Ramstein helps cadets find fitting career path

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shen-Chia Chu
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Recently, U.S. Air Force Academy Cadets and Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Cadets were given an opportunity to participate in a three-week summer program here that guides them down a career path and helps them determine a choice of profession.

The professional development training program, "Operation Air Force," is designed to give cadets a first-hand look of Air Force life so they can see what various careers could hold for them in the future.

"This program is not only to help choose a career path, but it helps Cadets find a job that they are passionate about," said Maj. Chris Power, 86th Operations Group director of staff and Ramstein director of Operation Air Force. "The key to a successful future is finding your niché in the right career."

The program provides cadets an experience in the operational Air Force and affords them the opportunity to see how a mission is accomplished behind the scenes.

"This has been a real eye-opener, learning more about the Air Force mission," said Cadet 2nd Class Max Manley, who expressed interest in Public Affairs.

"This tour has more than exceeded my expectations," he said. "It has given me a wide-scope of knowledge as to what careers the Air Force has to offer and I'm grateful to be given this opportunity."

The Cadets were also given a chance to meet the mayor of a local German village, tour several German and U.S. bases and experience an aerial drop demonstration on a C-130.

"What I enjoyed the most about this trip was the C-130 air drop demonstration," said Manley. "This gives me an even greater perspective and positive impression about this base and its missions."

"I think the most interesting part of the tour was during the tower briefing we had with the commanders and seeing how the three wings work together to accomplish the mission," said USAFA Cadet 1st Class John Nickerson. "I would definitely recommend this program to other Cadets."

The program was successful due to the teamwork of several units and individuals who carefully planned ahead of time to ascertain the dates and deadlines for each activity.

"I had a team of more than twenty people involved to prepare for this itinerary about six months ago to ensure the Cadets would have an incredible experience," said Power. "It was a lot of work, but it is worth the time and effort."

Although Power is the program director for Ramstein AB, his official roles extend simultaneously as a leader, mentor, organizer and teacher for the Cadets.

"My hope is the Cadets will leave with a better idea of the type of career they wish to pursue; see first-hand the high operations tempo of our base and know that every squadron is vital to the overall success of the mission," said Power. "May they leave with a greater sense of appreciation for the Air Force through this experience and have gained some operational knowledge along the way."