Cadet candidates complete transition exercise

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Before graduation from the Academy Preparatory School, cadet candidates complete a four-day training event that serves as the pinnacle of their military training over the previous 10 months. Transition Exercise took place at the Prep School and in Jack's Valley May 12-15.

"It's the culmination of the Prep School year, and it's something they have to earn and complete together before they move on to the Academy and they are all split up," said 2nd Lt. Hunter Altman, military training officer for B Squadron.

The TX is modeled after a number of experiences the preppies will have as cadets and in the active duty Air Force. The event began with a deployment processing line and included combat arms training, convoy escort, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter rides, village sweep, tactical resupply operations, combat search and rescue, nuclear biological and chemical defense and more.

The training event was designed to accomplish three main objectives, said Lt. Col. Bill Price, the training exercise commander and head football coach for the Prep School. It teaches cadet candidates something about what Airmen do in the operational Air Force; makes the Prep School experience a positive one for them and motivates them to continue on to the Academy and in the U.S. Air Force.

"The preppies were pumped at the end of the exercise," Colonel Price said. "We ended the year on a very high note. I think that we accomplished all three objectives successfully and safely."

At the conclusion of all training activities, the cadet candidates made the trip up the "Stairway to Heaven," a lengthy flight of stairs west of the Community Center Chapel, greeted by Prep School staff and Academy leaders including Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, Academy superintendent, and Chief Master Sgt. John Salzman, the Academy's command chief.

After the victorious climb, preppies were ushered into the base theater, where Prep School commander Col. Todd Zachary announced their appointments to the Academy. Admissions also presented packets containing information on their appointments and the transition into cadet life.

Lieutenant Altman, a 2005 Prep School graduated, said it's all about teamwork and that TX helps to prepare the preppies for Basic Cadet Training and freshman year at the Academy. "It motivates them to do well in the events and programs they will complete during their four years on the Hill."