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Future warfighters tour the 81st TRW

  • Published
  • By Andrew Young & Airman 1st Class Devyn Waits
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  

Future Airmen, Guardians and recruiters from the 331st Recruiting Squadron visited Keesler for an immersion tour, July 11.

As members of the Delayed Entry Program, which allows the nation’s future warfighters to physically and mentally prepare themselves for the rigors of basic military training, the recruits got a glimpse into what lies ahead in their journey after graduating BMT. For some, it was the first time they stepped onto a military installation.

“Aside from us recruiters, the only information these recruits have is only found through personal research or friends and family,” said Tech. Sgt. Davianna Phiffer, 331st RCS enlisted accessions recruiter. “We brought them out here to Keesler to get first-hand experience of military operations and see it for themselves. Being able to see some of these opportunities that we tell our recruits about really reinforces their commitment to joining the Air Force.”

The tour started with a visit to the 81st Training Group, showcasing the various training squadrons and career fields available to enlisted Airmen. DEP members saw how the 334th Training Squadron manages educational requirements for different career fields, including command post and airfield management. At the 336th Training Squadron, they learned how the unit develops and prepares cyber warfighters.

While exploring the 81st Civil Engineering Squadron and the military working dog kennels at the 81st Security Forces Squadron, the recruits witnessed how units under the 81st Mission Support Group play a role in maintaining base operations with security, supply, resources and cyber support.

“I feel really great being out here,” said Zachary Follett, 331st RCS DEP member. “It’s amazing to see how huge of a role team effort plays here at Keesler. Even though the units are spread apart from each other by different buildings with different groups of people, it really puts into perspective how strongly units rely on each other.”

The tour group then moved to the 81st Medical Group to explore various facilities, learning about the medical laboratory, pharmacy, emergency department, operating rooms, warrior clinic and other services that keep Airmen, Guardians and joint partners mission-ready.

Before concluding the tour, the future Airmen met with 81st Training Wing leadership and heard closing remarks from Chief Master Sgt. Michael Venning, 81st TRW command chief, who discussed the role and responsibility recruits take on when they raise their right hand.

“It's humbling to sit at the table with recruits that are trusting us to raise them as Airmen and Guardians,” said Venning. “They’re walking around base in awe of what we do, yet I look at them and I'm in awe of this journey that they're starting and the talent they’re bringing with them. Great Power Competition isn’t going anywhere and with the diversity in thought and skill sets these recruits are bringing, they’re the ones who’ll be driving the Air Force and Space Force to mission success in the future high-end fight.”