Present teaching the future

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Courtney Richardson
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Cadets from seven colleges throughout North Carolina gathered at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., April 14, for a field training preparation exercise where they participated in activities to develop leadership skills and enhance their military knowledge.

A total of 81 sophomore cadets arrived here for 24 hours of training; they practiced working together in order to complete given tasks prior to participating in a mandatory 28-day field training course held at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

Most of the cadets only work with the 12 other cadets that they attend school with. This training forced them to mix and mingle in larger group with cadets from other schools.

"Working in bigger groups helps the cadets understand that they must stand out and be a leader when it comes to completing the group leadership projects," said Cadet Capt. Bruce Julian, East Carolina University senior. "This training teaches the importance of critical thinking and allows the cadets to come up with more diverse solutions to problems so that this summer it's not new to them when they get down there to Maxwell where they are being evaluated."

During the training, the cadets had a unique opportunity to get some advice from one of the Air Force's senior leaders, Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 9th Air Force commander.

"The biggest thing you need to understand is that you need to act," said Wells. "We have all kinds of people that can follow, we have everybody in the world that will listen and take guidance."

Wells stressed the importance of being an effective leader while embracing the fact that they will not know everything and must rely on and encourage teamwork among their peers and subordinates.

"It's teamwork whether you know them or not, they are out there to help. Understand that the impact you have on your nation is going to be dramatic," said Wells.

The general reinforced the concepts that the ROTC programs instills in the cadets... 'When in command, command' and 'luck is opportunity meeting preparation.'

"I think Maj. Gen. Wells talking to us was the most outstanding part of the day. He really touched on the points that we are trying to emphasize to them," said Julian. "The fact that he took time out of his schedule to come and observe the cadets in their leadership projects and provide feedback really showed his leadership and commitment."

For more information on the Air Force ROTC program visit www.afrotc.com.