CPAC changes course

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michelle Vickers
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla.-- --  The Commando Pride Airman's Center initiated changes to their program for Airmen new to the Air Force at Hurlburt Field.

The changes began with the current March 18 class. The previous course was nine days long, but with Air Force-wide changes to first-term Airman's program staffing, the course here will be shortened to five days.

"At most bases, with the loss of the first-term Airman center's NCO in charge position all programs cut down [in length] right away," said Senior Master Sgt. Scott Reed, Hurlburt Field's career assistance advisor and head of CPAC. "I think we're a little unique here at Hurlburt Field because our leadership is so involved and supports the program so well."

While the mandatory length for the program is only required to be three days, Hurlburt Field will maintain a longer five-day program to accommodate course items like an Honor Guard uniform inspection and a mock below-the-zone promotion board that start new Airmen off on the right foot.

"There are some added things - like the promotion board - that we throw to get them ready," Reed said. "Things we feel are value-added to the Airmen, and that they're not going to get just by in-processing, that sets them up for success."

CPAC not only assists new Airmen with base in-processing, but also informs them of the missions of various base agencies such as Equal Opportunity and Wing Safety. For these Airmen, who are just starting their careers, the briefings also include vital information on how to manage finances.

"The financial briefing helped me get started on my Roth Thrift Savings Plan," said Airman 1st Class Kristian Reyes, a CPAC student and a radio frequency apprentice of 1st Special Operations Communications Squadron. "I just didn't know the process; they walked us through how to get that started and that same day I started mine."

For many Airmen, CPAC serves as a positive force to jumpstart their new careers before they return back to their units and missions.

"I felt like I wasn't as motivated when I got here, but CPAC did a great job motivating us," Reyes said. "Basically they taught us to be a go-getter. I got my career development course before CPAC and I wasn't studying that much, during CPAC I was on it. Now I'm almost done with my first volume."

For more information on CPAC, please contact Senior Master Sgt. Scott Reed at 884-3912.