KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. —
The 403rd Wing’s Development and Training Flight exists to organize trainees for Basic Military Training, introduce them to the battle rhythm of a Unit Training Assembly, and educate them about Air Force Reserve life normally whereas they await their BMT ship date.
As the brand new Development and Training Flight Program Manager Master Sgt. Hector Rodriguez is answerable for guiding these future Airmen by instruction in addition to caring for personnel features.
“I applied for this position because my passion is investing time and leadership in up-and-coming young Airmen,” stated Rodriguez. “I want Airmen and trainees to know about the opportunities that are out there and how to make the best of their experience in the Air Force Reserve.”
Rodriguez, who enlisted in 2014 as an aerospace propulsion technician, frolicked in a improvement flight at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., the place he stated he realized lots concerning the Air Force which in flip motivated him to get by primary and technical faculty coaching.
“I’m a first-generation military member in my family, so I didn’t know anything about being in the military when I joined,” he stated. “Then-Senior Master Sgt. Takesha Williams, who led the program at Little Rock at the time, really taught us a lot beyond the basic training curriculum of the program and that stuck with me.”
As program supervisor, throughout UTA weekends, Rodriguez coordinates totally different needed briefings and lessons, conducts mock bodily health checks, and gives basic instruction the trainees will want in primary coaching akin to dealing with actions, rank and Air Force construction.
Trainee Blake Piefer, who participated in his third and closing UTA weekend within the flight Jan. 7-8, stated he discovered this system very useful.
“Sergeant Rodriguez has been great so far. He’s a great motivator and a great leader,” stated Piefer. “I feel a lot more prepared for basic training with the knowledge that he and (Master Sgt. Kenneth Veazey, former program manager) have provided during these three months.”
As for throughout the week, Rodriguez handles out-processing and in-processing for trainees headed to primary coaching or Airmen returning to start their careers within the Air Force Reserve. This contains reviewing paperwork for journey and pay, reducing orders, and managing a program ensuring all different pertinent paperwork are appropriately accomplished.
“These first weekends leading the flight myself have gone extremely well,” Rodriguez stated. “My trainees were constantly on the go or studying. As time goes, I’ll be able to better establish a battle rhythm of my own, but these first ones have been encouraging, and I’m excited for this opportunity to lead the future of the 403rd Wing.”
