FTAC is key to making a successful Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Marissa Tucker
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB, N.C. --  In earlier days when a new Airman came to the base, there was a huge burden laid upon the Airman and their supervisor to make sure they went to all of their mandatory appointments and briefings. The process was very time consuming and inconvenient for all parties. 

Determined to change the way new Airmen in-processed to the base, Retired Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Estrem, along with group of first sergeants developed the First Term Airman Center Program in 1977. All had unpleasant in-processing experiences, including Chief Master Sgt. Estrem, who showed up to his first duty station and his section did not know that he was coming nor did they care, according to defenderamerica.mil. 

"It was unbelievable how I was treated, and everyone was being treated that way," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Estrem, according to defenderamerica.mil. 

The program was slow in picking up, but now, there are FTAC programs at almost every Air Force base. Seymour Johnson AFB was the first in the Air Combat Command and the second in the Air Force to adapt the program. Staff Sgt. Jane Stewart, 4th fighter wing FTAC non-commissioned officer in charge, loves the program, she said. 

"It gives us a chance to help Airmen with any questions they have before they run into problems," she said. 

The class is two weeks long and includes 40 - 45 briefings from different squadrons and agencies on base. During the class, the Airmen get all of their in-processing done. 

But the class is not just all about rules and regulations. 

"We try to open up their eyes and give them some of everything," she said. " We want them to see the importance of everyone's career field." 

The new Airmen are given information about the base and the activities and organizations they can be involved in, and some would agree this is the best part of the class. 

"The Airmen love Services Day," said Staff Sgt. Stewart."This is where we take them around the base and show them all that services has to offer. It's a good way to break the ice and to loosen the Airmen up a bit." 

They usually have services the second day of class, said Staff Sgt. Stewart. By the weekend, the Airmen will know each other and can hang out, because they have had a relaxing, fun day together. 

Getting the Airmen to start talking among themselves and sharing their experiences is another goal of FTAC. 

Making the Airmen feel like they have a place to ask questions with no retribution is the 
goal of Master Sgt. Allen S. Daniels, FTAC superintendent. 

"Not all Airmen got the same amount of care when I came in," said Master Sgt Daniels. 

Most of the Airmen come here not knowing anyone, and feel lonely and unsure about what's going on and the team tries to make them feel welcome, he said. 

Informing the Airmen is also a key to success. 

"We want to provide them with information for mission enhancement while keeping the core values first and foremost," said Master Sgt. Daniels. 

Keeping with the wing' s "Fourth but First" motto, during a service wide audit of all the different FTAC programs, Seymour Johnson passed the inspection with no defects, meaning the auditors could find no flaws in the program. 

"It's a testament to how the wing supports the Airmen," said Master Sgt. Daniels. 

After three years as the superintendent, Master Sgt. Daniels is moving on to Kunsan Air Base, but he will miss his time in FTAC. 

"I met some really great people here," he said. The best part of the job is seeing the future of the Air Force walk through the door. We're in good hands." 

Staff Sgt. Ayana Hodges, FTAC team leader, would agree. She is also leaving after being team leader for four months, and she has had some great experiences, she said. 

"I loved teaching," she said. "It is interesting to see their view of the Air Force." 

Staff Sgt. Hodges said she has grown as a supervisor, and teaching in the program allowed her to adapt and to improve her leadership skills. 

She is now mentoring the newest addition to the team, Staff Sgt. Darin Moulton, who said he's really excited to be here. 

"It's a very humbling experience working with the Airmen," he said. "It's great to be able to give them guidance, instead of throwing them off to the side." 

With a dedicated team of NCO's and Senior NCO's, Seymour Johnson Airmen are on the right track to success. The program is celebrating the 5,000th student completing the class, and hopes for 5,000 more successful Airmen in the future.