Warren Airman to become MTI

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jennifer Viveiros
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Basic military training is a demanding and stressful experience but, nonetheless, an important Air Force rite of passage. 

This is where true Airmen are born and groomed by the hands of hardworking, dedicated and capable leaders. These people are among the most elite members of the Air Force. They are military training instructors. 

A Warren Airman will take on the admirable duty of MTI Aug 7. His name is Senior Airman Michael McMillen, 90th Force Support Squadron. 

"I never planned of becoming an MTI; I sort of fell into the idea," Airman McMillen said. 

Airman McMillen enlisted in the Air Force right out of high school July 12, 2005. He grew up with two uncles in the military and decided at an early age he would do the same. 

So far, his experience has been a whirlwind. 

"I initially joined as combat control but was reassigned to base services after an injury," Airman McMillen said. 

After his technical training, Airman McMillen was assigned to Warren. Since his arrival, he has worked as a missile chef and a fitness assistant. 

Early in his career, Airman McMillen emerged as a leader and was appointed as site manager in the missile field. 

After showing much aptitude as a missile chef leader, he was asked to be an instructor for the first-term airman's class here. 

Airman McMillen said this was a great opportunity for him to get his feet wet in a true leadership position. 

After three months as an FTAC instructor, Airman McMillen headed straight to airman leadership school. 

Airman McMillen said he has been encouraged into leadership roles by both supervisors and first sergeants. 

"I've been lucky to have great mentors in my Air Force career," he said. "They are the ones who inspired and encouraged me to apply for MTI duties." 

Airman McMillen said his experience at Warren has helped prepare him to become an MTI. He plans on using the exemplary advice he has received from supervisors on his journey to developing his own style of leadership. 

"I see myself being a quiet leader," McMillen said. "I plan on setting the right example and hopefully the trainees will follow. I want them to be prepared." 

As a member of the honor guard here, he added he feels prepared as a drill instructor. 

"As for everything else, I'm just taking things one day at a time," Airman McMillen said. "I think I have the right attitude going into it. Whatever I'm not prepared for now, my MTI trainers will take care of." 

Airman McMillen said becoming an MTI will not only allow him to put his mark on the Air Force but enable him to recapture his most fond memory of BMT. 

"I will never forget marching down the parade field knowing I graduated," he said. "I can't wait to re-live that experience again and again."