AETC commander visits BMT, JBSA-Lackland

Tech. Sgt. Seth Stockwell, 343rd Training Squadron instructor, left, shows Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, commander, Air Education and Training Command, how to properly use a Taser during a tour of the 343rd TRS Oct. 23, 2015, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. After shooting the device, the commander volunteered to experience a Taser discharge first hand, a requirement of all security forces members who carry the weapon. Roberson visited JBSA-Lackland as part of a tour of all AETC bases to learn about the mission and needs throughout the command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Marissa Garner)

AETC commander visits BMT, JBSA-Lackland

Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, commander, Air Education and Training Command, speaks to Airmen currently in Airman’s Week at the 326th Training Squadron, Oct. 22, 2015, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. During his visit to JBSA-Lackland, the commander held an all call where he discussed his priorities and expectations of the command and toured various 37th Training Wing facilities.

AETC commander visits BMT, JBSA-Lackland

Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, commander, Air Education and Training Command, and Maj. Garon Shelton, 341st Training Squadron commander, speak to a Marine military working dog instructor course student Oct. 22, 2015, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Roberson visited the 37th Training Group High Bay area, where members of the 37th Training Group, the largest and most diverse training group in the Air Force, gave a visual display of their particular missions. The 341st TRS provides trained military working dogs and handlers for the Department of Defense and the Transportation Security Authority.

AETC commander visits BMT, JBSA-Lackland

Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, commander, Air Education and Training Command, tours a hanger at the 318th Training Squadron from Brig. Gen. Trent Edwards, 37th Training Wing commander, and Lt. Col. William Latimer, 318th TRS commander, Oct. 22, 2015, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The 318th TRS, which belongs to the Inter American Air Forces Academy, provides Air Force technical training courses to South American partner nation service members. The courses, taught by U.S. Airmen, are taught completely in Spanish. (

AETC commander visits BMT, JBSA-Lackland

Published Oct. 29, 2015
By Staff Sgt. Marissa Garner
502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, recently completed a three-day visit to the 37th Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Oct. 21-23.

The commander held an all call where he introduced himself to the wing and shared some of his priorities and expectations for the future.

"You have an extremely difficult job here," he said, speaking to military training instructors, military training leaders, instructors and support personnel. "It may not get easier anytime soon, but know that we are working to alleviate some of the issues and roadblocks you're experiencing.

"I'll tell you that in any position I've held, three C's remain constant for me in accomplishing the mission and taking care of my people," said the command-rated pilot. "Competence, care and character: These are essential to building trust in any organization."

Speaking about the critical importance of JBSA-Lackland to the total force, the general expressed his concerns on manning levels for developmental special duty career fields such as MTIs and MTLs, and his plans to continue selecting qualified candidates who will impact future Air Force leaders.

"We are focused on the developmental special duty program, and we cannot afford to get this wrong," the former Thunderbird pilot said. "We won't stop asking for qualified candidates because we need your expertise, leadership and innovation to take us to the next level. We can't do it without you."

Expanding on his leadership ideals, Roberson spoke about some important issues, to include suicide and sexual assault. "In no uncertain terms, we need your leadership now more than ever. Part of caring and leading is to know the people you're in charge of. Get involved in their lives. Be receptive and willing to engage at any given time. As for sexual assault, my only answer is zero tolerance."

Throughout his visit, he spoke directly to new Airmen and to those on the operational side who ensure the 37th TRW provides mission-ready, competent and professional Airmen.

"I stand in awe of you all and what you do every day," Roberson said. "I'm proud to be a part of your team, and I will work to help you do your job."

During a visit to the 343rd Training Squadron, the home of Air Force Security Forces specialist technical training, the general took a chance to experience the life of a defender first-hand, as he volunteered to be tased during a demonstration, sparing a new lieutenant who recently arrived to the squadron. After a quick recovery, the surrounding defenders and members of the tour remarked about Roberson's resolve to understand the physical stressors involved in security forces training.

Wrapping up his visit, the AETC commander visited The Defense Language Institute English Language Center and the Inter American Air Force Academy, to expand his knowledge on how the 37th TRW supports the building of partner-nation armed forces through education, strengthening global security. He left Airmen at the 37th TRW with this final message.

"Everything you do here is important for AETC and for our Air Force," he said. " Because Airpower - starts here!"