Angelo State Det. 847 Hosts Special Warfare AFROTC Weekend

SWAW is an immersive Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) orientation and professional development event. It is designed to give AFROTC cadets in-depth exposure to the AFSPECWAR officer career fields to generate interest, and then provide coaching on the preparation needed for cadets interested in pursuing a career as a Tactical Air Control Party Officer, Combat Rescue Officer, or Special Tactics Officer.

Career field insight, physical training preparation and coaching/mentoring were provided by current AFSPECWAR professionals throughout the duration of the event. Activities included:

• Tactical Leadership Program class
• Trail rucks
• Special Warfare career briefing
• Swimming pool sessions
• “Grass and Gorillas” drills
• Special Warfare interview practicals
• Mini Phase 2 Training – land and water fitness, small unit tactics, mission planning, leadership

“While intense physical fitness events are the medium of training for events like this,” said Maj. Evan Walters, ASU Det. 847 recruiting and training office, “cadets also learn the importance of time and resource management, self and team awareness while under pressure, tactical team leadership and team movement. Ideally, this event will help cadets be more confident when seeking out opportunities and learning more about the SW pipeline, and their future Air Force careers.”

ASU ROTC cadets Luther Bebley, a psychology major from Scherz; Wesley Wright, an intelligence and analysis major from Midlothian; and Julian Yocom, an exercise science major from Abilene, participated in the SWAW, along with cadets from the following schools:

• Baylor University
• California State University – San Bernadino
• Louisiana Tech University
• New Mexico State University
• Oklahoma State University
• Texas State University
• University of Arizona
• University of Houston
• University of New Mexico
• University of Texas
• UT San Antonio

The academic and interview sessions, swimming sessions, and Grass and Gorillas drills were conducted on the ASU campus. The other outdoor training sessions took place at Goodfellow AFB’s Command Post Sentinel facility.

The local KIDY Fox TV station provided excellent coverage of the SWAW. The Goodfellow AFB 17^th Training Wing Public Affairs Office also posted a story on the SWAW that also ran on the Air Education and Training Command  and  Air Force Special Warfare websites.