Air Force from Airmen's perspectives Published Sept. 24, 2009 By Airman Cynthia A. Haughton Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Shaping civilians into Airmen takes a lot of hard work and dedication. The transformation that takes place through 8 1/2 weeks of rigorous physical training, combat training, classroom instruction and drills during basic military training (BMT) is a very stressful, yet rewarding experience. Trainees live in a very structured and disciplined world during these 8 1/2 weeks. After graduation from BMT, these brand new Airmen travel to different locations to attend technical training school for their specific career field, which can last anywhere from a few weeks to over a year. There are still strict rules and regulations during technical training, however Airmen slowly gain more freedoms and privileges as weeks go by, when they exhibit the ability and responsibility to handle such liberties. Once Airmen graduate tech school and progress to the operational Air Force, they are expected to know how to balance their time and take care of themselves. "The operational Air Force is less stressful than I expected it to be coming out of a training environment," said Airman 1st Class Jamie L. Nicley, a 99th Air Base Wing photographer. "The fact that there aren't training instructors telling you what to do all the time makes it necessary for you to motivate yourself, which can be a challenge sometimes." "I knew I would have more freedom, but also more responsibility," said Airman Ariel K. Fischer, a 99th Comptroller Squadron customer service technician. "The operational Air Force is exactly what I expected. My recruiter was honest and did a good job of preparing me." Even though their expectations of the Air Force have varied, both Airmen came to a consensus when it came to their excitement about being part of the Air Force family. "I'm happy I decided to join the Air Force," Airman Fischer said. "People back home are still doing the same things they were doing when I left and are stuck in the same positions. In the Air Force, you get to travel around the world and make bonds you couldn't find anywhere else." There are many reasons to join the Air Force. Both Airmen agreed that one of their major motivations in joining the Air Force was an opportunity to get a free college education. Studies suggest the goal of attaining a college degree is becoming harder to fulfill due to uncertain economic times and rising tuition costs. Because of the Montgomery G.I. Bill, more and more Airmen are getting the opportunity to receive a higher education. "It is important to have a degree, because anything could happen and it is hard to get a good job without a degree. It is good to be prepared," said Airman Fischer. "The Air Force is a great opportunity for people to get an education because of the tuition assistance program and the Montgomery G.I. Bill," said Airman Nicley. "It would be a shame to not use the resources given to us. I plan to earn a PhD in political science in the future thanks to my education being paid for by the military." While many Airmen are happy with their chosen career path, others may want to try something new. After serving the majority of their first term in service, Airmen are given the opportunity to cross-train into a different job. Airman Fischer has decided he will take advantage of this opportunity in the future. "The job I have now is a good job, but eventually I want to be a firefighter," said Airman Fischer. "My mom was a firefighter also, so I grew up around it and it has always been my dream." The Air Force experience can be unparalleled if you open your mind to new things and new places. Though all Airmen have different backgrounds, they have all been transformed from civilians into Airmen, becoming part of an extensive family of traditions and legacies that is unlike any other.
