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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

First civilian from Columbus AFB graduates ALS

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Davis Donaldson
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.-- On March 31, 2022, 14 members from the 14th Flying Training Wing graduated from Airman Leadership School at a ceremony on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.

Of the 14 members, one stood out from the rest. Mr. David Ross, 14th Medical Group optometry technician, was the first civilian from Columbus AFB to graduate from ALS.

ALS is the first level of Professional Military Education the enlisted (and civilian) airmen experience. It is designed to be an entry level leadership enhancement course to prepare airmen for positions of greater responsibility by strengthening their ability to lead, follow, and manage while also gaining a broader understanding of the military profession and their role within the Air and Space Forces.

Master Sgt. Mike Williams, ALS commandant, was asked why they sent a civilian was sent through ALS.

“I believe a Professional Military Education setting should have more total force components,” Williams said. “It really allows us to dig into the different perspectives we all collectively have. It closes a lot of communication gaps we experience in the workplace.”

He said he believes ALS really benefitted Ross and will continue to benefit other civilians in the future.

Along with being the first civilian to graduate through ALS, Ross also achieved the Commandant Award. It is an award achieved by first being nominated by your fellow classmates and then meeting a board to answer questions from the commandant and first sergeant.

Ross explained what his experience was like attending ALS.

“At first it was awkward” he said. “I think after the second week, the looked past the civilian aspect of it. From there, it was all mission oriented and what do we need to do to accomplish this.”

As well as being grateful for his classmates, Ross said he hopes the Air Force will continue to foster civilians and incorporate them through ALS.

“ALS shortens the bridge between the military and civilians,” Ross said. “That’s why I really hope that I’m not the only civilian that gets to do this. After a while, it wasn’t civilian or active duty, it was we are a team, and let’s get the job done.”

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.