This Week For Upperclassmen
This week we were able to get coverage of ESET, RPA and Jump for the Upperclassmen Programs. We are about two weeks into Period 2 this summer and for most of the programs things are running smoothly. Sadly with Jump this week because of multiple weather issues, like wind holds. Last weeks group is still working on getting their 5th Jump, which we will be covering tomorrow so we're hoping for clear skies and light winds! As always, check back next week for more coverage of the Upperclassmen Programs!
ESET
Expeditionary Survival and Evasion Training (ESET) Through this 10 day program, cadets complete their ESET and Commissioning Education Program requirements during the summer after their freshman year.
Cadets in ESET go through extensive training and are taught how to understand and execute necessary "deployed combat skills" and at the same time learning how to stay calm, coherent and be incredibly effective at thinking through things under pressure. Officers and Enlisted personnel as well as Cadet Cadre will work together to teach these skills throughout the summer.
To view the rest of the pictures go to Classes - 2019 - ESET. Or click the link below.
Jump
3rd Class Cadets this summer will participate in AM-490, in other words Jump! It is one of the more challenging programs provided by USAFA, a parachuting training course that is the only location in the world where students perform their first jump all by themselves. Its purpose is to develop leadership traits through overcoming their own fears. They will be given instruction in basic free fall parachuting and familiarization with emergency parachuting. The successful completion of 5 Jumps results in award of the Air Force basic parachutist badge and completion during summer before sophomore year fills one of the few military training requirements that Cadets at USAFA have. Several hundred Cadets over the course of this summer will have to "STAND IN THE DOOR."
Last weeks group has had a tough time with the weather, they started jumping last Thursday and usually the groups are finished by the following Tuesday but wind holds (anything above 15 mph) will stop them from jumping. So last week's group will be continuing to try to get their 5th Jumps into tomorrow and we will be there to cover it.
We also covered this weeks group during a Ground Training Day, check back next week when we get more coverage during their 5th Jump day!
To view the rest of the pictures go to Classes - 2019 - Jump. Or click the link below.
RPA
Cadets who take the Summer UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Program, otherwise known as RPA (Remote Piloted Aircraft) learn basic employment of UAS-RPA for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. This program is revolutionizing the ability to monitor and understand the global environment. These aircrafts are operated by remote pilots and range in wingspan from less than six feet to more than 115 feet. UAS can also collect data from dangerous or remote areas. Ground school and RPA flight training using actual small RPAs, includes general airmanship concepts, basic RPA piloting skills training, and an introduction to real-world RPA tactics, techniques, and procedures. The flying portion includes approximately 7 sorties comprising 7 flight hours where students control UASs and UAS sensors using RPA strategies and procedures. Completion during summer before third-class year fills one military training requirement and following their years at USAFA will help prepare them to meet battlefield challenges they may encounter as officers in the Air Force.
To view the rest of the pictures, go to Classes - 2019 - RPA. Or click the link below.