On Apr. 30, cadets of Hayes’ OH-012 AFJROTC detachment visited the 179th Cyberspace Wing in Mansfield, Ohio as part of a CIA (Curriculum In Action) trip. The 179th, based out of Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base, was the first in the country to be designated as a dedicated cyberspace wing within the Air National Guard.
During the trip, cadets were given a guided tour around the base, including the runway and two adjacent hangars, one of which they were allowed inside of. They were also given the chance to peek into the base fire station, and received a briefing on the mission of the wing.
“It was a once in a lifetime experience,” third-year cadet Patrick Wilson said. “Not many people can say they were allowed to walk into a security forces office and walk out without handcuffs.”
“I really enjoyed it as I’m going into the Air Force next year,” fourth-year cadet Ethan Fetter said. “It gave me a good feel of the military that I’m eager to pursue.” Also during the trip, cadets received the chance to visit the Ohio State Reformatory. The reformatory, a state historic site, is best known for its use as a filming sight for the 1994 film “Shawshank Redemption.” Though only a brief visit for some photography, cadets reviewed it highly.
“It was really nice,” first-year cadet Lillian Seibert said. “I liked the building, it was really pretty.”
“We took a bunch of photos, saw some ghosts in the windows and stuff,” first-year cadet Savannah Bell said. “A lot of people who usually don’t talk to each other started talking to each other and it was just a very bonding experience for cadets who hadn’t met each other.”
Outgoing Corps Commander Alice McClelland, a fourth-year cadet, said she was pleased with the outcome of the trip.
“I wanted to create this CIA trip for cadets to learn about opportunities outside of JROTC, and with the kind help of Major [O’Brien] we were able to communicate with the base and execute this in high quality,” McClelland said.
Incoming Corps Commander Anthony Vessels said he hopes to be able to provide opportunities for cadets to go on more CIA trips in the future.
“It’s a great way for us to end off going into next year,” Vessels said. “CIA trips are a huge part of letting cadets learn beyond what they might normally get to in the classroom, and I’m excited to see about organizing future trips.”