FTAC helps Airmen to start their careers

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Hope Skibitsky
  • 60th Force Support Squadron Travis Career Assistance Advisor and First Term Airman Center manager
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  While there were several installation-specific, first-term Airmen in-processing programs which existed since the late 1970s, the program now known as First Term Airman Center was standardized and implemented throughout the Air Force under the direction of our 13th chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Jim Finch, in the mid 1990s.

Finch wanted Airmen to have a standardized in-processing system that also allowed them to meet other new Airmen, easing their transition from training to an operational mission environment.

First Term Airman Center serves as an Airman's first impression of Travis' professional environment, instilling the mission, vision and goals of this installation, while allowing for creation of their own Airman support network.

This five-day program provides Airmen with the tools necessary to begin their careers geared for success, with lesson topics ranging from an initial meeting with both the 60th Air Mobility Wing commander and command chief to financial management, equal opportunity and sexual assault prevention and response.

While assigned to FTAC, Airmen complete their mandatory in-processing, first-term briefings. They check for completion of computer-based training and are scheduled for all medical appointments. Upon completion of training, Airmen are returned to their squadrons ready to accomplish the mission.