DTF trainees learn lesson in assumptions

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Samantha Wagner
  • 934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station, Minn. --  Trainees from the 934th Airlift Wing Development Training Flight competed in a marshmallow challenge directed by Tech. Sgt. Ricky Zenner, Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the DTF, May 5, at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station.

Teamwork, ingenuity, problem solving and not making assumptions were just a few of the skills being utilized and tested during the challenge. Given uncooked spaghetti, masking tape, a AA battery, a piece of twine and just 25 minutes, each team of two trainees constructed stand alone structures that would ultimately be required to hold a marshmallow on top. The team with the tallest structure that successfully held the marshmallow was declared the winner.

The marshmallow was used as a symbol of assumptions. As trainees quickly learned, the marshmallow was heavier than it was assumed to be. Trainees had no prior knowledge of the activity nor had they previously participated in this type of event.

Teams could be heard deliberating, planning, and compromising.

Of the six teams, only two built structures in the time allotted that accomplished the task. The difference between those two teams was just four inches. Zenner lead a discussion on learning points preceding the activity. One of the lessons learned was to test each aspect of a project and don't just concentrate on one. The winning structure was by far not the tallest of the group, but it was the tallest that was strong enough to hold the marshmallow unsupported.

The Development Training Flight was established to educate new recruits on basic military skills and knowledge prior to leaving for Air Force Basic Military Training. The training is designed to aid recruits to be successful and alleviate stress that is often experienced during BMT.