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Top U.K. training official visits AETC, increases bilateral cooperation

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason Lake
  • Air University Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AETCNS) --  One of the world's largest professional training organizations went on display last week as the United Kingdom's top training official toured four Air Education and Training Command bases throughout the United States. 

British Royal Air Force Air Marshal Barry Thornton, who is the equivalent to AETC's Commander Gen. William R. Looney III, got a first-hand glimpse at enlisted and officer training programs while visiting Randolph, Lackland, Sheppard and Maxwell Air Force bases March 4-7. 

The Commander in Chief of Personnel and Training Command at RAF Innsworth, England, witnessed Air Force training on a grand scale encompassing everything from enlisted basic military training, pilot training and technical school training at the three Texas bases to Air University's advanced senior enlisted and field officer training at Maxwell AFB, Ala. 

Throughout his brief visit to each base, Air Marshal Thornton was impressed by the magnitude of Air Force education programs and commitment of the Airmen involved.
"Professionalism and pride strikes you as you go from base to base," he said. "The scale of education is much larger than our own. For instance, I learned that Lackland trains nearly 45,000 Airmen per year ... that's larger than the entire Royal Air Force. At Sheppard, pilots fly up to 150 sorties per day. That's impressive." 

The air marshal also shared his interest in Air University's Officer Training School curriculum. In the Royal Air Force, it takes 32 weeks for Officer Training School equivalents to graduate and enter active duty, whereas U.S. Air Force trainees graduate after just 12 weeks of intense training. 

"I have to take a look at why there is such a difference and conduct more (comparative) research (with your training programs)," he said. "Thirty-two weeks of training is a long time, but I think we produce well-rounded officers educated on aerospace doctrine. However, if we can complete (the training) in less time then I would be interested." 

As a senior officer from one of America's greatest allies in the Global War on Terrorism, Air Marshal Thornton also took interest in AETC's expeditionary training and noticed great similarities between the two air forces. 

"We've adopted a doctrine that says 'warfighter first, specialist second," he said. "The Royal Air Force has returned to a more expeditionary force for the first time since World War II." 

Air Marshal Thornton added that RAF airmen, like U.S. Air Force Airmen, have evolved to fulfill unconventional combat roles in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. 

"Things are not the same as they were during the Cold War where aircrews, who flew from permanent bases, were primarily the ones in harm's way. Today, Airmen are subjected to rocket propelled grenade and mortar attacks as well as improvised explosive devices. Airmen have a completely different role (than in the past)," he said. "It's not just the aircrews that are in danger anymore." 

While the goal of the four-day visit was to showcase U.S. Air Force training, General Looney said the AETC training staff also benefited from the air marshal's visit by sharing fresh ideas for bilateral training programs. 

"I'm honored our AETC team had the opportunity to highlight the great work our folks do training Airmen, and I'm extremely proud Air Marshal Thornton and his staff had the chance to meet so many of our terrific men and women who serve this great Nation," he said. "Air Marshal Thornton represents one of America's most valued international partners and both our countries' air forces will benefit from his visit."