20 AF informs and inspires Air Force’s future officers

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ieva Bytautaite
  • 20th Air Force Public Affairs
20th Air Force, U.S. Air Force Academy and headquarters Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps are collaborating on an outreach effort for cadets who are interested or have been selected for the missile operations (13N) and missile maintenance (21M) careers fields. Over 70 cadets from detachments across the U.S. and USAFA have joined the Facebook outreach group, which allows the cadets to connect to active duty Minuteman III operators and maintainers to find out more about the career field. The 20 AF team has already hosted several Zoom sessions to brief the cadets about the ins and outs of the career field, answer questions and share career perspectives.
One such event was held Friday, Feb. 26, 2021 via Zoom. Over 40 participants joined the virtual event, which was kicked off by comments by Maj. Gen. Mike Lutton, 20 AF commander.
“Our objective here is to connect with those cadets that are in AFROTC or at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and help them understand what our mission and our career field is about so they can make informed decisions about their careers,” said Lutton.
Col. Ted Welch, AFROTC deputy commander, also provided some opening comments.
“This is an awesome opportunity for you all to learn about the 13N career field - one of our biggest strategic missions for the United States,” said Welch. “You will get an opportunity to hear what the career field is about and what your future as a 13N will look like.”
During the event, the cadets received a briefing from Lt. Col. Isaac Williams, Nuclear and Missile Operations Force Development, Strategic Deterrence & Nuclear Integration (AF/A10) chief. During his brief Williams addressed the importance of the ICBM mission, career progression for 13Ns, and what the cadets could expect as Air Force missileers.
Several missileers from the missile wings also joined the event to share their career perspectives and answer questions.
The Facebook group has given the cadets a chance to connect with current missileers and maintainers, ask questions or other concerns. Ultimately, the goal of the outreach program is to make the cadets feel more prepared and excited for active duty.
Anthony Lee is a ROTC cadet and a senior at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and joined the outreach group last month.
“I love these outreach events,” said Lee. “Especially living in Hawai’i where it’s difficult to find in-person 13N and 21M officers. There are many misconceptions surrounding these AFSCs and these events help illuminate what’s true and what isn’t. I feel way more connected to the career field now and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been selected as a 13N.”
If you would like to join the group or find out more about future outreach events, contact 20 AF Commander’s Action Group at 20af.ccx@us.af.mil.