Staff Profile - Colonel Benjamin C. Pittman, Jr.

Colonel Benjamin (Ben) C. Pittman, Jr. is the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor at Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, South Carolina.

Colonel Pittman was born in Gastonia, North Carolina. He graduated from. D.W. Daniel High School in Clemson, South Carolina and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Clemson University. While at Clemson he was a feature writer for the Clemson University newspaper, The Tiger, and he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Colonel Pittman earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Troy University in 1977. His Air Force professional education includes resident diplomas from Squadron Officers College, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the Air War College.

Colonel Pittman received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Clemson University. He initially served as an Airborne Electronics Maintenance Officer at Travis Air Force Base in California. Colonel Pittman then completed navigator and bombardier training at Mather Air Force Base, California with a subsequent flying assignment in the B-52 bomber at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan. After initial qualification in the B-52, Colonel Pittman’s crew deployed to Southeast Asia in support of the Vietnam conflict. Flying out of Thailand and Guam, he completed two “Arc Light” tours in the B-52D, logging nearly 400 combat hours over North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

After returning from Southeast Asia, Colonel Pittman was assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He served as the Wing Commander’s Executive Officer and flew as a crewmember on AC-130 “Gunship” aircraft. Colonel Pittman was named the Wing’s “Junior Officer of the Year” in 1977 for his contributions to the Wing’s mission.

Following his assignment in Florida, Colonel Pittman served for three years at the United States Air Force Academy as a faculty member and as Commander of Cadet Squadron 34. As an academic Course Director in the Aviation Science Department, he developed the curriculum for an aerospace science course that was a graduation requirement for all Academy cadets. As a Squadron Commander, Colonel Pittman was responsible for the academic, military, and athletic development of 110 officer candidates. While at the Academy, Colonel Pittman completed the United States Army’s Airborne Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. He is a qualified parachutist as well as aviator.

After the Academy assignment, Colonel Pittman attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia. This multi-service school prepared officers for world-wide operations with other military forces. After graduation, he returned to flying duties at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. He was assigned to the WC-130 aircraft with the “Typhoon Chasers” of the 54th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. During this assignment, he completed 29 flights into the “eye” of fully developed typhoons (hurricanes). Four missions were into the eye of Super Typhoon Bess. Colonel Pittman was awarded two Air Medals for this extremely hazardous flying mission.

After returning to the United States, Colonel Pittman was assigned to Air Force Headquarters in the Pentagon as Executive Officer for the three-star Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel. Later he was selected to serve as the Military Assistant to the Senior Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, the second-highest ranking individual in the United States Air Force. As Military Assistant to a Presidential appointee, Colonel Pittman routinely interfaced with Congressional staff members. He was instrumental in the preparation of legislation affecting over 4 million active duty and retired Air Force personnel. He also interfaced with Department of Defense officials on all Air Force programs included in a $30 billion wartime readiness budget.

Following his five-year Washington tour, Colonel Pittman served as the Pentagon’s Research Fellow with the Airpower Research Institute at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. His work on air base survivability received the Air Force Historical Foundation’s “Cannell” award as the most outstanding research publication in 1988.

Colonel Pittman graduated from the Air War College, the senior Air Force military college, with the Class of 1989 then remained at Maxwell Air Force Base as the Director of Public Affairs for Air University, an Air Force Major Command. He interfaced with local civic, business, political leaders, and the media to promote the programs of two military colleges, ten professional education schools, and two degree-granting institutions. Colonel Pittman was also heavily involved with civic organizations while assigned to this position. He graduated with Class IX of Leadership Montgomery and later served on their Board of Directors. He was named to the Board of the Montgomery Arts Council, and he also served on the Economic Development Committee of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of Kiwanis International and supported numerous community service activities.

During his career, Colonel Pittman accumulated 2,000 flying hours in the B-52, AC-130, WC-130 and T-43 aircraft. He is authorized to wear Senior Navigator Wings, U.S. Army Parachutist Wings, the Missileman Badge, the Headquarters USAF (Pentagon) Badge, the Commander’s Badge, and the Air Force Junior ROTC Instructor Badge. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Colonel Pittman retired from active duty on March 31, 1993. He is married to Linda Tucker Pittman from Greenville. He has two sons, Tanner and Trevor, both Clemson University graduates. Tanner is a lawyer in LaGrange, Georgia, and Trevor is an Assistant Director in the Office of Orientation Programs at Indiana University where he completed a Masters degree in Higher Education. Colonel Pittman is a member of Rotary International, the Air Force Association, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Military Order of the World Wars. His hobbies include golf, military history, cooking, and racquetball.

