Cadets visit RAF Mildenhall for preparation as future leaders

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Between now and July 29, there will be folks on RAF Mildenhall in a slightly different uniform than the regular Airman Battle Uniform worn here.

These officer candidates, known as cadets, have come from all over the United States, including Florida, Georgia, Wyoming, Texas, Alaska and Colorado, as part of a work program with the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Three groups of cadets are each here for less than three weeks.

When speaking with the officer candidates, it is correct to refer to them as "Cadet 'X', said Maj. Steven Fisher, 100th Operations Support Squadron, and point of contact for the cadet program. He added that it is also appropriate for enlisted members to call them "Sir" or "Ma'am", as it will help the cadets remember how they should act, and what they represent.

However, the cadets should not be saluted.

"The purpose of their visit is to motivate them and prepare them to be U.S. Air Force officers through an immersion-based approach," said Major Fisher. "It is supposed to be a work program, not a tour program as it has been in the past. They're here to get a better understanding of both what life is like for the active-duty Air Force, and the officer-enlisted relationship.

"We also want to enhance their understanding of how operations and support functions work together to accomplish the wing mission, and for them to contribute to it," he said.

The cadets will be working in various workcenters around base, including the 100th Maintenance Squadron, working on the aircraft, and the 100th Security Forces Squadron, possibly helping at the gates.

"Spotting them isn't easy," said the major. "If they're wearing their ABUs, you can see their class year after their name tag. ABU and blues ranks are distinctive - either blue metal chevrons or bars. They will stand out a little when wearing flight suits, because their name tags won't be an embroidered patch, but black leather or plastic."

While the cadets themselves are expected to salute officers, they should not be saluted by enlisted members.

During the playing of the British and American national anthems, and Retreat, at 4:30 p.m. each day, cadets must pay the same respects as active-duty members, to their flag and British allies by saluting during each anthem.

Major Fisher explained that while here, the cadets are not allowed to consume any alcoholic beverages.

"I ask that people please don't provide an atmosphere where the cadets would have a difficult time abiding by this rule," he said. "However, I encourage Team Mildenhall members to make these cadets feel part of our Air Force family. Treat them as you would other members of your unit.

"Let them get to know you, and if appropriate, your family. They don't have much experience, but as a group they are enthusiastic and capable. Don't hesitate to challenge them and keep them busy - they aren't here to watch us do hour work, but hopefully to contribute to our wing mission," said Major Fisher.