First Term Airman Center helps with transition

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Foster
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Moving can be stressful, but it can be particularly overwhelming for new Airmen arriving at their first duty station. To ease the transition, the First Term Airman Center is a week-long course that provides these Airmen with all the tools and information needed to have a great start to their Air Force careers.

Airmen at bases around the world have been attending the First Term Airman Center at their first duty station for more than 12 years. Although the program, according to www.about.com, was founded at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., in 1977, it did not become widespread until much later.

"The purpose of FTAC is to provide a structured program to help transition Airmen from a training mindset to a mission-oriented environment," said Tech. Sgt. Mary Williams, FTAC non-commissioned officer in charge. "FTAC also provides orientation type information and reinforces what is learned during basic training and technical school."

Several of the courses brought to the students to streamline in-processing are financial management, standards and discipline, sexual assault prevention and response and Equal Opportunity.

Airmen from the most recent class were excited to learn about all the resources and programs available to them on Hanscom.

"I took a ton of notes so everything should help me in the future," said Airman 1st Class Sabine Bien-Aime, FTAC attendee. "There really are so many resources available to you and your family in times of need, guidance or advice."

FTAC courses on Hanscom are held four to five times a year, as needed, and generally consist of eight to 10 Airmen.

"As new Airmen, you have no idea what is available to you to benefit your life and career," said Williams. "FTAC helps with that entirely."