Air Force ROTC starts new cadet summer program Published June 3, 2008 By Capt. Brian Adams 48th Flying Training Squadron COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. -- Some of the participants in a new SECAF-directed summer program will soon begin arriving at Columbus AFB. The Air Force Officer Accession and Training School's Operation Air Force Program selected 52 college cadet sophomores and eight college cadet seniors to participate at CAFB. The OPS AF program itself has evolved through the years to its current goals: introduce the participants to the diverse organizational missions and functions found on a typical Air Force base, familiarize the participants with the daily duties and responsibilities of Air Force enlisted personnel and motivate the participants to continue to pursue a commission in the United States Air Force. Events scheduled for the cadets include comprehensive tours of base facilities and missions, active involvement in the local community and culture, and close "shadowing" of wing personnel in their day-to-day jobs here at the base. Cadets will also be given the opportunity to participate in special training flights, a new and unique "perk" of the OPS AF program this year. Upon completion of the program, the cadets will have a better appreciation for the Air Force and its mission to "Fly, Fight and Win." The program is being offered to scholarship recipients and scholarship designees. The cadets started to arrive June 2, in three groups this summer, with the last departing Aug. 1. The program coordinators are Captains Brian Adams and Doug Charters. As you see the cadets around the base this summer, please introduce yourself and do your part to make their stay here welcome and memorable.
