Career Day at Goodfellow AFB

Published Sept. 4, 2024
By Airman 1st Class Madi Collier
17th Training Wing Public Affairs

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

Twenty-three future Airmen were welcomed onto Goodfellow Air Force Base for a special base tour, Aug. 28. The tour offered the aspiring service members a firsthand perspective on the training, daily operations and career opportunities that await them after joining the world’s greatest Air Force.

Career Day at Goodfellow AFB

U.S. Air Force prospects learn about the different blocks of training for fire protection specialists at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Aug. 28, 2024. The tour offered the aspiring service members a firsthand perspective on the training, daily operations and career opportunities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madi Collier)

Throughout the day, the group was taken on a guided tour of base facilities, which included the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, operational work centers, dormitories and dining facilities.

A vital part of the day was the meet-and-greet with recently graduated Airmen attending technical training. These new Airmen shared their experiences, offering future recruits valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of basic military training. The discussions covered everything ranging from the physical demands of training to the mental resilience required to succeed.

Career Day at Goodfellow AFB

Allen Jones, U.S. Air Force prospect, participates in a mock on-camera interview while at the Public Affairs office during Career Day, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Aug. 28, 2024. Prospects were invited to participate in a mock recording of the “Raider Report.” The “Raider Report” is a weekly video released by 17th Training Wing Public Affairs that recaps significant base events and teases upcoming opportunities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madi Collier)

"It's been eye-opening to see what life will be like in the Air Force," said Allen Jones, one of the tour participants. "Meeting with Airmen who have just undergone training made it feel real. Their advice and stories have given me a much clearer idea of what to expect."

Career Day at Goodfellow AFB

U.S. Air Force prospects watch Air Rescue and Firefighting training at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Aug. 28, 2024. ARFF training helps prepare Air Force firefighters to manage compromised aircraft in emergency situations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madi Collier)

In addition, the future Airmen also had the chance to interact with service members from Goodfellow and Dyess Air Force Base, where they sat down and talked to different units about their mission, training and more information about what their jobs entail. They also observed daily operations in various units, giving them a broader understanding of the diverse roles within the Air Force. This exposure helped the visitors envision their career paths, whether in maintenance, logistics, administration, cybersecurity or medical services.

“It's important for them because there are a lot of questions left unanswered, and it's better to speak to those with personal experience,” said Staff Sgt. Alyson Silidker, 344th Recruiting Squadron enlisted accessions recruiter. “By talking to Airmen who have just been through basic training and are going through technical training, they can get the most up-to-date answers for questions like ‘What should I expect when I go to BMT?’”

This is the third iteration of the base tour for potential recruits and their families to get a closer look into what serving in the Air Force looks like and what resources are offered when they enlist. Base tours like this are an important resource for those interested in enlisting and their families.

Career Day at Goodfellow AFB

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kevin Campbell,17th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor, talks to prospects about the different equipment used by security forces personnel during Career Day, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Aug. 28, 2024. While visiting the 17th SFS, prospects received a K-9 demonstration, spoke to combat arms instructors and were able to ask questions about what technical training looks like. Individuals interested in security forces had one-on-one conversations with Airmen about their time in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madi Collier)

Career Day at Goodfellow AFB

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin Childs, 7th Operations Support Squadron weather airfield non-commissioned officer in charge, talks to Allen Jones, U.S. Air Force prospect, about different equipment used at the job fair during Career Day at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Aug. 28, 2024. During the job fair, prospects had the opportunity to interact with Airmen from Goodfellow and Dyess Air Force Base to get a more in-depth look at different jobs across the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madi Collier)

Career Day at Goodfellow AFB

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Anthony Cragin, 17th Force Support Squadron ceremonial guardsman, stands at attention during a demonstration for Career Day, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Aug. 28, 2024. Prospects learned about additional career opportunities that are afforded to them beyond performing the duties of their primary job. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madi Collier)

Career Day at Goodfellow AFB

U.S. Air Force prospect records a pool fire trainer during a demonstration at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy for Career Day, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Aug. 28, 2024. Prospects got a brief look into each block of fire protection training at the fire academy and met with instructors to learn more about what a day in the life of a technical training student looks like. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madi Collier)

Career Day at Goodfellow AFB

U.S. Staff Sgt. Jon Hanson, 312th Training Squadron instructor, demonstrates how the HAL mannequin assists fire protection specialists with their training during Career Day, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 28, 2024. Prospects were shown several demonstrations throughout the day that showcased training and operational applications. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madi Collier)

Career Day at Goodfellow AFB

Alison Harvey, U.S. Air Force prospect, smiles during a mock on-camera interview while at the Public Affairs office during Career Day, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Aug. 28, 2024. During the mock interview, 17th Training Wing public affairs specialists demonstrated all of the components that are needed to record, capture audio and edit videos before release. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madi Collier)