Stephanie DeJesus, of the 919th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

"The program is to prepare the trainees mentally and physically for their road ahead," she said. "Our goal is to amplify the significance of our recruits, introduce them to the military way of life, and instill in them the motivation to succeed."

Recruits report to their flight the first day of the UTA adorned in black "Grab some Air" t-shirts.  They attend classroom and interactive training to gain fundamental Air Force knowledge such as core values, reporting statements, drill and ceremony and even an unofficial PT test. The program is mandatory for the 919th's new Airmen and they are paid their military pay while attending.

Airman 1st Class John Wilson, a recent BMT graduate, helps teach the new recruits drill and facing movements while waiting to go to his tech school for radio frequency transmission systems. He said he would've benefitted from the program prior to going to basic.

"Knowing how to march, hearing the commands and how to report in prior to BMT will help alleviate some of the stress," he said. "With this program, they leave confident in their abilities and can help others in their flights."

Duke Field was selected as one of the first test bases to try the program, which has expanded to nine bases. The new program began as a six-month test, but has already extended to a year and possibly longer.

When the idea was presented to Chief Master Sgt. Michael Klausutis, the 919th SOW command chief, he wasted no time in putting the flight together to help support the newest members of the 919th family.

"They are part of our family the day they enlist," said the chief.  "Now they have the opportunity to come out on drill weekend, get some preparatory training, and
participate as part of the family before shipping to basic."