Wildcat Warriors Summer 2010 Newsletter

Hello Cadets, Alumni and Friends of Det 270,

The Wildcat Warriors had a busy summer. Details are included below but here are some highlights. We said “Farewell” to two cadre members and “Welcomed” a new Commandant (COC), Recruiter (UAO) and Personnel NCOIC.  We sent and graduated 13 from Field Training and had cadets across the CONUS, in Europe and Asia on summer training programs. Further, several cadets chipped-in and made improvements to the Cadet Lounge, AFROTC stairwell, our supply room, and to the Det’s website.

As the summer draws to a close, cadre and cadets alike are energetically engaged in first two weeks of the fall semester.  Plans are underway for an AFB Visit, fund raising, LLAB Guest Speakers, attending the USAF marathon, and visiting McConnell’s Air Show to see the Thunderbirds.  If you’re in the area and have the time, please call and/or stop by; the cadets always enjoy talking and visiting with KSU grads/Det alums.  Go Cats!

Lt Col Ed “Oscar” Meyer, USAF

Wildcat Warriors,

It is a privilege and honor to join AFROTC Det 270! A sincere welcome to KSU's new and seasoned AF cadets for the Fall 2010 semester; I am eager to begin working together and serving as your Commandant of Cadets. I am confident our cadre-cadet team will produce positive results for the Cadet Wing and local community.

My family and I PCS'd from Beale AFB, CA, where I served four years as a Force Support Officer. As an AFROTC graduate myself, I have deep respect for this program and am committed to producing great officers for the world’s best Air Force!

As the semester unfolds keep in mind three important things: grades, involvement, and attitude. An AFROTC career is made or broken by grades; make sure you do all you can to achieve your academic goals and maximize your potential. Involvement within the Cadet Wing is an easy way to stand out among your peers.  A positive attitude can carry an individual.  One of my favorite quotes is from Ralph Marston, a 1920's professional football player, “Excellence is not a skill.  It is an attitude.”

Good luck this Fall Semester and remember my door is always open.

Commandant of Cadets

Wildcats,

This semester is one of great transition and great potential. For some of you, like myself, this is a new beginning. For others (the seasoned cadets), it is getting close to an end. I received my commission through Air Force ROTC at Oklahoma State University and love all that this program stands for. Along with my fellow cadre, I am excited to see how we can make Det 270 and its cadets reach their true potential.

I have the honor of teaching the Freshmen and new POCs and serving as the Unit Admissions Officer. My active duty background is in Aircraft Maintenance at Grand Forks AFB, ND…a career field where it’s imperative to lead both from the front and by example. This is the standard I hold for myself, my troops and now my students.

I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you during the next 3 years. In the words of a great military leader, General George Patton “Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way.” Here’s to a great year, Go Cats!
MALLORY A. CONLON, 1Lt, USAF

Unit Admissions Officer

-Field Training……………………..………………Pgs 2-3

-PDTs……………………………..………………..Pgs 3-6

--NRO…………….………………………………...Pg 3

--FERL – Free Fall – STO/CRO………….…….. …Pg 4

--Space Operations………………………..…….…..Pg 5

-Operation Air Force (Ops AF)……………………....Pgs 5

--Kadena-Kirtland-Dyess-McChord……..…………Pg 5

--Elmendorf …………………………..…………….Pg 6

-Benefactors Thank You………………………………Pg 6

Being a Cadet Training Assistant (CTA) was the most rewarding thing I have done to date in Air Force ROTC. If you get this chance, do not turn it down.

All CTAs arrived 1 week before the cadet trainees of their respective Maxwell Camp. This first week was used to train all Field Training (FT) staff mbrs. We standardized training processes, established goals, and set trainee standards. This was done so each trainee would receive a common FT experience.

If you think being a CTA is fun duty, without question it is! However, the amount of work required to properly prepare for CTA duty greatly exceeds that of being a FT trainee. CTA’s are held to a high standard, have greater responsibility, and must have a higher level of knowledge in all areas. CTAs are responsible for a significant portion of the trainees training. CTAs must know the rules and regulations and be sharp on all drill and ceremony and customs and courtesies. Each CTA must be the epitome of a role model for all cadet trainees. Despite this, the reward and experience far out ways the time and effort cost.

