Academy Falcons experience Flying Tiger hospitality

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy are visiting Moody Air Force Base from June 23- July 11 as part of Operation Air Force, a program that allows cadets to experience the operational Air Force outside of the rigorous training and classroom environment of the academy.

A group of six cadets, ranging from sophomores to seniors, recently began their journey through Operation Air Force, beginning with briefings from the 820th Security Forces Group, 347th Rescue Group and the 23rd Fighter Group.

"This is the third time I've participated in this program," said Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Sean Malanowski. "In the past two years, I've visited Holloman AFB, N.M., and Anderson Air Base, Guam. The program gives us some insight into the Air Force and can familiarize us with an Air Force Specialty Code we might be interested in."

The cadets received briefings and demonstrations from the various Moody units at the beginning of their week. This is followed by a two-week "internship" with facilitators from an AFSC they have either been dedicated to, or are interested in.

Cadet Malanowski is currently a senior at the academy, majoring in Political Science. He plans to enter the Air Force as a force support lieutenant.

As a senior, Cadet Malanowski already knows what AFSC he will enter upon "tacking on" his first bar. But for the sophomores and juniors, they are still deciding on which AFSC may become a career for them.

"This program allows the cadets to see where their interests lie," said Maj. Jim Roy, 23rd Wing liaison for Ops AF and a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate. "It's an outstanding opportunity for future officers to learn about the operational side of the Air Force."

Major Roy, who traveled to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, as a cadet in 1994, pointed out that Moody is an especially unique experience for the cadets.

"One of the biggest benefits the cadets receive from traveling here is getting to see a base with such a diverse mission," he added. "Moody has such a large amount of unique experiences for them, from combat search and rescue to close air support; they get to experience the mission as it occurs."

During their second day of tours, the cadets watched an A-10C Thunderbolt II demo at Grand Bay Range.

"One of the highlights for them is to see actual training missions," said Major Roy. "As a past cadet, I believe seeing the A-10C's in action really helps motivate and impress upon them the importance of Moody's mission."

All in all, cadets will receive three weeks of highly individualized briefings, job experience and operational insight to help guide them into their Air Force careers, the major said.

This is the second and last group of future officers to visit Moody during Ops AF 2008. The first group included 14 cadets.

"It's just great to have the young blood out here experiencing what the 23rd Wing has to offer," said Major Roy. "This is a positive experience for them; they get to see the professionalism, daily contributions and value of today's Airmen."