An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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
See More
Photo of an undergaraduate combat systems officer graduation 479th Flying Training Group
479th Flying Training Group
See More
An Airman inspects an aircraft 12th Operations Group
12th Operations Group
See More

Articles

Air Force building more inclusive culture through Dress and Appearance updates

  • Published
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNS)  -- As part of the ongoing effort to build more inclusive Air and Space Forces, on July 10 the Department of the Air Force announced revisions to Air Force Instruction 36-2903, "Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel", which are effective immediately.

The changes, as outlined in an Air Force Guidance Memorandum dated July 1, 2020, include the removal of subjective language and other rules that may have been creating unintentional or unfair barriers for Air and Space Force uniformed members. 

“As we listened to Airmen and Space Professionals, we reviewed our policies and identified language in our dress and appearance instruction that was problematic for certain groups,” said Lisa Truesdale, Air Force deputy director of military force management policy. “Ensuring inclusive language in our policies is one of the first steps in creating a more inclusive culture where all uniformed members can thrive and maximize their fullest potential.”

The changes are: 

  • Individuals granted a shaving waiver may cut or trim their facial hair. In June 2020, the Air Force’s surgeon general extended approval for shaving waivers that now remain valid for up to five years, for Airmen and Space Professionals diagnosed with Pseudofolliculitis Barbae. PFB, also known as razor bumps, is a chronic inflammatory condition that occurs more frequently in African American males. While Airmen and Space Professionals who are diagnosed with PFB will continue treatment and education on how to improve and ultimately heal the condition, the dress and appearance verbiage allows them to more readily present a neat, clean, and professional image.
     
  • Removal of the word “faddish”, references to complexion and associated subjectivity. Airmen across the Total Force had provided feedback that the term “faddish” was subjective, and resulted in particular demographics being disproportionately caught up by the enforcement of those rules that included the term.
     
  • Name tapes/tags can include diacritical accent and hyphens, when it is a more accurate representation of a legal name and helps with pronunciation (e.g. Peña, Lewis-Miles, Müller, Calderón).
     
  • Authorization for male members to have one straight line part (cut, clipped, or shaved) on either side of their head. 
     
  • Removal of the restriction on combat boots height, acknowledging that some career fields require more flexibility.

For more information, Airmen should view Air Force Guidance Memorandum 2020-01 and check Air Force Instruction 36-2903 for updates, which are available on the public website of the Air Force’s Personnel Center at https://www.afpc.af.mil/Career-Management/Dress-and-Appearance/.

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.