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FTAC first step toward successful career

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert Hicks
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
Day one of the First Term Airmen Center, members get a brief from Brig. Gen. Andrew Toth, 36th Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Michael McMillan, 36th Wing command chief to ensure the Airmen coming from technical training school have everything they need to succeed at their first duty assignment.

The FTAC program at Andersen is used as a transition period to get Airmen acclimated to living in a new environment, to learn about the 36th Wing mission, career advancements and give them a chance to communicate with base leadership and be handed tools for a successful Air Force career.

During the week-long course, which takes place once a month, Airmen are briefed about topics including financial management, resiliency, safety, educational benefits and volunteer opportunities.

"It was an insightful week for us," said Airman 1st Class Brandon Preston, 36th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordinance Flight. "Having someone show us how to read our leave and earnings statement and access and maneuver through our virtual military personnel file was a huge help." It was also a great chance for us to meet people from other career fields around base and establish connections."

The career assistance advisor also explained why she thinks FTAC is great for Airmen.

"The program is perfect for new Airmen," said Master Sgt. Amy Bond, 36th Force Support Squadron base career assistance advisor. "It gives us a chance to teach Airmen about the Wing mission, but at the same time teach them how to read their leave and earning statement and teach them the importance of equal opportunity and sexual assault prevention and response through briefings."

During the course of the week, the Airmen's leadership is invited to join them during several occasions to establish face to face rapport and ask any questions. 

"Our first-line supervisors can't assume that our new Airmen know what's expected of them," Bond said. It's our job and responsibility to set those standards and remind them that they don't have to be afraid to ask questions."

Sergeant Bond mentioned that she wanted the Airmen to know they have an Air Force family here to assist them and agencies in place to support them reach their goals throughout their time at Andersen.

"Whether they stay in the next four years or make a career out of the military, we want them to be successful and FTAC is the first step toward that success," Bond said.