Arriving at Maxwell AFB prepared to be a CTA is very important. It is amazing all the little things one notices that are slightly incorrect or horribly wrong. The most common error made was the wording of a command. I was particularly disciplined and hard on myself to ensure all commands I called were spoken correctly and all orders were given intelligently.

One of the neatest things a CTA sees at FT is the performance of many individuals under extreme pressure, their predictable “collapse”, and then ultimate transformation into a team that has bonded and then succeeds. This entire process of Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing is clearly evident throughout FT.

Unfortunately, there are some trainees who are unable to make it out of the storming phase. These trainees are sent home and disenrolled from Air Force ROTC. Other reasons trainees washout of FT include inappropriate conduct, failing their physical fitness test, height/weight check, or not meeting other tough standards. This elimination process happens every camp but those who succeed should be proud of their accomplishment and know they have reached the next step toward becoming an officer in the world’s greatest Air Force.
Cadet Ashton L., AFROTC

CTA, Mike Flight Maxwell 3 (Jun-Jul 10)

Although all of us attended Max-1 together, it is safe to say we each had a different and unique experience. We all had different people evaluating and instructing us. Cadet Rhoades endured a flight delay enroute which led to a late Maxwell arrival and therefore some special attention when he did arrive. Luckily, the other three of us arrived on time and had a smooth first few days at Maxwell. We all got to do the “normal” awesome FT things (C-17 flight, shoot M-16s, Combatives), and experienced firsthand what true teamwork and leadership really means.

All of us thought we were well prepared for FT. Although our Det270 spring semester cadet trainers did not tell us what to expect every minute of Field Training, we had a good idea what to expect when we stepped off the bus at Maxwell. We learned rather quickly how to adapt to adversity and how to be flexible.

One area which would have aided us a little more was the importance of followership and how to exercise proper followership in a team or small group. A couple of us did not fully understand what “followership” meant before FT and had a steep learning curve.

There were some “fun” moments at FT; yet, fun is not how we would describe our time at Maxwell 1. It was a very challenging and rewarding experience. We enjoyed FT immensely because it helped us determine who we are as individuals and what we’re capable of accomplishing when placed in difficult situations under pressure.

Max-1 FT was rough and tough, but we are absolutely convinced we became stronger people and better cadets for successfully completing the training.

Although we were well prepared for FT, it was exponentially more mentally and emotionally challenging than physically; this caught us off guard. Throughout the experience we were fortunate to make numerous new friends while creating lasting memories.

Without question, our FT experiences and lessons will definitely make us better AF leaders and better individuals.
Cadets Kathryn B., Ben B., Tyler L., and Jaelyn M., AFROTC
Maxwell 3

Without a doubt FT was the most stressful, exciting, and rewarding experience thus far in our lives; it helped us grow as cadets. The best part, by far, was the team problem-solving that took place all the time. Any and all tasks put in front of us were always a challenge. These difficulties helped change and mold us and individuals and our respective flights starting on Training Day 1.

Some of our FT lessons learned that have manifested themselves into near-term goals include: improve our physical strength and endurance (to earn the cadet Physical Fitness award) and aggressively continue to plan and support Det 270’s community service activities this fall.

FT also gave us a better understanding of what many deployed service members encounter in overseas locations like Iraq and Afghanistan. While many of the simulated deployment exercises were routine there were several that challenged our leadership and followership skills.