Program Overview

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The goal of the Air Force Junior ROTC program is to help high school students become better citizens and leaders by instilling a sense of responsibility, character, and self-discipline. The program promotes community service, education excellence, teamwork, fitness, and personal development for success. An underlying thread in ROTC is patriotism and pride in the institutions and values that make this country strong.

ROTC “PILLARS” Citizenship and leadership are the two major focuses in all we do. Our cadets are heavily into community service and beyond. They respond with open hearts and hard work when it comes to helping others. Leadership is reflected in every activity. The cadets learn the fundamentals of good “followership” first - then develop sound leadership principles that will help them succeed in any endeavor.


BRIEF HISTORY OF AFJROTC Army ROTC has been around since 1911, but all the military services committed to the program in 1964 with Public Law 88-647, the ROTC Vitalization Act. The law provided for the establishment of JROTC programs in all public and private high schools. The Air Force had reached its ceiling of 690 units until General Colin Powell, then Secretary of State, saw JROTC cadets cleaning up the streets after the Los Angeles riots. He liked the community service he saw and so did the Congress of the United States. Our legislators approved an Air Force expansion to 945 units by 2008. Today, there are nearly 900 high schools with Air Force Junior ROTC, and over 120,000 students are enrolled in the program.

THE INSTRUCTOR TEAM Since the AFJROTC program was established, the Air Force has actively recruited the most highly qualified officers and non- commissioned officers to serve as instructors in America’s high schools. Applicants are screened and scored according to academic, leadership, management, communicative, and professional skills. Most officer instructors have at least Masters degrees, and most non-commissioned officers have earned Bachelor or Associate degrees. The highest officer rank is Colonel, and the highest enlisted rank is Chief Master Sergeant. By contract, salaries must be comparable to what the instructors earned while on active duty, and the Air Force shares that expense. All instructors are retired but still perform in accordance with Air Force appearance standards, customs, and courtesies. Complete Air Force biographies for the Wade Hampton instructor team are located under “Staff Profiles”.

STUDENT ENROLLMENT Registration for the Air Force Junior ROTC program is open to freshmen through senior classes. During the first year, students receive physical education credit. Additional courses result in elective credit. Cadets may take ROTC all four years if they desire. After the freshman year, selected cadets may be allowed to double-block depending on curriculum availability.

The Curriculum

The courses taught in the Air Force Junior ROTC program are prescribed by the United States Air Force; and the textbooks, workbooks, and teaching materials are provided by Headquarters Air Force ROTC. Instructors are allowed to “blend” the materials to accommodate student academic needs and teaching preferences. An entire text will not be completed during a one semester course. Instructors choose and blend subjects to provide the very best academic/leadership curriculum possible.

TYPICAL CURRICULUM

ACADEMIC STUDIES Courses available include: A Journey Into Aviation History, Science of Flight, The Exploration of Space, Astronomy, Cultural Studies, and World Geography. An honors course in aviation principles and another in management may be taught with Headquarters/District approval and sufficient student interest. Senior instructor selects cadets who have satisfied Air Force prerequisites.

LEADERSHIP STUDIES The Leadership text covers such subjects as nutrition, fitness, stress management, self-discipline, decision-making, leadership principles, effective communication, financial management, career planning, resume preparation, college preparation, and job interview techniques.

FITNESS/NUTRITION One day per week is devoted to physical improvement and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Cadets establish a fitness baseline and measure progress throughout the semester.

Syllabus, Grading Procedures, Objectives

Period:
1st (A Flight: 8:45 to 10:20 am)
2nd (B Flight - 10:25 to 11:55 am)
4th (C Flight - 2:10 to 3:45 pm)

Classroom: Room: 102R
Instructors:
Colonel Ben Pittman – Senior Aerospace Science Instructor and Department Chair
Master Sergeant Kenneth Clere – Aerospace Science Instructor

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Text Materials Used in Curriculum:

Wade Hampton High School Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Handbook

Policy and Organization of the Department of Defense

A Journey Into Aviation History

Drill & Ceremonies

Course Description:

One term course, 135 hours. The course follows the prescribed Air Force curriculum mix of 40 percent academics, 40 percent citizenship, character, and leadership studies, and 20 percent physical development and wellness instruction. Cadets will be exposed to the development of airpower throughout the history of our nation. A complete syllabus is posted on the AFJROTC web page on the Wade Hampton High School site. Cadets will also be exposed to the organization of the federal government with an emphasis on the Department of Defense. The desired outcome is to understand how the United States supports the national security policy of our country. Cadets will develop self-confidence through leadership and team activities. Fitness, good nutrition, and health for life will be emphasized to promote desired wellness goals. Service activities will be planned and executed to promote citizenship development. Extracurricular activities may include drill team, color guard, presentation team, academic honor society, and aircraft model club. An honors course in management will be taught to selected cadets.

