Training program prepares new reserve recruits

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joe Yanik
  • 512th Airlift Wing
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Newly enlisted 512th Airlift Wing reservists met this weekend for training designed to help them succeed at Air Force boot camp, though the group's facilitator has goals beyond that.

"It's an investment in the future of our wing by giving a leg up to new recruits heading to San Antonio," said Senior Master Sgt. James T. McGarvey, head of the Air Force Reserve Command's Development and Training Flight for the Liberty Wing. "At the same time, I think the ultimate measure of the program's success is how many of our reservists come back to the wing as honor graduates."

Participation in the training is mandatory for the trainees and McGarvey said it's important that, before they depart for basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, they learn how to wear a uniform properly; memorize the Air Force song, creed and core values; and maintain physical fitness standards. All Air Force Reserve wings will have training flights set up by September, he said.

Based on input from recruiters, McGarvey selected a team leader and two element leaders from among the 31 trainees. His team of coordinators will provide the recruits with new activities each month on the wing's B unit training assembly. In May, the flight toured the Air Mobility Command Museum. He is looking into having the group adopt a road for beautification and hopes to have C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III loadmasters give aircraft tours to the new enlistees.

"Every activity will be relevant to what we do already do as Citizen Airmen," he said.
Besides learning practical knowledge and skills related to completing boot camp, the recruits will benefit psychologically from the training as well, said Master Sgt. Kenneth Bachman, a 512th AW recruiter.

"An applicant is fearful of BMT. Preparing them through this training program eases their minds and fears," said Bachman.

To become qualified as a facilitator, McGarvey trained with representatives from other reserve wings for three days at Lackland AFB on the core components and administrative requirements of the training program. He then visited the flight at Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass., to observe its flight in action.

McGarvey's motivation for taking charge of the training flight program at Dover AFB comes from a desire to support Airmen's professional growth, he said.

"As superintendent at the security forces squadron, I have an important role in mentoring fellow Airmen who are in the middle or later phases of their Air Force careers," McGarvey said. "As facilitator, I can provide similar career guidance at the very beginning."