Development and Training Flight welcomes future Airmen

Published June 2, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Carrie M. Peasinger
931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The 931st Air Refueling Group's Development and Training Flight welcomed 15 future Airmen during its first day of training, June 2.

The DTF ensures new enlistees are ready for basic training and started off on the right foot with perfect attendance.

"I think it demonstrates this first group is motivated about attending basic training and that they are enthusiastic about serving their country," said Tech. Sgt. Joe Johnson, flight leader, 931st ARG Development and Training Flight.

The program helps future Airmen prepare for Basic Military Training and make the transition from life as a civilian to life as an Airman.

"The program will benefit new enlistees by getting them physically and mentally prepared for BMT," said Senior Master Sgt. Sheila Croninger, flight facilitator, 931st Air Refueling Group.

As the program facilitator, Croninger will work closely with the recruiters to contact and prepare new recruits for training. Recruits will receive a welcome package informing them that their participation is mandatory during the unit training assemblies.

The packet provides Airman awaiting BMT with instructions on dress and appearance and the Air Force's expectations for training. New recruits receive sand t-shirt' s or Air Force Reserve t-shirt' s that will serve as their uniform while they are in the program. During drill weekends they will receive pay and lodging and have access to the dining facility like other traditional Reservists.

"This program is really going to help the recruits understand what it's like to be on a team, that will help them grow and develop so when they return from BMT you're going to have a more engaged and excited Airman who will be more of a team player," said Croninger.

Facilitators will evaluate and monitor the fitness of new enlistees and teach basic military fundamentals like rank structure, standing at attention, saluting and marching.
Teaching the new recruits the basic fundamentals will allow them to devote their brain power toward surviving the tougher aspects during BMT, said Johnson.

According to Croninger, the program will also help with retention since only five percent of the population is fit for Air Force service.

"This leaves us with a small percentage and we want to make sure that those who do enlist are set up for success in the Air Force," said Croninger.
According to Johnson, six percent of Air Force Reserve enlistees do not graduate BMT and technical training. He said many of those failures are preventable such as poor physical fitness, medical issues or an inability to adapt mentally. Johnson said the program will add an extra layer of training, mentoring and screening to hopefully reduce failures.

Air Force Reserve Command began testing the DTF concept in August 2011 at seven bases around the United States. Croninger said the 931st ARG decided to implement the program after successful results at those pilot locations.

Croninger is seeking Reservists to assist with the program through mentoring, guest speaking, teaching team building exercises and physical training. Reservists interested in participating should get supervisor approval and contact her.

"This is a great opportunity, we are new enlistees first impression of the Air Force, so we have a big responsibility and I'm happy to be a part of this program," said Johnson.

Development training flight