Staff Sgt. Anthony Bragg teaches new airmen, holding plastic weapons, about room-clearing during the First Time Enlisted Course at Osan Air Base, South Korea, June 11, 2025. (Eric Mendiola/Stars and Stripes)
OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea — Armed with fake plastic rifles, about 30 airmen practiced clearing rooms in combat during recent newcomer training on this base less then 50 miles from North Korea.
The session was part of a revamped First Term Enlisted Course, a four-day program designed to introduce airmen and Space Force guardians to life at their first duty station.
While the course is standard at U.S. air bases worldwide, Osan’s proximity to North Korea adds a unique focus on combat readiness. Airmen may have to pick up a rifle, tend to a wounded comrade or man a radio at a moment’s notice.
“Because Osan has such a unique mission and we are so geographically stationed to North Korea — 48 miles to be exact — the big initiative from the wing is readiness and being prepared to fight tonight,” Tech Sgt. Hector Montoya said during the June 11 session at the base’s Professional Development Center.
Montoya, of the 51st Force Support Squadron, is the lead noncommissioned officer for the Osan training, which takes place every month.
Typically, the course is meant to bridge the gap between airmen’s technical training and their day-to-day duties. At most bases, it includes familiarization with the local area, the base’s mission and general military life.
However, Osan introduced changes in April that reflect its strategic location and potential frontline role in a conflict.
In addition to room-clearing, trainees now receive instruction in weapons familiarization, combat medical care and radio communications, among other subjects. Forty instructors rotate through the course over the four days.
Montoya said he and Master Sgt. Benjamin Malotte, the course development adviser, created the updated curriculum.
Airman Joel Jimenez, a military police officer with the 51st Security Forces Squadron, took the June 11 room-clearing class.
“It’s informative for us, especially being our first term — there’s many things we’re curious about,” he said during a break in training. “So, I feel like we’re briefed on a lot of things that are good to know.”
Staff Sgt. Anthony Bragg, also of the 51st Security Forces Squadron, teaches room-clearing and weapons familiarization.
“Coming here is unique for them because now they get [hands-on training] and actually get to do it,” he said.
Montoya said course managers are collecting feedback on the recent changes. An added benefit of the program, he said, is that it helps newcomers build connections across career fields.
“Hopefully they’re walking away with at least a network or two and at least a nugget of information,” he said.
