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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

AETC, AFPC command chiefs talk DSD process on Reddit, Twitter Spaces

  • Published
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Chief Master Sgts. Erik Thompson and Eryn McElroy hosted a two-hour Reddit ‘Ask Me Anything’ event to answer questions from Airmen about the Developmental Special Duty application process May 2.

Thompson, Air Education and Training Command’s senior enlisted leader, and McElroy, the Air Force Personnel Center’s command chief, answered questions from Airmen for two hours.  Questions included a broad range of general DSD process questions and suggestions, to the matching process, assignment notification timelines, and more.  Both chiefs also participated in a Twitter Spaces conversation towards the end of the Reddit event on the topic as well.

One of the most popular topics during the event centered on the 83B300 Air Force Specialty Code, which puts non-commissioned officers as instructors at Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps detachments. 

“The career field will be a part of future DSD cycles,” Thompson replied to a poster who asked about whether the job would remain a volunteer assignment or move to DSD.

Several commenters noted the promise of the DSD process moving to myVector. On the topic of non-volunteers for DSD being picked up for the program, McElroy stated “We are moving away from non-vols with the upcoming DSD changes. When we fully move to myVector, it will be volunteer based, and will only be non-vol if we don’t receive enough vols.”

User “AndrewRyanH” asked if there had been any traction on “the idea of weighting the assignment of DSD heavier for promotion or assignments?” to which Thompson replied, “We are absolutely discussing that. On the promotion side we are looking at several different options for those in DSD.  More to follow on that.  Same goes for the assignment side.”

According to McElroy, the DSD application window is open through May, with the matching process beginning in June.

During the Twitter Spaces, both Chiefs discussed the DSD process in general, the new 83B300 career field, and noted the upcoming program rebrand, with the name to change from “DSD” to “Force Generators.”

Thompson had a final message to those thinking about applying to be a force generator.

“We need you,” Thompson said. “You’re absolutely critical to the Air Force’s ability to produce the Airmen we need.”

To view the full thread, click here.

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.