My name is C/Kim, and I’m a Space Force select majoring in Data Science, currently entering my junior year and this semester I will be a BC Instructor. Outside of ROTC, I enjoy playing pickleball, working out, and exploring the many applications of cyber—an area I’m deeply passionate about. I’m always looking for ways to grow as a future officer and learn more about the joint force, which is why I was excited to attend a capstone experience following Field Training.
I had the unique opportunity to attend a capstone experience at Joint Base Andrews, located just outside of Washington, D.C. Known for its critical mission in supporting the President of the United States and the National Capital Region. The base is home to a wide array of operational and support squadrons across the Air Force.
During our visit, we toured several key units, gaining firsthand insight into the daily operations of active-duty life. Highlights included the Civil Engineer Squadron, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, Security Forces, the 1st Helicopter Squadron, and the Reserve Component. Each stop offered a deeper understanding of how these teams contribute to the overall mission of the Air Force and our nation's defense.
A few standout moments from the capstone included observing an armed and mission-ready F-16 Fighting Falcon, receiving a (voluntary) TASER demonstration from Security Forces, and experiencing a flight aboard a UH-1N Huey helicopter with the 1st Helicopter Squadron. Over lunch, I even had the opportunity to connect with active-duty Space Force officers assigned to Delta 1 under Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM)—an especially meaningful encounter as a future Space Force officer myself.
In the evenings, we explored the historic landmarks of Washington, D.C., bonding with fellow cadets and forming friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. While many of the career fields we explored may not directly align with my personal path, the experience was eye-opening and deeply rewarding. It reinforced the value of our joint force and offered a meaningful look into the wide-ranging responsibilities and specialties that keep our military running.
I highly recommend this capstone opportunity to all GMC following Field Training. It’s an incredible way to broaden your perspective, shadow potential career paths, and gain a deeper appreciation for the operational Air Force.
My name is Josh Havlovic, and I am from Omaha, NE. I am going into my junior year at UNL studying Mathematics. In terms of AFROTC, I was an AS250; I completed Field Training and will be a BCL Flight Instructor for the Fall. Field Training can conclude for some cadets at Air Force Bases around the United States for Officer Development Training (ODT). These are opportunities after graduating from Maxwell where you can learn more about career fields you want to pursue as a future officer. One of the opportunities for Max 5 was at Joint Base (JB) Andrews in Washington DC, the same place C/Kim went for his capstone.
The ODT was three days long. Day one included meeting Civil Engineering, Force Support, and Contracting Squadrons. Day two included meeting their Operation Support Squadron, which presided over the executive airlift aircraft, such as the Air Force One. The day concluded with a Heliport ride through Washington DC aboard the UH-1N Huey, which was about an hour long where we flew around the city seeing monuments and the natural landscapes. Day three started with getting to know the helicopter squadron, where the day ended with meeting the Air National Guard visiting their hangar and F-16s.
One interesting part was the Civil Engineering Squadron. Below the squadron, they have their Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team. We got to do Physical Training (PT) that morning with them. They took us through their PT test, which replaces the standard Air Force PT test. One key part is the 1000m row, which must be completed under 4 minutes.
There were two Airmen, which stood out to me, that were genuine, real people that had honest and good perspectives. Even though it was a minor part, the conversation and connection I had just meant a lot being on this ODT. Overall, I was hesitant on going on an ODT because I was unsure. However, this experience blew it out of the water, and I strongly recommend people just take opportunities that come their way to see new things, especially in the Air Force.
