Air Force hosts 400 local teens at KAFB to explore careers

Roughly 400 Albuquerque‑area high school students from at least 15 schools attended All‑Star Leadership Day at Kirtland Air Force Base to tour aircraft, test drones and learn about a range of Air Force career paths.

About 400 high school students from at least 15 Albuquerque‑area schools spent a day at Kirtland Air Force Base for All‑Star Leadership Day. The event gave students hands‑on time with aircraft, drones, robots and rescue gear. Airmen and base leaders explained that the Air Force includes many roles beyond piloting. Organizers described the day as an opportunity to build community understanding rather than focus on recruiting. What took place: - Roughly 400 students attended from at least 15 local schools. - Participants toured aircraft interiors and tried on rescue gear. - Students tested drones and robots and visited multiple hands‑on stations. - Airmen described career paths including medical specialties, aircraft maintenance, engineering, cybersecurity and rescue operations. - Organizers emphasized correcting misconceptions, such as the idea that the Air Force is only for pilots, and noted some roles are more inclusive than students expect. Summary: The event exposed many students to career options in the Air Force they had not previously considered, with leaders framing success as increased understanding and community engagement rather than immediate recruiting results. Undetermined at this time.