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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, AFSOC Airmen induct former commander into Order of the Sword

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kimberly Mueller

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- In long-standing military tradition, retired Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, former commander of both Air Education and Training Command and Air Force Special Operations Command, was inducted into the Order of the Sword at Keesler AFB, Oct. 15, 2022.

“The Order of the Sword is an honor awarded to a commissioned officer by noncommissioned officers to recognize leaders they hold in high esteem and wish to honor, and no one fits that better than Lt. Gen. Webb,” said Chief Master Sgt. Cory Olsen, command chief of AFSOC. “General Webb’s leadership will have a lasting impact for years to come and we are honored to announce him as the first dual command Order of the Sword inductee.”

U.S. Air Force retired Lt. Gen. Brad Webb and his wife, Dawna, laugh as Chief Master Sgt. Cory Olson, command chief of Air Force Special Operations Command, delivers remarks during the Order of the Sword Ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 15, 2022

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U.S. Air Force retired Lt. Gen. Brad Webb and his wife, Dawna, laugh as Chief Master Sgt. Cory Olson, command chief of Air Force Special Operations Command, delivers remarks during the Order of the Sword Ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 15, 2022. This was the first dual major command Order of the Sword ceremony held to honor Webb, the former commander of both Air Education and Training Command and AFSOC. This is the highest honor and tribute the Air Force enlisted corps can bestow upon an individual. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
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The official ceremony included the presentation of the Order of the Sword proclamation, the reading of the award citation, the presentation of a ceremonial scroll signed by Airmen in attendance, and the bestowal of Webb’s commemorative sword.

“Being presented the command sword is the highest honor the enlisted force can bestow upon an officer,” said Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson, command chief of AETC. “Inducting Lt. Gen. Webb into the very exclusive list of leaders is the enlisted force’s way of recognizing his conspicuous and significant contributions to the military establishment, mission effectiveness and the overall welfare of the enlisted corps.”

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson, command chief of Air Education and Training Command, delivers remarks during the Order of the Sword Ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 15, 2022

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U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson, command chief of Air Education and Training Command, delivers remarks during the Order of the Sword Ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 15, 2022. This was the first dual major command Order of the Sword ceremony held to honor retired Lt. Gen. Marshall "Brad" Webb, the former commander of both AETC and Air Force Special Operations Command. This is the highest honor and tribute the Air Force enlisted corps can bestow upon an individual. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
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Order of the Sword ceremonies today are modelled after ceremonies first performed in the 1500s. In the ceremony, noncommissioned officers would honor their leader and pledge their loyalty by ceremoniously presenting them with a sword as a symbol of truth, justice and power rightfully used.

This ceremony became known as The Royal Order of the Sword. It was passed through the ages, coming to the United States around the time of the Revolutionary War. The old ceremony was then revised and adopted by the NCOs of the Air Force in 1967.

No other branch of the military honors its leaders in this manner, and the Order of the Sword is the highest honor and tribute the Air Force enlisted corps can bestow upon an individual.

“I am honored to be bestowed one of the highest praises from the pride of the Air Force; the world’s greatest enlisted force,” Webb said. “I’d like to thank every Airman that has led me to this point today, without your display of the core values and innovative mindsets and contributions to the Air Force, I would not be in the position of receiving this prestigious honor today.”

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.