An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

FTAC: An introductory course to the operational Air Force.

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  A fresh Airman, right out of technical school, prepares to arrive at his first duty station. The day comes and he finally arrives to his base. But how does he transition to the operational Air Force?

This is where the First Term Airmen Center, also known as "FTAC," comes into play.

"FTAC is a two-week structured program to assist supervisors in getting Airmen in-processed and ready for duty," said Staff Sgt. Samantha Whitfield, 325th Mission Support Squadron FTAC instructor.

"Representatives from organizations throughout the base inform the Airmen on services available," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Edwards, 325th MSS FTAC NCO in charge. "The Airmen also receive mandatory ancillary training during the 10-day training program and return to their units mission-ready."

Similar to Basic Military Training and technical schools, FTAC reiterates customs and courtesies, standards, discipline and the Air Force core values.

Other sections briefed to Airmen are: military equal opportunity, finance, legal, OSI, military public health, OPSEC, dress and appearance, professional relationships, ORM, Area Defense Counsel, Safety, Anti-terrorism, chaplain services, Air Force history and the role of the career assistance advisor.

FTAC is important because it makes Airmen receive briefings that normally they would miss.

"Each briefer is a specialist in their area and they range from Airman 1st Classes to Chief Master Sergeants," said Sergeant Whitfield.

Airmen also have the chance to interact with the base commander, vice commander, Chief's panel and the First Sergeant's panel during their course.

"FTAC is also the first opportunity Airmen have to network with other Airmen in different career fields," said Sergeant Edwards.

Students at FTAC do more than just sit in class and listen to briefings. At certain FTAC locations throughout the Air Force, the students volunteer to help out in the community.

"The students at FTAC here take a trip to the Sims Veterans' Home," said Sergeant Whitfield. "We try to make it a fun atmosphere and play bingo with the veterans."

After going through the FTAC class, Airmen's knowledge of their new installation grows. The First Term Airmen Center acts as a bridge between technical school and the operational Air Force. FTAC is designed to aid all Airmen arriving to their first duty station with the transition from a systematic and regimented environment to their operational units.