LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Before officially being a part of their unit, Airmen are required to go through the First Term Airman Course, better known as FTAC, to transition them into the operational Air Force.
“The number one way we help Airmen is by developing and transitioning them from a training environment into the operational Air Force,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Levi Hammock, 19th Force Support Squadron FTAC team leader. “The technical training aspect is important to their duties, but they also need to be effective Airmen in their units.”
While in FTAC, Airmen are briefed on different topics and programs such as professionalism, sexual assault prevention and response, honor guard, legal services, personal financial management, education initiatives, and outdoor recreation.
19th Airlift Wing leadership also visits the class to discuss and answer any questions Airmen might have.
“The FTAC program provides Airmen critical information to not only help themselves, but to be able to be a good wingman and help other Airmen,” Hammock said. “It refreshes them on different resources available on base and who to talk to if they need help. It’s also helpful for later in their careers when they become supervisors and have Airmen to care for.”
The course is be one of the first chances Airmen experience connectedness with a large group of their peers who are also settling into their first duty station. It also allows them to learn from Airmen in different career fields- broadening their understanding.
“FTAC creates an opportunity for Airmen to be connected with other Airmen outside their work center,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Brock Atchley, 19th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor. “It allows them to share experiences, have someone to talk to, and network.”
More than one million military spouses across the globe support our lethal force, which is why it’s emphasized in the course for Airmen to continuously involve their families through the entire duration of their Air Force career.
“We have a spousal luncheon with the wing commander,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Sean Evans, 19th Force Support Squadron NCO in charge of FTAC. “It’s highly encouraged for non-military family members to be involved so they know what is happening on base and allows them to feel connected to the Air Force community.”
Balancing work and family life can be especially challenging for a new service member. FTAC instructors try to personally connect with new Airmen and give them advice on maintaining their day-to-day life.
“If Airmen are having a hard time trying to balance work and family, I try to advise them to do their job to the best of their ability and finish tasks accordingly,” Evans said. “That way when you go home you can give 100 percent of yourself to your family and they know you’re actually there and devoted to them.”
It’s important for Airmen to know what resources are available to help tackle any challenge they may face or personal goal they choose to pursue — and Team Little Rock’s FTAC continues to lead Airmen to professional and operational excellence with that knowledge.