MCAS IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212 gave 45 M.C. Perry 7th graders a behind-the-scenes look at their squadron, and how important a good education is to doing what they do.
The tour gave students the chance to see what the unit is capable of with a good well rounded education.
"Marine Aircraft Group 12 volunteered to show our students why school is important and how it applies to the workplace," said Julia Barbee, M.C. Perry 7th grade science teacher. "They learned how a well rounded education, specifically math and science, are beneficial in jobs at the squadron."
To get the point across to students, displays from around the squadron were set up, and Marines from those shops stood by to answer any student questions.
"They asked all about the weapons," said Capt. Jon-Paul Archer, VMFA-212 pilot. "That was their favorite part. They also wanted to know if I had to do any math or reading to get here."
According to Archer, the fact he had to read and do math everyday was more than they anticipated, and they now have a greater appreciation and understanding for what it takes to work with aircraft.
Autumn Evancho, M.C. Perry 7th grader, found ground crews could talk to the pilot simply by plugging a cord into the side of the plane.
Another display students found interesting was an inert missile used for training. They learned the function of the missile is understood by its color.
According to Evancho, the missile had a blue stripe designating it as non-explosive, where as a red stripe would say it was.
With each section students visited, there was one common thing they heard. "Without a good education there is no way anyone could get the job done."
"They had everyone from mechanics clear on up to the pilots," Barbee said. "A good education is helpful in all of those positions."
But the day wasn't meant to focus on military jobs. It was to get students to realize that no matter what job they do in life they need to have a good education.
"A lot of what I'm learning in school relates to real life jobs," Evancho said. "I have never seen a jet up close and I enjoyed learning about its parts."