Goodfellow team shows off training ops to 2nd Air Force commander Published Feb. 25, 2019 By Airman 1st Class Zachary Chapman 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Goodfellow Airmen welcomed Maj. Gen. Timothy Leahy, 2nd Air Force commander, for a three-day tour of the base, and welcomed the opportunity to showcase changes being made to training operations here to help make a more capable and mission ready Air Force. Leahy is responsible for the development, oversight and direction of all operational aspects of Basic Military Training, initial skills training and advanced technical training for the Air Force enlisted force, non-rated operations and support officers. His tour began with several stops within the 17th Medical Group. He learned how medical Airmen are seeking out better, more efficient ways to track the healthcare operations by working with officials from other military branches. Goodfellow Airmen are working with all of the services’ liaisons to learn more about the different tracking systems being used, in order to find common ground between the military services, streamlining the workflow and increasing readiness. Leahy started his second day with a visit to the 312th Training Squadron, which trains all of the Department of Defense firefighters. “I always enjoy coming to the fire academy,” said Leahy. “I grew up around fire houses and firemen so it makes me feel nostalgic. You are training not just the Air Force, but all of the joint forces. Thank you for what you are doing, thank you for making a difference here - building an immense force to be able to tackle the mission.” After the tour of the 312th TRS Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, Leahy headed to the 17th Training Support Squadron to see what steps Airmen are taking to innovate the way the members of the 17th TRSS provide support and guidance to the 312th, 315th and t316th Training Squadrons. While at the 17th TRSS, Leahy sat in with a group of instructors going through an active learning program called Faculty Next. The program teaches instructors how to identify fixed mindsets within their students, and how to adjust and change that fixed mindset to a more open mindset. With an open mindset the student would be more willing to learn and become ready for the fight of tomorrow. Speaking to the group of instructors, Leahy spoke about the importance of ensuring that graduates are lethal and ready to execute the mission. “When we look every student in the eye that is walking out of that classroom you ask yourself, ‘if they have to go to combat tomorrow, did I give them what they need?’,” said Leahy. “’Are they equipped to be successful, able to come home and able to make sure that everyone on their left and right are able to come home?’” The international students were the next stop for Leahy, where the conversation was about strengthening our alliances and learning from a variety of nationalities. “What really makes them special is that they come from really different backgrounds,” said Capt. Rebecka Northern, 313th TRS international school flight commander. “The dynamics and different experiences that our international students bring to the table makes each class ifferent. It allows us, as instructors, to really stretch ourselves to learn and grow. Their input is vital to us in order to continue to make the course better and make sure that the course continues to evolve.” The visit gave Leahy a closer look at how Goodfellow Airmen have incorporated innovative thinking and ideas being used by Airmen across the base. The vision for members of the 17th Training Wing is to set the standard for innovation, agility, professionalism and life long learning. At Goodfellow, members train intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and fire protection professional for America and its allies.