HomeNews

Making first impressions; LRS trains new Airmen

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Material management Airmen are getting their first impression of their career here at Eglin as students in the 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron "Supply University."

After two months of Basic Military Training and 33 days of technical training, the Air Force's newest members get a hands-on experience of a career field only known by textbooks, before they start working in their first active duty position.

"Instead of just reading career development course text, they can see it," said Tech. Sgt. Shannon Pugh, who is currently leading 14 trainees through the 96th LRS program. "We actually break it down and show them the process."

The NCO said their Material Management University objective is to give a working experience of 43 core tasks listed in the career field's manuals to get certified in the field.

"You learn a lot this way and it's easier to grasp," said Airman 1st Class Romario Martin, student, about his first temporary duty assignment after joining the Air Force with hopes to travel.
He came here with 13 other coworkers from the 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Tyndall AFB.

This is the fifth time the 96th LRS has offered the course to Airmen outside of Eglin since it began in 2012.

"It's very structured," said Airman 1st Class Andrea Dalton, student. "They are very meticulous in how they work step by step."

When telling her friends and family back home about her experience, Dalton realizes the Air Force environment is very friendly and willing to train new personnel compared to stories they tell her.

"If we are lost or wonder what to do, the people here are very helpful and approachable," she said. "It's rewarding."

Throughout their month at Eglin, students rotate duty assignments in seven of the squadron's sections.

"This instruction at its root is here to help the Airman achieve a passing score on their end-of-course," said Tech. Sgt. Chas Adams, training monitor for the university. "I want them to be able to do their jobs, know why they are doing things they do and how it affects the squadron, the base and even the Air Force."

They will experience everything from processing high priority assets going down range to the accountability of equipment assets valued in the millions of dollars, Adams said.

"They care about safety and are more strict," said Airman 1st Class Yenliang Lin, student, who had experience working in a department store warehouse before joining the Air Force.

With so much classroom activity, material management Airmen can easily overlook the details of the duties they study in the textbooks, said Pugh.

"We have the opportunity to do more things here," said Airman 1st Class Kirstin Moore.

Students are also encouraged to take tours with LRS personnel to other areas of the base the supply sections support.

"What we do here affects the entire base and all of its tenant organizations," said Adams. "That plane soaring above your head is a direct result of what you did that day, you just can't get that sitting in a classroom."

What makes the current class of Tyndall's Airmen so unique is they'll return to their base next month to set up a new facility and will soon be reunited with Pugh who has orders to move there.

"It's nice getting to know every aspect of our job," said Airman 1st Class Cody Sullivan, student.

Each student in the largest class hosted by the 96th LRS were enthusiastic about learning their jobs, operating equipment and appreciative of lessons being taught.

"Every one of them has a positive attitude so it makes it easier," said Adams. "It gives them more pride in what they do and they feel good when they see how they impact other areas of the Air Force."

The university, which began in 2012, will continue to be a resource to incoming material management Airmen on an as needed basis.

The 96th LRS NCOs said they hope their university becomes a standard for similar squadrons throughout the Air Force.  They said it has helped Airmen pass CDC end of course test scores, which is needed to move up in career field levels.