An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | June 9, 2023

AFJROTC Cadets Experience 176th Wing Mission during JBER Visit

By Airman 1st Class J. Michael Peña JBER Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- As part of a week-long camp, Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets from three local high schools toured multiple aircraft and Alaska Air National Guard facilities, and flew in an HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 176th Wing and 3rd Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 6, 2023.

Nearly a hundred cadets from South Anchorage, West Anchorage, and Eagle River High Schools came to JBER for their Cadet Leadership Course, a program that aims to prepare cadets for leadership roles in their units, schools, and local communities. Thanks to the 176th Wing, the cadets were given hands-on experience with some of the tools, land vehicles, and aircraft used during the wing’s missions.

“This camp is an opportunity to take high school students and introduce them to an entirely unique lifestyle that is the military,” said Keith Coulter, a retired Air Force master sergeant and the JROTC instructor for South Anchorage High School. “It’s a great opportunity for them to test their leadership skills and help them become better citizens.”

The cadets were split into three groups; each taking turns visiting the static displays of an HC-130J Combat King II, a C-17 Globemaster III, and an HH-60H Pave Hawk. They learned key details about the aircraft and the types of jobs centered around them from some of the loadmasters, crew chiefs, and aviators of the Alaska Air National Guard and 3rd Wing.

Parker Johnston, a JROTC cadet from South Anchorage High School, had the opportunity to see the flight decks of all three aircraft.

“If I’m going big planes, C-17s all day,” said Johnson when asked about his favorite aircraft. “I love how big it is. It fits an entire tank inside. It can do so many things you can’t even imagine.”

After a lunch break and a quick safety brief, the cadets made their way back to the flight line. They donned hearing protection and boarded an HC-130J Combat King II for a familiarization flight through the skies of Alaska, an opportunity most Airmen don’t get to experience their entire career. After take-off, cadets peered from the large windows towards the rear of the jet and took turns moving up to the flight deck to see the pilots in action.

“Usually, I don’t like turbulence on airplanes, but it was fun,” said Hally Milette, a first-year cadet from South Anchorage High School. “They took the Denali route and flew over the glaciers. The views were beautiful.”

Following their return from the flight, the cadets were reorganized and led to the 176th Wing headquarters for the last portion of their visit. On arrival, they were separated again for a tour around the facility led by pararescuemen from the 212th Rescue Squadron. From smoke canisters and all-terrain vehicles to parachutes and night-vision equipment, cadets could see first-hand the tools the 212th and its sister squadrons use to save hundreds of lives in and around Alaska every year.

Cadets attending the camp not only got the opportunity to experience the mission of the 176th Wing, but got to make new friendships along the way. Aryanna Sparks, a JROTC cadet from West Anchorage High School, was appointed to the element leader position, putting her in charge of a small number of cadets within her group. Sparks thanked the camp for giving her invaluable leadership experience, helping her overcome her shyness, and encouraging her to make new friends, such as Cadet Johnston, one of the individuals in her element.

“I feel like I’m out of my shell when I’m in ROTC compared to any other environment,” said Sparks. “I’m pretty quiet at school and in my sports, but with ROTC, it feels like I can be loud and no one really judges because you're accepted and in the group. If you’re struggling with anything, you can talk to anyone here and they’ll support you and understand you.”

After bidding the 176th Wing goodbye, the cadets were bused back to their campsite on base, sleeping in tents at night for the duration of the leadership course. They will continue to practice drills and conduct physical training throughout the week, even facing off against each other in paintball towards the end of camp.

There are thousands of JROTC programs across the United States, teaching young men and women the skills they need to navigate the challenges of adulthood successfully. Not only do they host camps like this one, they also provide opportunities for community service, participation in nationwide competitions, and even a path to higher education through scholarships to nearly 260 different colleges. For more information about the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, visit https://www.defense.gov/Contact/Help-Center/Article/Article/2742332/junior-reserve-officers-training-corps/
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
Twitter
348,301
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
US Army sustainers provide sealift to Australian armor for Super Garuda Shield
Australian Army M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks and vehicles are unloaded from the United States Army Vessel SSGT Robert T. Kuroda at Tanjung Perak Port in Indonesia during Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023. At the invitation of Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), Australia is contributing over 125 personnel from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023 (SGS23). SGS23 is an TNI and United States Indo Pacific Command led bilateral training activity. It is focused on joint operations with international partners in and around East Java in Indonesia from 31 August to 13 September. Held since 2009, the ADF first participated in 2022, and in 2023 is contributing an Australian Army force element including a Troop of M1A1 Abrams tanks from the 1st Armoured Regiment. The contingent also includes an Infantry Platoon from the 10th/27th Battalion, Royal South Australian Regiment, command and control elements, and a range of armoured vehicles, trucks and recovery vehicles. (Photo by Australian Defence Force Cpl. Dustin Anderson)
Sept. 19, 2023 - With Logistics Support Vessel 7 SSGT Robert Kuroda already in Australia for Talisman Sabre 2023, the conditions were set to transport Australian Defence Force tanks and equipment to Indonesia for Super Garuda Shield...

Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit
Sept. 19, 2023 - President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will host Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders at the White House on September 25, 2023 during the second U.S.-Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Summit taking place September 25-26...

Joint Press Statement for the 23rd Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue
Sept. 18, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of National Defense (MND) held the 23rd Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) on September 18, 2023 in Seoul...

Army Reserve Cyber Protection Brigade Supports 2nd Infantry Division During Ulchi Freedom Shield 23 Exercise
The Army Reserve Cyber Protection Brigade (ARCPB) successfully supported the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) C6 directorate in a critical operational support exercise from August 12 to September 2, 2023, as part of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield 23 (UFS23) exercise.
Sept. 18, 2023 - The Army Reserve Cyber Protection Brigade (ARCPB) successfully supported the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) C6 directorate in a critical operational support exercise from August 12 to September 2, 2023, as part of the annual...

5th ANGLICO Marines Conduct the Korean Maritime Exchange Program 23.3 (KMEP)
A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines and Republic of Korea Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division participate in a combined patrol during Korean Marine Exercise Program 23.3 at Rodriguez Live-fire Complex, Republic of Korea, March 28, 2023. KMEP is a series of continuous-combined training exercises designed to enhance the ROK-U.S. Alliance, promote stability on the Korean Peninsula, and strengthen combined military capabilities and interoperability. 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
Sept. 18, 2023 - From July to August 2023, U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (5th ANGLICO), III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, participated in the Korean Marine Exchange Program 23.3 (KMEP)...