AAS FTP Semester- Log 2

       The Lt Paul O'Hare Squadron had a surprise visit from the liaison between the Air Force Association and Arnold Air Society chapters in the Southwest region recently. Lt Chris Talbot, a developmental engineer at Edwards Air Force Base, decided to visit this squadron in particular in order to evaluate our AAS candidacy training program.

       A little background on the formal affiliation between AAS and the AFA...once AAS candidates become actual active members of the Society, they also become cadet members of the AFA when they pay their national dues.  As a cadet member, actives receive the official publication of the AFA, Air Force Magazine. This monthly magazine is comprised of pertinent information about the Air Force and events in the nation concerning members.

       Lt Talbot came to do more than observe and evaluate. He was eager to jump into the training session as a candidate in order to remind himself what it felt like to be in the program. He was part of Avenger Flight periodically through Road Guard Procedures, a Flight Drill Evaluation, and through basic marching drills designed to help cadets improve their performance during the normal ROTC Leadership Lab held every Friday at USC.  After a couple hours of drill and ceremonies, Lt Talbot decided to chime in on the effectiveness of the training schedule with some of our squadrons trainers. 

       As a former AAS candidate, trainer, and current Air Force Officer, Lt Talbot gave his expert opinion and suggestions on how to improve our squadron's training regimen.  One main concern that he pointed out was that we had far too many trainers for the small amount of candidates in Avenger Flight. The trainer to candidate ratio was about 5:1, which made it clear that trainers could use their time more effectively by additionally setting up group leadership projects or working on other aspects of the program. Lt Talbot suggested trainers take candidate training session shifts from now in order to make the experience more efficacious for both the candidates and trainers.  

       After an intense hour long Open Ranks Inspection,  Lt Talbot volunteered to host a Q&A session with the active members and candidates regarding any questions pertaining to AAS, the AFA, or the Air Force in general.  Most cadets in the room were eager to participate in the open forum and asked questions regarding commissioning, NATCON, his time as an AAS candidate, and what life is like as an Air Force Officer. 

       Lt Talbot described his time in AAS as a "rewarding experience" and plans to be more involved with AAS squadrons in the Southwest region.