Course Philosophy

AFJROTC’s mission is to develop citizens of character serving their nation and community. While academic instruction is a part of the curriculum, our philosophy is that building better citizens and leaders is best learned by doing. AFJROTC cadets will have many opportunities to lead, follow and demonstrate self-discipline, citizenship, values, and teamwork. Our classes are intentionally mixed with 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year cadets. This mix offers practical opportunities for cadets to practice leading and following. Cadets will participate once a week in a team sport and physical fitness training. They will also practice military drill to develop teamwork and provide leadership opportunities. In addition, they may volunteer for and be assigned to leadership positions in the cadet corps. These duties mirror what they might experience in a business with respect to management, organization, and planning. Community service is an important part of citizenship development, and we participate in several activities that benefit others, such as food drives, Adopt-A-Highway, and Adopt-A-Soldier. Cadets may also participate in field trips and fund-raising activities that provide an opportunity

Objectives

Our students will know and understand:

1. WHHS AFJROTC classroom procedures and the organization of an effective AFJROTC program.

2. Proper wear the AFJROTC uniform and required grooming standards.

3. Patriotic and military customs, courtesies, flag etiquette and traditions.

4. The importance of physical fitness and wellness (health and nutrition).

5. Drill positions, marching movements, and drill of the flight as these activities relate to teamwork development and leadership training.

6. Attitude, self-discipline, respect for authority, time management, and anger management.

7. Benefits of a higher education and the process involved in applying for and funding college.

8. The importance of developing effective job resumes, filling out job applications, and preparing for an interview

9. Steps involved in the financial planning process and how to use credit wisely as an important part of managing one’s finances.

10. The development of airpower throughout United States history, leaders in aerospace, the Department of Defense as part of the federal government, and Air Force organization.

Course Requirements: Included in Wade Hampton AFJROTC Cadet Handbook.

Includes conduct, courtesy, classroom policies and procedures, personal appearance, and uniform wear.

to practice and demonstrate leadership and organizational skills taught in the classroom.

Course Assessment

Uniform & personal appearance inspections are conducted every Wednesday.

Chapter tests are administered approximately every two weeks or as academic segments are completed.

Leadership superior-subordinate evaluations are completed every three weeks as a vehicle for building cadet confidence and stimulating self-improvement efforts. These evaluation forms are assessed for timeliness and quality of information.

Final exams assess understanding of course content and class preparation throughout the entire AFJROTC program.

Grades

Overall each area of student work is weighted according to the following breakout:

40% Academic grades
40% Leadership studies/evaluation
20% Physical fitness involvement

Evaluation grade scale is as follows:

A = 93 and above
B = 85-92
C = 77-84
D = 70-76
F = 69 and below

Web Page

Information, including updates to schedules, information on upcoming activities, goals, objectives, and photos of continuing events may be found on our web page at: sc954.blogspot.com

Instructor Contact

Parents may contact either Colonel Pittman (355-0124) or MSgt Clere (355-0122) by telephone. Also, we can be reached by e-mail at bcpittma@greenville.k12.sc.us (Colonel Pittman) or kclere@greenville.k12.sc.us (MSgt Clere) or our AFJROTC email address SC-954@afjrotc.net.

Projects

To promote leadership and citizenship development, our cadets will engage in service and patriotic projects and ceremonies. They will plan, organize, and execute these activities. Continuity folders will be maintained for each event. Examples are food drives, 9/11 ceremony, Adopt-A-Highway, Veterans Day ceremonies, parades, and Adopt-A-Soldier.

Materials Required for Class

Plain notebook paper, ink pen and pencil available for notes every class.

Uniform issued by AFJROTC kept clean and ready for wear and inspection every Wednesday. Uniform should be cleaned and pressed for turn in at the end of the semester.

