Kalistani Major History

[Doc]

Air Force Begins Restructuring
First class of Cadets since Cashiering graduates Academy
Dahriel, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 1, 5516


Graduating Cadets at newly established National Air Academy at Sulu AFB

The first class of cadets to train at the new National Air Academy at Sulu AFB in Dahriel, Ananto has graduated. Previous to the reorganization of the Regular Air Force that was begun a year and a half ago, air cadets were trained on Army Bases across Kalistan, and took only limited flight training as part of their commissioning. The establishment of the National Air Academy is a step in the professionalization of the Air Force, and its full separation of the Air Force from the Army. A class of 70 Cadets, who will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Kalistani Regular Air Force, and will begin training as combat air pilots in the Spring.

"A full four-fifths of the Officer corps was cashiered last spring," said Air Academy Lt. Colonel Nathaniel Epstein. "Many posts were filled by brevet officers promoted from the Warrant Officer and NCO ranks. The officers with the highest fitness scores were transferred to the Air Academy to serve as instructors in the new Commissioned Officer Program. Over the year, the new Cadets were fully professionalized, including learning about uniforms, drill, military tradition and etiquette, and physical conditioning. In addition to professionalization, the cadets took courses in mathematics, history and philosophy. Our goal was to imbue these officers with the very best habits, to allow them to stand as exemplars not only to other forces, but to other nations as well."

The first year at the Air Academy was a year long. As the first class of officers graduated, the second class began instruction: Lt. Col Epstein said that the second class will be two years long and will include practical instruction on trainer air craft in the second year. The Second Lieutennants from the first class will meanwhile take instruction on those trainer aircraft, so that by the time the second class is ready, the first class can teach. Each successive year then, the best cadets in the two year program will serve as Instructors for the course coming behind them. "The goal is to build comradery in the Officer Corps. These men and women will know one another for many years before even taking full positions in the Regular Force."

Empress Nicolette II speaks with AF Major Brad Martino at Sulu AFB

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette II was on hand to greet the first graduating class and present their commissions in person:

"Officers of our Regular Air Force," said the Empress. "It is our intention that you shall serve as an example of the nobility of national service, for the young men and women of our Nation, and the world. You carry our pride and our hope, for the defense of our Nation, in times of war, and for the upholding of the virtues of humanity in times of peace. You join the very proud tradition of National Service, and are charged with always looking to the well being, safety, and transmission of the professionalism and tradition you now carry on your shoulders and in your heart to those enlisted men and women of our Air Force who are under your command. You are hereby charged to do good work and fear no man."

The Empress then conducted a review of troop formations and took a tour of the Sulu AFB, which is home to the National Air Academy. The New Second Lieutenants will travel next to Ft Bjorn AFB, where they will receive the rudiments of air craft operation and combat flying tactics, and will become experts on aircraft training jets over the next year.