IN the months after they are commissioned, new Air Force lieutenants begin to find out what it really means to be an officer, an airman, and a warrior. The service now provides formal training to help them develop the proper foundation. Until a few years ago, a second lieutenant's professional development was left to a combination of on-the-job experience and pure chance. With luck, the new lieutenant was assigned to an astute commander, developed close ties with his peers, and came under the tutelage of experienced and helpful noncommissioned officers. Many, however, were not lucky. Today, US AF makes a conscious and concerted effort to broaden the horizon of new officers by sending them to Maxwell AFB, Ala., for the Air and Space Basic Course. This six-week program gives new officers the big picture of Air Force life before they focus in on their individual specialties.
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