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First Command Unveils Tech Blueprint through 2026 IT, Data, and AI Strategic Guidance

  • Published
  • By Dan Hawkins
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas — In line with Air Education and Training Command’s overarching commitment to modernizing training for speed and agility, the command has officially released its 2026 Information Technology, Data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategic Guidance.

Signed Aug. 17, this landmark blueprint directly translates the high-level goals of the 2026 AETC Strategy into specific, functional direction in the IT, data, and AI realms. By defining the precise "ways" and "means" for these portfolios, this document operationalizes the command's broader vision into actionable mission capabilities, serving as a command-wide roadmap to dismantle legacy data silos, secure the digital high ground, and accelerate force generation to ensure the "First Command" continues to deliver a decisive training advantage to the warfighter.

In his directive, Lt. Gen. Clark J. Quinn, AETC commander, emphasized that mastering the digital domain is a prerequisite for operational readiness.

"In an era defined by strategic competition, the speed and quality of learning underpin our Air Force’s success," Quinn stated. "AETC must master the digital domain to build the mission-ready force our Nation requires. This guidance is the roadmap to transform AETC’s infrastructure and data into a cohesive, AI-driven learning ecosystem."

While the strategy coordinates complex systems behind the scenes, its core focus is simple: putting better, faster, and smarter tools directly into the hands of Airmen.

Cutting the Red Tape: "Offset-to-Modernize"

To fund these upgrades, AETC is launching an aggressive "offset-to-modernize" campaign. Instead of waiting for new budget allocations, the command is actively targeting a 25% reduction in legacy software sustainment and project overhead by shutting down redundant, slow, and outdated IT systems.

These captured funds will go directly back into the classrooms and flightlines. For the average Airman, this means moving away from clunky, localized databases and transitioning to modern, cloud-native learning systems that expand virtual training capacity and make daily tasks smoother.

"Legacy systems and data silos are no longer merely inefficiencies; they are institutional vulnerabilities," Quinn said. "We will eliminate duplicative and under-performing capabilities to invest in higher-yield ones that deliver a measurable return in instructional capacity, training throughput, or mission resilience."

Real-World Impacts: Better Tools, Faster Training

The blueprint is designed to deliver immediate, practical benefits to instructors and students across the command:

  • Upgraded WiFi and Networks: Modernizing base network infrastructures to deliver fast, reliable, and secure connectivity that supports heavy virtual learning demands.
  • Mobile Learning: Expanding secure mobile device access so Airmen can study, train, and complete coursework on the go.
  • Cutting Classroom Time: Utilizing personalized, AI-augmented learning pathways to reduce the average time-to-train for technical specialties by 20 percent.
  • Smarter Scheduling: Implementing intelligent scheduling algorithms to optimize flightlines, increase pilot production, and eliminate administrative bottlenecks.

Building the Digital Airman

Because training agility ultimately relies on the people executing the mission, AETC is integrating basic data and AI literacy standards into 100% of its core training pipelines—from Basic Military Training through Professional Military Education. The command is also formalizing digital skills certifications to help Airmen track, develop, and leverage tech talents throughout their careers.

With the guidance officially signed, teams across AETC are now drafting 90-day implementation plans to turn these goals into active mission capabilities.

"Strategic guidance holds value only when translated into measurable outcomes," Quinn concluded. "AETC will lead the Air Force in demonstrating how a large-scale training enterprise can modernize responsibly, fiscally, and at the speed of relevance."