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FTA Panel: For the Airmen by the Airmen

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Christine Darius
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  The First-Term Airmen's Center has added a new addition to its curriculum - the First-Term Airmen's Panel. 

"The First-Term Airmen's panel was implemented to provide mentorship for Airmen, from their peer's perspective" said Tech Sgt. Laura Heffer First-Term Airmen's Panel non commissioned officer in charge. 

The First-Term Airman's Center was implemented as a follow-up professional training for new Airmen entering active duty after basic training. It is a renewal of Air Force policies, and procedures, and it also highlights the services offered at McGuire. 

The center is intended to help Airmen transition into mission-oriented, active-duty work. Finance, warrior ethos, and proper military customs and courtesies are just a few topics introduced in the program. There are also senior NCO and officer panels conducted; the goal of these panels is to give Airmen an idea of what the panel members' specific jobs consists of, and to delineate the path they took to receive their positions. 

The First-Term Airmen's panel was brought to the forefront by Airman 1st class Amani Phillips, 305th Communication Squadron official mail apprentice, who said, "The first year is critical for Airmen, so I want to ensure it is reflected on positively. I want our Airmen to be taken care of, and molded into highly effective and sharp leaders." 

On the FTAP, volunteer Airmen who have been actively stationed at McGuire AFB, for at least one year are able to share their insights with their peers. Topics such as deployments, professional military education, volunteer activities and career development courses are all covered in the outline that guides these panel discussions.
The panel was added to the second week of FTAC, and only four classes have been filtered through the new and improved program. Although there is not enough feedback to draw a concise conclusion on whether this program is making an Air Force-wide difference, it certainly seems to be making a change for the best right here at McGuire. 

"The First-Term Airmen's Panel gives older Airmen an opportunity to mentor, while providing a foundation for incoming Airmen to start on the right foot" said Airman Phillips.