A new partnership between the reserve and active-duty force soared into the Rocky Mountains when the 70th Flying Training Squadron opened for business here.

Formed Oct. 25, the new squadron -- formerly known as Detachment 1, 302nd Operations Group -- marks the first time citizen Airmen have had a permanent presence at the academy, located in Colorado Springs.

Reservists have augmented active-duty instructors here for more than 10 years. The former detachment started operations in June 2004.

More than 30 reservists help cadets learn to pilot gliders, jump from airplanes and prepare for a future in aviation.

The glider training functions as an immersion to aviation and a lesson in leadership, said Maj. Bill Gagen, one of the reserve instructor pilots.

“It helps them learn leadership, build character and self-confidence, and develop an understanding of flight,” he said. “Throughout this process, cadets are doing the things to learn how to pre-flight, maintain, fly and eventually solo”

That could lead cadets to become flight instructors in a sailplane or jump masters in the (Twin) Otter aircraft. Those leadership experiences are absolutely necessary for our officers, the major said.

Freefall jump training provides cadet instructors with leadership training while giving them an opportunity to earn their basic parachuting badge in a “character revealing” environment,” said Maj. Eric Ujfalusy, an active duty counterpart with the 94th Flying Training Squadron.

“The citizen Airmen involved with flight screening and the Cadet Flying Team provide an opportunity for these cadets to demonstrate their ability to succeed at pilot training,” Major Ujfalusy said. “And, for a few select cadets, to compete very successfully, at the NCAA level.”

The squadron also lends something else to the reservists’ presence in the training process, said Lt. Col. David Rodriguez, another instructor pilot.

“Credibility and continuity,” he said. “It helps us better mesh the vision of the future total force.”

The mesh starts early. Reserve counterparts generally have deeper flying experience than their active-duty partners, so they share knowledge, Colonel Rodriguez said.

Reservists also stay at a location longer than their active-duty counterparts, who often move every three years or less. Their tenure creates a knowledge base, saves time on training new people and keeps the operation running smoothly, Colonel Rodriguez said.
The new squadron, in its augmentation of the active duty 94th FTS, is the only reserve unit that flies gliders. Cadets who successfully complete the training receive glider wings they can wear throughout their stay at the academy. In addition, cadets become part of the instructor cadre when they’ve gained enough experience and completed instructor training.

The squadron also augments the parachuting element of training for the 98th FTS here. Instructors work with cadets learning to jump as well as with the two Wings of Blue jump teams. In support of the 557th FTS, instructors help cadet flying team compete at a national intercollegiate level as well as providing oversight in the academy flight screening program, the first step in pilot training.

“These are the official duties of the unit. The added value of reservists at the academy lies in their ability to provide the lasting continuity of the very unique missions at the academy, accomplished no where else in the Air Force,” Major Ujfalusy said.

“They provide valued mentoring for their active-duty counterparts and the cadets,” he said. “Their ability to impart knowledge and share real-world experiences to the cadets is immeasurable and well-received.”