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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

Articles

First Sergeant Council at Altus AFB shares expertise with new shirts

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class Breanna Klemm
  • 97 AMW Public Affairs

The 97th Air Mobility Wing First Sergeant Council hosted their annual Additional Duty First Sergeant Symposium, June 3-7, 2019, at Altus Air Force Base, Okla.

The purpose of the symposium is to give the 97 AMW First Sergeants, or shirts, a chance to teach interested noncommissioned officers about becoming a successful shirt and to provide the proper training to become Additional Duty First Sergeants.

A First Sergeant is responsible for the morale, welfare and conduct of all the enlisted members in a squadron or unit. They serve as the chief advisor to the squadron commander concerning the enlisted force and are an important part in ensuring mission accomplishment.

Additional Duty First Sergeants are responsible for filling in for the First Sergeant when he or she may not be there. They are capable of performing the same tasks as a typical shirt and respond to Airmen in need of help.

“I think the most important aspect a First Sergeant brings to the unit is getting to know the people in the unit,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Johnathan Weber, a current First Sergeant with the 97th Medical Group and lead facilitator of the event. “They’re the person that can keep the pulse within the unit. The rapport we establish with our Airmen can help prevent small problems from becoming larger issues.”

The First Sergeant Symposium was a week-long course taught by current 97 AMW First Sergeants that gives basic training on what makes up the majority of a First Sergeant’s duties. Each First Sergeant Council does it differently, but the 97 AMW team likes to host this event once a year.
This course prepared attendees how to fill the role of a shirt when they are not available. Members of the First Sergeant Council also had opportunities to share experiences, thoughts and guidance for helping future shirts continue on the right path and how to best take care of Airmen.

“The symposium is a good chance for us to share our knowledge and experiences in a formal and informal setting to potential First Sergeants,” said Weber. “It gives them a chance to ask questions to multiple different First Sergeants with different experiences, so we can help set them up for success.”

As a result from their week of training, the 14 attendees celebrated their accomplishment in finishing the course and becoming official Additional Duty First Sergeants with a graduation ceremony, June 7, 2019, at Altus AFB. This symposium highlights one of the many ways that Airmen of the Mighty 97th constantly support and train their wingmen.

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.