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12th Flying Training Wing

The 12th Flying Training Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, develops the next generation of Air Force aviators and enlisted aircrew by providing world-class flying training and education. The wing trains Airmen in the fundamentals of airmanship, instruction and leadership, preparing them for success in operational units across the Air Force. Through undergraduate Combat Systems Officer training, Pilot Instructor Training, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilot indoctrination, enlisted aviator training, and other specialized programs, the 12th FTW produces skilled, adaptable, and combat-ready professionals capable of meeting the demands of today's complex operating environment while strengthening the future of American airpower.

 

 

12FTW Units

aircraft mechanic, performs maintenance 12th Maintenance Group
12th Maintenance Group
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Photo of an undergaraduate combat systems officer graduation 479th Flying Training Group
479th Flying Training Group
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An Airman inspects an aircraft 12th Operations Group
12th Operations Group
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Articles

14th FTW and Civil Air Patrol work together to make future pilots

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Keith Holcomb
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The 14th Flying Training Wing produces hundreds of pilots every year for the U.S. Air Force through a selective and difficult training program, Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT).

Through three phases student pilots will learn everything they must know to begin their journey as the most professional military aviators in the world, and every year Civil Air Patrol cadets have 10 days to live in a simulated SUPT program.

“They are studying exactly what we teach our preflight and primary phase students,” said Capt. Glenis Gibbs, 41st Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot. “It’s a lot more in-depth than I initially expected.”

Civil Air Patrol cadets have a high success rate at the U.S. Air Force Academy and Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs, and Gibbs said that high success rate reinforces the Civil Air Patrol’s mission: Civil Air Patrol, America's Air Force Auxiliary, building the nation's finest force of citizen volunteers performing Missions for America.

“This is designed to immerse the Civil Air Patrol cadets into an SUPT students shoes,” said Maj. Art Richardson, Civil Air Patrol SUPT Familiarization course instructor. “They have to be able to learn emergency procedures and basic flying skills … It’s actually a highly selective program, so these cadets earned their spots here and work hard.”

The program rapidly introduces information to the cadets, showing them how mentally demanding pilot training is, but also forcing cadets to succeed through teamwork and cohesion. Richardson said the Civil Air Patrol wants to make leaders not only for the military, but for the civilian workforce as well, by instilling positive leadership the young adults through training like this 10-day familiarization course.

“A lot of these guys want to be military pilots,” Richardson said. “I love it. This is my third year doing this program and the mentorship part of it is great … I explain to them my career path from joining the Army then transferring into the Air Force and going through Officer Training School, I like to show them there’s many ways to get where they want to be.”

The 14th FTW is the only SUPT pilot training base continuing to hold this 10 day course for Civil Air Patrol cadets.

Public Affairs Information

Tours of the 12th Flying Training Wing are provided to various community organizations, high schools, businesses, and academic military recruitment programs to educate their members about the 12th FTW mission.

Due to the high volume of requests and limited public affairs resources, tours and static displays are limited.

Please submit all requests in writing to the 12th FTW Public Affairs by email to 12ftw.pa.1@us.af.mil at least three weeks but no more than six weeks in advance. You may also call 210-652-1272.

Tours are not available on weekends and may be cancelled at any time because of increased security measures or mission requirements. The 12th FTW does not host tours of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph at-large. To schedule a tour of JBSA-Randolph, please contact JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs at 502abw.pa.official@us.af.mil or dial 210-652-4410.

If desired, requestors must arrange all meals. PA will provide contact information to base eateries. Modified tours will be granted for those with limited mobility - this must be stated on the tour request. If not stated, it is assumed that mobility is not an issue.