Announcing the 2023
U.S. Military Explorers Commander's Conference
June 7, 2023 - U.S. Military Explorers Command announced to day their first Annual U.S. Military Explorers' Commanders Conference at the Goldwater ANGB, Arizona. This year's Conference is sponsored by Air Force Explorer's Unit the 396th Aircrew Training Squadron, now in it's 24th year of operation.
2019 Exploring National Leadership Conference
Jul 10-12, 2019 - The National Exploring Leadership Conference was held this week at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Attendees included Learning for Life & Executive National Board, National, regional and area Exploring Chairman, Council Exploring Chairman, Exploring Executives and professionals with Exploring responsibilities, and Exploring Youth Leaders.
Conference topics included Foundations of Exploring, Youth & Adult Leader Panel Discussions, Council Best-practicing Sharing, Leadership Development, Innovation Ideas, and various Career Break-out Sessions.
U.S. Miltary Exploring had presented the advantages of Military Exploring Programs, and how numerous career-paths intertwine in a career within the various U.S. Miltary Branches. Presentations & discussions were lead by Col E. Calvin Lowrie, Jr, and Lt Col. Thomas Block, Commander and Vice-Commander respectively, of the Air Force Explorers. They oversee the 396th Aircrew Training Sq. (Air Force Explorers) at Goldwater ANGB, Arizona, which was established in 1999.
Exploring has it's 70th Anniversary Celebration
January 2019 - Exploring Division (LFL) celebrates its 70th Year in operation of it's Career-based Education Programs and Exploring. The Exploring Program are available for Young Adults ages 13-17, with options of staying on as an Adult Advisor once they reach 18 years old.
U.S. Military Exploring
Re-launched at National Exploring Conference
Jul 10-12, 2019 - U.S. Military Exploring under Learn for Life was re-launched at its National Exploring Conference at Ohio University, Athens Ohio o the 70th Anniversary of Exploring.
Air Force Explorer Post Represents Military Exploring at the
2019 Exploring Leadership Conference in Athens, Ohio
10 Jul 2019 - U.S. Miltary Explorers Commander (Col. Calvin Lowrie) on right, and Chief of Staff (Lt Col. Thomas Block) on left presented the U.S. Militay Explorer Program and Vision to Exploring Leaders at the '2019 Exploring Leadership Conference' in Athens, Ohio
Our Brand Logo (U.S. Military Explorers Seal)
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1 Aug 2016 - The Seal of the U.S. MIlitary Explorers was originally approved for use on 1 August, 2016 for the Command Headquarters of the Exploring Divsion, a Career Education Program of Learning for Life Corporation, a registered IRS 501C(3), and a subsidary of BSA, Irving, Texas. The band of five stars represent the five branches of programs of Military Exploring: Air Force Explorers, Army Explorers, Marine Explorers, Navy Explorers, and Space Force Explorers.
The American Eagle, the national symbol of the United States as represented by the Great Seal. The green laurel of peace in the eagle's right talon, symbolizes the purity of truth in the defense of the nation. The white federal shield stands for the innoccence of the youth, while the capital red letter "E" represents the valor with courage of the youth in patriotism toward a greatful nation. The symbolic BSA Exploring letter '"'E" also represents the past youth who have made the ultimate sacrafice in defense of their country.
U.S. Military Exploring Programs
The Miitary Explorers operates as an after school full-time year-round Career Education Program. Depending on the category of training, Units (Posts) meetin after school weekly, bi-weekly, or possibly on several selected Saturdays/Sundays. They operate under the auspices of the Exploring Division of Learning for Life, Inc., a career based education organization for young adults (ages 13-17) interested in a career in the Military. After 18, they can continue to serve as an Adult Advisor.
IThere are three (3) training programs. Two are available for High-schoolers, and operates in the Middle School environment:
(1) Officer Preparatory Program (OFP)
(2) Enlisted/NCO Preparatory Program (ENP)
(3) Military Club Program (Middle Schools)
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1 Sep 2020 - Operation Mohave Fury 2020. Military Club - Mohave MS, Scottsdale, AZ. Military Club Program stood up at Scottsdale MS, and run by Air Force Explorers, 396 ATRS - Det 1, Goldwater ANGB Senior Cadet Staff.
U.S. Military Exploring
Six (6) Pillars of Vision
The Vision for our U.S. Military Explorers Program is based upon years of military experience, training, and confidence facing their abilities as a youth progresses on to a young adult looking at a military career. Here are the six pillars of our U.S. Military Explorer Vision.
1. Professional Military Education (PME)
Education is the bedrock to a productive member of the team regardless o f assignment or job. Character development is key in PME as a cadet moves through various promotions, assignments, and leadership roles.
2. National Pride with Patriotic Service
The United States is the forbearer in defense of our nation's freedom placed on a global stage. As such, each member of the U.S. Military Explorers team must becomea sentenial in providing such dedicated service and pride to the Explorers and thier nation.
3. SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape)
Our military expects our youth to be ready to assume the worst as defenders of America. Every military member is required to be able to survive the future battlefield with certain tenants of basic survival skills. MX Training initiates those basic skill sets.
4. Warrior Ethos
The military career path is one that differs from other civilian paths in that you must look at our enemies across a wide spectrum. From understanding your role in the military, you must become educated and trainined to see what is happening globally thru the U.S. National Security Strategy. Becoming that requires education, intelligence briefings, know the enemy, and build you own Warrior Ethos and the ability to handle the rough road.
5. Physical Fitness
As the military needs physically fit individuals to perform military missions across the globe, you have to consider healthy choices as you move through the ranks of the program.
6. Moral Leadership
Our country was founded on moral principles which have guided us through the years. Our youth of today need to develop their own set of principles that will help them become better leaders and followers as they prepare for their future military career. They will through Military Exploring.
September, 2016
Air Force Explorer Program recognized in BSA's Boy's Life Magazine
Summer 2016 - Boys Life Magazine writers & photographer spent the weekend at Goldwater ANGB, Phoenix, International Airport, Arizona during the Air Force Explorer's 396th Aircrew Training Squadron UTA & Exercise weekend.
The 396th Aircrew Training Sq conducts their annual SERE Tiger Shark I + II Operational Exercise duing the summer months in Phoenix. Boy's Life Magazine stopped by this year for a visit during the Exercise. Tiger Shark III Exercise is a night-time version SERE Training Exercise also done during summer.
Pictured in the article are Air Force Explorer Cadets in the pool practicing assist in recovering downed fellow Aircrewmen, 'Gearing-Up', and participating in the End-of-Day 'Exercise Debrief.'
IThe Air Force Explorers Program at the 396th ATRS in Phoenix runs an Officer's Preparatory Program (OFP) generally twice per year. Once accepted, Cadet Officers go thru a 14-week Officer's Candidate School (OCS), and upon graduation are commissioned a Cadet/2Lt. They are then eligible to continue year-round training through the rest of their High School Years, as well as enter additional specific 'Career Training Field' (CTF) courses, such as Airmanship, Special Tactics, or Air Intelligence. The 396th ATRS also initiated a Military Explorers 'OPFOR' Program.