Monthly program provides new Airmen with helpful information Published April 30, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Stoltz Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Combining informative slides and lively presentations, the First Term Airman Center hosts a monthly program providing new Airmen with helpful information about their new base and available services. "FTAC provides opportunities and an environment where Airmen from all career fields can come together, receive training and network with one another," said Master Sgt. Jamie M. Higby, an FTAC instructor here. "I vividly remember arriving at my first duty station. We didn't have a place where Airmen new to the base came together for training," said Master Sgt. Higby. "The challenge of making new friends, knowing what resources are available and attempting to find anything in the local area are just a few of the challenges new Airmen face." Before FTAC, Airmen were pulled out of work multiple times to complete mandatory briefings and appointments, wreaking havoc on schedules and creating headaches for supervisors. FTAC helps address these challenges by condensing most mandatory briefings into a two-week schedule. These briefings include information such as: familiarization with the base, educational opportunities, finances, safety briefings, medical and dental briefings, how the deployment process works, driver safety and living a healthy lifestyle, just to name a few. The Airmen have the opportunity to visit the Airman's Ministry Center and The Air Force Enlisted Heritage Hall at Gunter, as well as receive a base tour. Military Training Instructors from Officer Training School inspect participants' dress blue uniforms. The MTIs ensure the Airmen maintain proper dress and appearance and provide guidance to proper uniform wear and maintenance. Col. Kris Beasley, 42nd Air Base Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey C. Wepner, 42nd ABW command chief, brief the Airmen last. They speak to the Airmen about their futures in the Air Force. Airmen then have the opportunity to ask questions about the Air Force in general and Maxwell Air Force Base. Airman 1st Class David Eddy, a computer systems programmer with the 554th Electronics Logistics Support Group and recent FTAC graduate, said the program helps first-term Airmen become familiar with a new duty station. "It's great to have something like the FTAC, not only to help myself, but other Airmen as well, " he said. "The FTAC program helps us connect to new people and make friends in a new environment." For more information about FTAC, contact Master Sgt. Higby at 493-8788.