May AFROTC & Field Training Prep

Eli’s Sophomore year wrapped up but not without a big push to get ready for Field Training first!

He earned his EA Slot (Enrollment Allocation Slot). This has weighed on his mind all year, especially since he is on scholarship with the Air Force. If he didn’t earn his slot he would have lost his scholarship. We weren’t too worried though. We know Eli is an awesome Cadet and he excels at whatever he puts his mind to. 🙂

The last day of AFROTC all the Cadets that were chosen to go to Field Training had to have their bags ready for inspection for the Wing’s “Bag Drag”.

He spent a couple of days purchasing, packing, labeling, organizing, double checking, and learning how to properly fold and roll every item. Everything has to be standardized.

I thought it was cool to see and learn how it’s all done. 😉

He was super happy to have it completed and passed off by his commander. Now he can rest easy for a little while until he leaves June 4th. He’ll be gone pretty much all of June!

Field Training is intense! It will be held at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. It’s is a rigorous boot-camp-style program of weapons training, survival training, deployment skills, aircraft indoctrination, and physical conditioning. Cadets will also hone their followership, teamwork, and most importantly, their leadership skills. The program is designed to evaluate military leadership and discipline and determine the Cadet’s potential for entry into the Professional Officer Course. Successful completion of Field Training is mandatory for completing the AFROTC program and obtaining a commission in the Air Force or Space Force.

He also received an impressive honor by being chosen as one of two primary Cadets from ASU for the Field Training Capstone!! (There are 6 alternates.)

The Capstone begins at the end of the regular Field Training week. It’s about 3 days. He will follow-on to a mission experience Capstone event (formerly knows as Ops AF). Events will be held at various Air Force and Space Force installations and are targeted to Cadets pursuing specific careers. In Eli’s case it will be Space Force.

There he will enhance his understanding of the Space Force/Air Force missions, be involved in the day-to-day operations, and receive mentorship from CGO’s (Company Grade Officer).

Objectives include:
-Familiarization with the operational environment
-Career skills development
-Mentorship and professional development

It’s kind of a big deal that he was chosen. We continue to be impressed and extremely proud of him!

His work ethic, self- discipline, ability to lead, and perform his duties with a positive attitude and excellence continues to make him shine and his Cadre notice, and in turn, he continues to get chosen for these incredible opportunities!

And he was just informed that he will be a Deputy Ops Commander as a POC next year in AFROTC. Whew!! This kid has a LOT going on.

On another note…The Detachment put out their monthly newsletter. I’ve included it below if you want to read a portion of their May edition.

Eli is in the bottom two pictures! <3

He has a busy summer ahead and we’re going to miss him around here. He always brings fun and energy where he goes! The house will be very quiet! 😉