Overall, FT was the best time we ever had that we never want to have again. Despite all of the yelling and harping we received from cadre and CTAs alike, the experience was very rewarding and one in which we were proud to partake. In closing, we would like to compliment the 2010 spring semester FT Sq staff for the outstanding job they did to prepare us for Max-3. Without their guidance and instruction we would’ve been hard pressed to successfully complete the program.
Cadets Jesse F. and Christopher S., AFROTC
Honor Guard


Cadet David T. was presented a Coin of Excellence from the NRO Director, Mr Bruce Carlson, for his PDT contributions.
Det 270 Honor Guard got an early start this fall when it was invited to present the colors at a KC Royals baseball game this summer. Every year, a local Manhattan radio station hosts “Manhattan Day at the K” to recognize and support the good people and students of our fair city. We were asked to represent the Det, the USAF and the city of Manhattan during opening ceremonies of the 31 July game against the Baltimore Orioles.

This was the first time any of us had performed on a baseball field. Fortunately, this limitation didn’t diminish our performance or require any special or tricky maneuvers. When our detail was finished we were luckily granted free admission to the game.

Overall, it was a great experience and a wonderful opportunity to showcase the AF, AFROTC, Det 270, and Manhattan. Thank you to Cadets Jones, Maier, Mollenkamp and Simonson for making this event an unqualified success. EMAW!
Cadet Matthew H., AFROTC

Commander, Honor Guard (Fall 2010)

This PDT provided AFROTC & service academy cadets the chance to gain valuable insight into some of the NRO’s operations. The NRO specializes in innovative overhead intelligence systems for national security and the analysis and dissemination of the data procured from these systems.

My assignment was within the Operation Product Quality department at the East Aerospace Data Facility. I was issued a project that required me to analyze imagery of various locations using an experimental technique. While performing this duty I incorporated various programs (e.g. MATLAB) in an attempt to automate the experimental image analysis technique.

During my time in Washington DC I had the good fortune to tour the White House, the Pentagon, and the Central Intelligence Agency’s headquarters. I was also able to participate in Meet & Greets with distinguished NRO personnel.

I am very privileged and honored to have been one of nine applicants selected among 700 AFROTC cadets nationwide to participate in this prestigious program. I am excited I was exposed to areas that related to my desired AFSC (Cyberspace), my KSU degree, and my personal interests.
Cadet David T., AFROTC
Field Engineering and Readiness Lab (FERL)

FERL summer training consisted of two parts, two weeks of Operation Civil Engineering Air Force followed by an actual FERL the final three weeks. My flight had the privilege of visiting Anderson AFB, Guam for our Ops trip. While there we toured every CE and Red Horse related facility and construction site to include Explosive Ordinance Disposal and the base Fire Station. We learned how a CE squadron works solo, or in concert with other engineering units, to accomplish the mission. We also learned about the various tasks of each CE shop and how they coordinate and work together.

Overall, FERL was a great learning experience that provided excellent hands-on training. Cadets who attended got dirty and could see in action, and put into practice, what was being taught.

Commander, Mission Support Group

Although not everyone who attends Free Fall earns the parachutist badge, just completing part of the training and experiencing the program increases one’s self confidence. Since training only simulates real-world to a certain degree, each trainee must overcome their fear, trust their training, and execute to the best of their ability. The AF Academy Free Fall is but one great example of this.

Commander, Operations Group (Fall 2010)

This PDT was an excellent opportunity; it enabled me to visit the home of AF Special Operations and AFSOC. During the first of two weeks at Hurlburt Field, FL I trained in the pool, utilized their workout equipment, and had Q&A sessions with active duty special operators. I also had the chance to observe both free fall and static line parachute training jumps.

Overall, this PDT was an amazing chance to see some of the latest and greatest of the AF's elite SpecOps career fields. It increased my motivation to earn an invitation to join this unique brotherhood.

Inspector General

This past June, I joined 24 cadets from across the US for one week at Vandenberg AFB to learn about the AF’s space and missile defense missions. During this week we received daily briefings from officers who represented a wide variety of space and missile AFSCs. We also toured a few of the training simulators and an Atlas V rocket that will launch a satellite into space this fall.

The most exciting part of the week, and easily the highlight of the training, was watching a Minuteman Missile test-launch. Sadly, this PDT lasted only one week.

Overall, my summer TDY was an excellent training event. It increased my desire to serve in the AF, and possibly the space and missile career fields. It also provided me the opportunity to meet and network with other AFROTC cadets and a few active duty officers in the Space Ops business.

