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ROTC cadets visit Spangdahlem

  • Published
  • By Cadet Malynda Carter, Cadet Brianca Langham, Cadet Katherine O'Connor
  • Detachment 027, Northern Arizona University, Detachment 790, Tennessee State University, Detachment
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Thirteen Air Force ROTC cadets from university detachments across the U.S. visited the base for two weeks for a professional development training trip July 12-29.

The nearly three-week program funded by the Department of Defense and organized by Air Education and Training Command was designed to introduce AFROTC cadets to active-duty officer life.

Contracted and freshmen cadets are selected to go to random bases across the world to experience the full tempo of the Air Force and engage in day-to-day officer duties, explained Tech. Sergeant Sean Balance, an NCO serving at East Carolina University AFROTC Detachment 600. Sergeant Ballance accompanied the cadets on their trip as the supervising cadre.

Sergeant Ballance said the PDT program provided a "breathtaking experience and a snapshot of what the future holds for second lieutenants."

During their stay, the cadets participated in a variety of activities including job shadowing, squadron physical training sessions and base living. Some of the participating squadrons included the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, the 52nd Medical Operations Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs, 52nd Fighter Wing Staff Judge Advocate, the 52nd Force Support Squadron, and the 22nd Fighter Squadron.

Adrian Buttenhoff, a sophomore cadet from the University of Georgia, Detachment 160, shadowed 52nd FSS and 52nd LRS officers during her stay.

"I love all the people I have met here. All the cadets and officers have been great," Cadet Buttenhoff said.

The Spangdahlem Information, Tickets and Travel office provided ROTC students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in European culture, as well. From Cochem Castle and Trier, to Lucern, Switzerland and London, trips provided cadets an opportunity for further group development and camaraderie.

Informative activities, such as a Geilenkirchen, Germany, NATO base visit, driving simulator safety briefing, and Company Grade Officer Council burger burn, were all part of the visit. Officers from various squadrons volunteered their time and knowledge to aid cadets in their future AF decisions.

Michael McBrien, a sophomore cadet from Syracuse University, Detachment 535, learned more about one of the jobs he's interested in doing as an officer -chaplaincy.

"This program has made me realize that for what I want to do in the Air Force, I need to change my major," Cadet McBrien said.

Maj. Lance French, 52nd Contracting Squadron commander, was the 52nd Fighter Wing officer in charge of cadets during their PDT. The major organized and welcomed cadets to the program here.

Major French and Sergeant Ballance were with cadets every step of the way during their stay here. When questioned about what advice Major French would volunteer for future Air Force leaders, he said: "Be yourself. Don't try to change and be someone you think people want; your Airmen will see through that immediately."

Cadets returned to the states July 29 and are preparing for their upcoming fall semester of college. They look forward to new challenges and continuing on the path toward becoming the Air Force's future leaders.