MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Junior-Enlisted Airmen graduated from MacDill Air Force Base, Florida’s newly revised First Term Airmen Course, known as Airmanship 300, June 9, 2017.
The course, a revamped version of FTAC, is a continuum of training from Airmanship 100, also known as Airmen’s Week from Basic Military Training, and Airmanship 200, which is taught in technical training.
Airmanship 300 provides a structure for Airmen who are transitioning from a training environment to a mission-oriented environment.
The new course focuses on building upon skills that have been introduced earlier in their careers.
“There is more interaction where the Airmen discuss topics based on their opinions and their experiences before and since they have been in the military,” explained Tech. Sgt. Rian Jones, the FTAC team lead assigned to the 6th Force Support Squadron. “Unlike the previous course, there is less focus on in-processing and more of a focus on leadership and followership. We then tie that in with the core values, the Air Force culture and how everything helps build our teams and organizations.”
An important concept discussed in Airmanship 300 is professionalism.
“One of the first things we do is talk to them about professionalism and an acronym we use is ‘TLC’ which stands for trust, loyalty, and commitment,” said Senior Master Sgt. Byron Hayes, the career advisor assigned to the 6th FSS. “We discuss what professionalism is, what it means to them, what professionalism meant to them before the military and what is expected of them now.
Through interactive activities to include “What Now Airman” videos, team building exercises, human capital management and discussions, the new course is able to teach Airmen about essential Air Force concepts.
In addition to being more interactive, Airmanship 300 also allows for localized base instruction.
For example, the MacDill FTAC course ties the Air Force concept TLC to the 6th Air Mobility Wing’s focus concepts: communication, professionalism and respect.
“This course has been mandated throughout the Air Force, but they leave us with 7 hours where the career advisor can put his localized material in,” said Jones.
Here at MacDill, the FTAC Airmen get a chance to talk to leadership throughout the base.
Another unique aspect to the new MacDill FTAC course is Airmen get an opportunity to fly and see the wing’s mission up close and personal immediately after graduation.
“The Airmen get to go out to the flight line and actually fly in a KC-135 Stratotanker to see what MacDill’s refueling mission is in person,” said Jones. “The flight gives them an understanding of what their role is and what they are supporting, not only for the Air Force, but MacDill specifically.”
From the localized refueling flight to group discussions on various topics, Airmanship 300 allows for more interaction as well as Airman growth and personalization from instructors.