Kaiserslautern American - November 13, 2020

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NEWS

FEATURE

Call for Innovation Rodeo ideas nears Dec. 1 deadline, Page 5

FEATURE

CAOC Torrejon completes major exercise ensuring personnel are mission-ready, Page 10

CHECK OUT NEXT WEEK’S

Baumholder CYS sports program hits bullseye amid pandemic, Page 16

November 13, 2020 | Volume 44, Number 45

Special Holiday Edition to win great prizes!

Read the KA online at KaiserslauternAmerican.com Story and photos by Senior Airman Kristof J. Rixmann 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Ramstein loadmasters raise the bar

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dominique Benward, 37th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, briefs 37th AS personnel prior to a training mission flight during 2021 Aviation Detachment Rotation near Powidz, Poland, Oct. 28. Benward, a recent 29th Weapon School Advanced Instructor Course graduate, took on increased responsibilities during this forward training deployment. Photo by Senior Airman Kristof J. Rixmann

Throughout 2021 Aviation Detachment Rotation, several 37th Airlift Squadron loadmasters took on a notable increase in responsibility during day-to-day operations at the 33rd Air Base near Powidz, Poland, Oct. 30. By no accident, these select loadmasters became even more capable in their ability to lead and teach a cohesive aircrew since graduating from the 29th Weapon Squadron Advanced Instructor course at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The training provides a more cerebral approach to being a loadmaster with planning and contingency response being key points of emphasis. “The loadmasters’ understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures and how they apply that to a combat environment to best deliver the appropriate effect is an incredibly important benefit gained from the AIC training,” said Maj. David Mackintosh, 86th Operations Support Squadron chief of weapons and tactics. “It’s important they have similar on-par training with their pilot counterparts.” See LOADMASTERS, Page 2

Rated Preparatory Program now accepting applications for FY21 spring class Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Active duty Department of the Air Force officers and enlisted Airmen and Space Professionals interested in becoming a rated officer have until Dec. 31, to apply for the Spring 2021 Rated Preparatory Program. This will be the third year that the Air Force has partnered with the Civil Air Patrol for this

training. The 2021 class will take place at the Denton Enterprise Airport in Denton, Texas. “The Rated Preparatory Program provides Department of the Air Force officers and for the first time enlisted applicants, who are interested in cross-training to a rated career field the opportunity to gain and strengthen their basic aviation skills,” said Col. Scott

Linck, Aircrew Task Force deputy director. “This program will allow them to enhance their knowledge through developmental modules and acquire valuable flight time in order to increase their competitiveness as candidates for future undergraduate flying training boards.” Applicants selected for the RPP will first complete an online self-paced ground

course followed by a one-week in-resident course to introduce them to aviation fundamentals. Program participants will garner approximately seven to nine flight hours, ground instruction and additional training time in a flight simulator. Officers who complete the program are required to apply to the next available Undergraduate Flying Training selection board.

Enlisted participants who complete the program are required to apply to at least one of three Air Force commissioning sources: U.S. Air Force Academy, Reserve Officer Training Corps or Officer Training School. Airmen who can meet the following requirements are encouraged to apply: See RPP, Page 3


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