Special operations unit opens professional development course for ROTC cadets

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rosaire Bushey
  • Norwich University, Air Force ROTC Det. 867
NORTHFIELD, Vt. (AFNS) --  An Air Force Special Operations Command unit opened its doors to Air Force ROTC cadets as part of a summer session professional development tour in September at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

A three-week special tactics orientation course, which has been held for two years with cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy, was attended this year by six cadets from Norwich University's ROTC Det. 867 from Northfield, Vt.

The event's success means more Air Force ROTC cadets are likely to attend in the future.

Maj. Jeff Cooper, the Det. 867 Cadet Special Operations Flight adviser, said he, "started looking for opportunities to get cadets practical training and give them a real appreciation for how rewarding it is to work in special operations."

Major Cooper is an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter pilot with more than 20 years of Army and Air Force experience. He participated in multiple combat and civilian rescue missions from New Orleans to Afghanistan.

The major said the program partnered cadets from the Academy with the Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field.

"I was working with the commander of the squadron and heard about this program that has been offered to Academy cadets," Major Cooper said. "I got in touch with the people involved at both ends and we were offered six slots for summer of 2009."

Finding cadets to fill the six positions was easy.

"I'm not sure they really knew what to expect," Major Cooper said. "The students at Norwich do a lot of physical training, but I think the three weeks they spent in Florida really opened their eyes to how much more is involvedl; not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally."

"We expected (the training) to be rigorous -- and it was," said Cadet Justin Hazlett, a physics major from Levant, Maine, who took part in the program weeks before attending field training. "The heat of Florida messed me up a bit, but being able to take the physical aptitude and stamina test on the first day gave me a real appreciation for how tough the test really is."

During their stay in the humid Southern climate, the students took part twice in the special operations physical aptitude and stamina test, and learned about combat medicine to include giving IVs to other students.

In addition, the cadets received a number of briefings on topics such as irregular warfare, the training of foreign nationals and the proper use of a Zodiac boat. Cadets also toured the personnel recovery coordination center in the Air Operations Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.

"Overall, it was an excellent program that provided the cadets not only a lot of hands-on and physical activity, but also a much larger perspective and view of what the men and women of the Air Force do on a day-to-day basis," Major Cooper said. "Last year I always thought the cadets were hamstrung a little bit by not knowing what they didn't know. After taking part in this program, they have a better idea of what it takes to make it in the special operations world and can adjust their training and mindset accordingly."

For cadets like Cadet Hazlett, the trip provided a lot of information to help them adjust their mindset toward a career in special operations.

"I have a better view of the Air Force's role in the war on terror; how we deploy special operations Airmen and how they're really key to what we do over there," Cadet Hazlett said.

For the special operations world, having ROTC cadets join the program is an excellent opportunity.

"The relatively small Air Force Special Operations community has historically had a hard time publicizing the terrific opportunities available to the 2,000 second lieutenants who ROTC commissions each year." said Lt. Col. Brett Nelson, the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron commander and a 1989 graduate of Norwich University. "This orientation program is one of two programs -- the other being briefings to each ROTC field training encampment at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., to recruit young officers for Air Force Special Operations Command.

"This year's teaming with Detachment 867 has really opened eyes on both sides of this process," Colonel Nelson said. "The students who come through here have their eyes opened to who we are and what we do - both in relation to special operations and in relation to the larger Air Force and joint operations pictures. We, in turn, are pleased to see there is such interest and enthusiasm from the young leaders of tomorrow."

The colonel said the program is so beneficial there are plans to increase the number of orientation classes each summer so more cadets from across the country can visit and see what special operations has to offer.

"To this point, the program has been focused on Special Tactics Officers and Combat Rescue Officers," Colonel Nelson said. "Our vision is to expand the program to include orientation with the CV-22, AC-130, U-28 and other Special Operations Command-related forces including the 6th Special Operations Squadron who assess, train, advise and assist foreign aviation forces in airpower employment, sustainment and force integration.

"Obviously, we want to show people who are interested in special operations what we're all about, but in the end, this is important, regardless of whether or not these students end up in (special operations) command," Colonel Nelson said. "We're not only providing them a chance to get their hands dirty on the ground with some excellent physical and mental training, but we're also allowing them to broaden their view of the Air Force and joint operations. We're helping them become better Airmen and that is a wise investment of our resources for our future leaders."