During our trip to Kadena AB on the island of Okinawa, Japan we saw many things other cadets won’t see until they commission. We toured many parts of the base and some of us were lucky enough to receive an F-15E Strike Eagle orientation flight.

One of the best parts of the PDT was a flight on a C-130 airlift aircraft. We were assigned a sortie that included a paratrooper drop but their mission was scrubbed at the last minute due to weather. Upon hearing this, the pilot began to RTB and while enroute, over the Pacific Ocean, descended to 100 ft and opened the aircraft’s ramp. Some of us were able to sit on the ramp; this was one of the most enjoyable parts of our visit to Kadena AB.

Other interesting things we did included a tour of Kadena’s massive weapons depot, flying the F-15 aircrew flight simulators, and a Q&A with a veteran F-15 pilot. The flight simulator gave us a greater appreciation of the difficulty to fly and employ a fighter aircraft. Col Wolfe’s comments were very inspiring, and motivating.

One of the biggest things that we took away from this PDT was the difference between enlisted and officer jobs. Most of the officers’ jobs revolve around leadership while the enlisted airmen do most all of the manual labor/”dirty work”. A common and recurring theme from several officers we met and spoke with was the need to take care of the people who work under you. These officers constantly described our enlisted airmen as “overworked and underpaid”.
Cadets Joseph J. and Nick S., AFROTC


C/Quincy W. sits in the cockpit of a C-130 pilot simulator and trainer at Dyess AFB, TX earlier this summer during his OpsAF PDT, June 2010.



Dyess-Holloman-Kirtland-McChord AFBs

Several cadets visited the bases listed above this summer in June and July (Dyess-C/Quincy W., Holloman-C/Myla G., Kirtland-C/Timothy W., McChord-C/David M.); these are there stories and observations.

Each cadet attendee enjoyed their visit experience and is eager to earn their commission and serve on active duty, hopefully with some of the same people they met on their trips. A previously unidentified benefit of this PDT was meeting cadets from across the US and sharing a common experience. This brought us closer together, formed a bond among us, and demonstrated the strengths and benefits of diversity within the AF.

These cadets were exposed to many items that had little or no importance to them, but as the Wg/CV at McChord AFB commented, “It’s not meant for you to see, but for it to be seen by you.” This statement emphasized the criticality that visiting cadets need to be exposed to all aspects of the AF.

Some of exciting activities were a CV-22 night flight that included a C-17 airdrop mission. C/Mears flew on a C-17 airdrop training mission while C/Whitham got a C-130 flight. C/Gayer rounded-out the quartet with a T-38 orientation flight.

In summary, each of us enjoyed our experiences and will carry and apply the knowledge we learned with us as cadets and into active duty as 2d Lts.
Cadets Myla G., Timothy M., David M., & Quincy W., AFROTC

Elmendorf AFB


C/Myla G. at Holloman AFB, NM stands on the boarding ladder of the T-38 from her orientation flight during her OpsAF PDT, June 2010.
There is very little I can say that I didn't like about my trip (except for the temperature, the warmest day rose to just 72 degrees). My favorite part of the visit was when our group was split and sent to different units. I met a few aircraft maintenance (Mx) officers and I was able to walk the flight line and see the different aircraft. This visit really opened my eyes to what a Mx officer does on a daily basis. I also particularly noticed the amount leadership and responsibility that Mx officers and enlisted maintainers must have to get the job done.

I also had the opportunity to fly in an E-3 and got to ask the crew several questions as they worked. It was amazing to sit back and watch the teamwork in action. It was also interesting to learn a little about how the AF patrols/defends our northern frontier.

Finally, I also participated in an EME (Emergency Medical Exercise) and observed how the entire base responds to a real disaster. The scenario was an F-15 crash into a loaded C-17 (which I was inside). I was amazed at how fast the firefighters & EMS personnel responded. Again, the teamwork employed to treat the "wounded" and get them to the hospital was astounding.
Cadet Austen M., AFROTC