Second Air Force Leaders Outline Major Changes Coming to Basic Military Training

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Wolfe Davidson, Second Air Force commander, speaks during a fireside chat with Chief Master Sgt. Colin Fleck, Second Air Force command chief, at the Air & Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium in Colorado, Feb. 24, 2026. The discussion focused on upcoming changes to Basic Military Training, including the integration of air base training ranges designed to provide trainees with early, immersive exposure to operational environments. These training ranges introduce Airmen to the fundamentals of airfield operations, air base defense and mission generation, helping them understand how their individual roles contribute to the Air Force’s ability to defend, operate, generate and sustain airpower. By moving beyond classroom instruction and drill-focused training, this is meant to instill Airmindedness and builds a stronger connection between initial training and real-world mission requirements. Davidson and Fleck emphasized that modernizing Basic Military Training is critical to preparing Airmen for the demands of future operational challenges. The air base training ranges support the development of adaptable, mission-focused Airmen who understand the “why” behind their training from the start of their careers. The Air & Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium brings together senior leaders, industry partners, Airmen and Guardians to discuss innovation, readiness and the future of air and space power.

Second Air Force Leaders Outline Major Changes Coming to Basic Military Training

Published Feb. 25, 2026
By U.S. Air Force Capt. Paige Skinner
Second Air Force

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Wolfe Davidson, Second Air Force commander, speaks during a fireside chat with Chief Master Sgt. Colin Fleck, Second Air Force command chief, at the Air & Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium in Colorado, Feb. 24, 2026. The discussion focused on upcoming changes to Basic Military Training, including the integration of air base training ranges designed to provide trainees with early, immersive exposure to operational environments. These training ranges introduce Airmen to the fundamentals of airfield operations, air base defense and mission generation, helping them understand how their individual roles contribute to the Air Force’s ability to defend, operate, generate and sustain airpower. By moving beyond classroom instruction and drill-focused training, this is meant to instill Airmindedness and builds a stronger connection between initial training and real-world mission requirements. Davidson and Fleck emphasized that modernizing Basic Military Training is critical to preparing Airmen for the demands of future operational challenges. The air base training ranges support the development of adaptable, mission-focused Airmen who understand the “why” behind their training from the start of their careers. The Air & Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium brings together senior leaders, industry partners, Airmen and Guardians to discuss innovation, readiness and the future of air and space power.