Comfortable but stable shoes such as tennis shoes for drill. Loose fitting sandals don’t normally work well and can result in tripping while on the drill pad. Athletic shoes for physical fitness. No flip-flops can be worn for either drill or fitness activities.

PT uniforms are issued by AFJROTC. Cadets must bring comfortable athletic shoes (sneakers or running shoes) for Physical Fitness (normally on Fridays).

There is a $25 dollar fee for this course which covers fitness gear and accessories.

Mission, Purpose, Vision

MISSION — Educate. Inspire. Empower.

PURPOSE — To educate and inspire students to become responsible, discerning, productive citizens empowered to change the world.

VISION — Our vision centers on a shared philosophy that our diverse student body must be served with a personalized plan for each and every student regardless of starting point, where the focus begins at his current academic level and continues to guide him to the ultimate goal, graduation, fully prepared and confident to contribute to society.

Teaching Schedule and Teacher Contact

Colonel Pittman and MSgt Clere teaching Schedule



1ST BLOCK: 8:45-10:20
2nd BLOCK: 10:25-11:55
3RD BLOCK: Planning
4TH BLOCK: 2:10-3:45

Phones:
Colonel Ben Pittman 864-355-0124
MSgt Ken Clere 864-355-0122

Email:
Colonel Pittman bcpittma@greenville.k12.sc.us
MSgt Clere kclere@greenville.k12.sc.us

Staff Profile - Master Sergeant Kenneth H. Clere

Master Sergeant Kenneth H. Clere is the Aerospace Science Instructor at Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, South Carolina.

Master Sergeant Kenneth Clere entered the Air Force in January 1985. His initial assignment was with the 693rd Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) at Castle AFB near Merced,California. He performed maintenance on the Air Force’s premier refueling aircraft, the KC-135. While assigned to Castle AFB Sergeant Clere progressed through the maintenance career field and earned the position of KC-135 Crew Chief, a duty that assigned him as the principal maintenance expert on a dedicated aircraft. He was responsible for the condition of that aircraft at all times. In 1987, Sergeant Clere earned the rank of Senior Airman through a “Below the Zone” promotion which accelerated his rank above his peers. In 1995, Sergeant Clere was reassigned to Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota. Duties at Grand Forks involved serving as a “Flying Crew Chief” to assess maintenance conditions during actual flight.

Because of his extensive maintenance background, Sergeant Clere earned a position in the Maintenance Operations Control Center which monitored the condition of all aircraft assigned to the base. After this duty, Sergeant Clere was selected to serve as an Assistant Section Chief and Training Manager to ensure the quality training of all maintenance personnel. In 2002 Sergeant Clere was selected to serve as the Executive Assistant to the flying wing’s Command Chief Master Sergeant. In this important position, he assumed responsibilities for the welfare, promotions, and training of all enlisted personnel on the base. In 2004 MSgt Clere was selected to serve as a Flight Chief for the Grand Forks AFB Airman Leadership School, an organization which prepares Airmen to supervise and lead Air Force work teams to support the employment of air and space power. He taught and supervised a five-week-long curriculum that covered military training, leadership and communication skills.

Master Sergeant Clere is a graduate of the Air Force’s Noncommissioned Preparatory Course and Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA). He was awarded the Air Force Certified Mechanic and Certified Master Mechanic ratings – certifications awarded to only the top one percent of all personnel in the Maintenance career field. Sergeant Clere has completed two Community College of the Air Force degrees: one an Associates in Applied Sciences in Aircraft Systems Technology and the other an Instructor of Technology and Military Science Degree. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Management/Human Resources from Park University.

MSgt Clere has received the following honors during his Air Force career: He was named 93rd Bomb Wing Airman of the Quarter, 1986; Senior Airman below the Zone and Airman of the Quarter, 1988. He earned Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter honors in 1995 and was named Noncommissioned Officer of the Year in 1994, 1995 and 1996. He was selected as Crew Chief of the Year in 1995. He received the Leo Marquez Outstanding Supervisor of the Year award for the Air Force Education and Training Command in 1995. He was also named as the Base Honor Guard Member of the Year for 2001 and the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Honor Guard Member of the Year for 2002 and 2003. He is also the recipient of the Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award for 2005. Sergeant Clere’s outstanding performance and leadership was recognized with promotion to Master Sergeant under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers Program (STEP) in 2003 – a promotion reserved for only the top Noncommissioned Officers.

MSgt Clere’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, the USAF Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, and the Air Force Training Ribbon.