Air Force Academy cadets visit nuclear base

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Six Air Force Academy cadets visited Malmstrom during Operation Air Force, a summer program which gives future officers the opportunity to visit a base to see first-hand what active duty could be like.

Cadets can also gain a better understanding of the how missions can differ for when the time comes to select preferences for future assignments.

"This experience shows the cadets a mission in the Air Force," said 1st Lt. Aaron Quick, 341st Contracting Squadron officer in charge of base infrastructure. "Most of these cadets have no idea what they would like to do when they graduate from the academy. There is such a wide spectrum to choose from."

For the cadets' first day, they were able to experience some of the functions of the 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron.

1st Lt. Layne Lange, assigned to the 341st LRS, coordinated the cadets' first day of immersion. Lange toured the cadets through her squadron and briefed various responsibilities the cadets could have as an officer stationed at Malmstrom.

"Being a pilot or a missileer aren't the only options," said Lange to the cadets. "Being an officer in a support function is just as important. Often times, you hit the ground running as a second lieutenant in support fields. Airmen and civilians are relying on you to make the tough calls and lead them to mission success."

The objectives of the program are to provide cadets with a better understanding of how a wing accomplishes its mission by utilizing all resources available. Cadets will observe operations, support functions, officer and enlisted duties and roles and have the chance to interact with active duty service members and civilian employees on base.

Cadets will be immersed in several groups and squadrons including the 341st Mission Support Group, the 341st Security Forces Group and the 40th Helicopter Squadron.

The cadets are encouraged to ask questions from Airmen from all aspects of the nuclear deterrence mission.

"Not many people are ever going to get to see a nuclear base," said Quick. "This also gives them a chance to interact with Airmen and get acquainted with what to expect as a new lieutenant. Getting to visit Malmstrom removes the stigma of the nuclear base."

Some of the cadets said that they were originally reluctant to visit Malmstrom.

"When I got assigned to come here, I was a little disappointed because of the stigma that missile bases can have," said Heather Hardcastle, cadet originally from Langlois, Oregon. 

After seeing firsthand what life in the nuclear field could be like, the cadets are excited to see what they can gain from this experience. 

"Now that I'm here, and being able to see the different perspective of a smaller base, it's really exciting and interesting to get to visit a missile base."

Immersion programs can encourage future leaders to become members of the nuclear deterrence profession.

"After the cadets get the base tour and hear the mission brief, we hope that they leave here with a better understanding of the nuclear enterprise and tell their fellow cadets that what we do is actually cool," said Quick.