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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

Spark Cell: Columbus AFB opens up creative space for innovators

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Keith Holcomb
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The 14th Flying Training Wing’s senior leadership and innovation team opened the Spark Cell’s Innovation Lab Oct. 19 on Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi.

The room is open 24 hours a day on the second floor of building 926 for individuals to utilize equipment and work on projects. Spouses, civilians, active-duty personnel and anyone else with an idea to solve a problem is welcome to use the Spark Cell.


“This is your Spark Cell,” said Col. Samantha Weeks, 14th FTW commander. “This is for all of Team BLAZE to put up problems and collaboratively come up with solutions. … The chief of staff of the Air Force told us to think big, start small and scale fast and that’s what the Spark Cell is here to help us do.”

Maj. Ryan Brewer, 14th FTW director of innovation, was the lead on the creation of Spark Cell and said this is not a place for personal projects for the sake of it, but rather a place for personal and professional development to help the Air Force and the 14th FTW get better. If learning how to program computer applications helps someone create a solution to a problem, that’d be an example of how to use the space effectively and personally develop.

“The first rule is to strip your rank when you walk in,” Brewer said. “We are trying to strip the barriers to solutions and success. We want an airman to be able to walk up to a lieutenant colonel and say they have an idea that will change the world.”

The Spark Cell has numerous tablets, laptops, TVs, microphones and whiteboards with programs ranging from photo editing software to computer programing applications to allow anyone with any skill set to set the framework for their innovative ideas.

In the future, the innovation team plans on letting people check out equipment overnight if needed. The Spark Cell is meant to give opportunities to connect with other innovators whenever and however possible.

“We came up with the idea of the ‘Check Six’ podcast,” said Capt. Phillip Huebner, 37th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot. “The style is more of a (tactics techniques and procedures) debrief compared to reading the procedures out of a book. Hopefully it will keep students engaged, teach them about things they might not know about, provide context for things when they step in the door, and allow them to know things farther down the line.”

The Check Six podcast is made in the Spark Cell itself with equipment available to all of Team BLAZE, showing there are no limits to one’s creativity.

The innovation team said the vision of the podcast is to cover numerous topics from the ground up, to provide hours of information to students, and others who are interested, while they are out driving, working out or relaxing.

At the end of the day, the innovation team on Columbus AFB says the purpose of the Spark Cell is to cultivate ideas and connect with other innovators so Columbus AFB can create solutions for the betterment of the Air Force.

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.