First Term Airmen Center Expands Services Published July 27, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sheppard's First Term Airmen Center has resources to help first term Airmen reach their future goals by preparing them for initial success. Newly enlisted Airmen who arrive at Sheppard are required to attend a course at FTAC to transition their training mindset to a mission-oriented mindset. After the course, Airmen may still use FTAC to find career opportunities and prepare for the future. Tech. Sgt. David Egleston said the FTAC NCO in charge is a versatile asset and his goal is to set first term Airmen up for success using all FTAC's resources. "Occasionally, Airmen may not feel comfortable going to their supervisors with questions regarding leaving their current duty section," he said. "Hopefully I can offer an environment where they feel they can get answers." "The advantages are geared more towards availability and familiarity for the Airmen and helping the career assistance advisor," he said. This falls in line with FTAC's motto, Training our first term Airmen to become career Airmen. "One goal of FTAC is to get newly arrived Airmen mission ready," Sergeant Egleston said. "Another is to set them up for success in their new units by providing them the correct tools for their professional growth." He said two of the most common issues are permanent change of station moves and retraining. FTAC can help Airmen learn the policies and requirements to PCS and staying in the Air Force, in addition to teaching Airmen about opportunities in various career fields. He said the base CAA and FTAC fall under the same functional umbrella for which the same career field manager provides guidance. Together, the CAA and FTAC NCO offer a complete arsenal of enlisted professional development tools and advice for every rank.