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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

SAASS Class XXXIII Graduation

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Evan Lichtenhan
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  

After completing their 50-week curriculum, Class XXXIII of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS) celebrated their graduation at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. June 5, 2024. Two students were awarded Doctorates and 48 were awarded Master of Philosophy degrees in Military Strategy.

“In order to graduate and earn the title SAASS graduate, students must complete the 10-course curriculum with a B average or higher; author a thesis paper that contributes to military strategic thought; and successfully pass an oral comprehensive examination by a panel of three PhD faculty from SAASS and across Air University,” said Col. Robert O’Keefe, SAASS commander and dean. “The Master of Philosophy degree constitutes all the coursework requirements for a doctorate, which SAASS is accredited to award. Students selected for continuation in the Air University PhD program complete and defend a dissertation to then earn a Doctorate in Military Strategy.”

SAASS is a follow-on school for selected graduates of intermediate-level Department of Defense Professional Military Education schools. Throughout the 50-week curriculum, officers are taught critical analysis, broad synthesis and the ability to digest large amounts of disparate information and ideas. These concepts are the core of the school’s foundational competency, strategic thinking.

“All of this is rooted in a deep understanding of military and airpower history and theory to serve as guides to strategy development,” said O’Keefe. “Our curriculum rests on students reading a book for every seminar, during which they engage in critical discussion and debate over both past and contemporary issues our military and the nation have faced, are dealing with today, and may anticipate in the future. The goal is to develop practitioners capable of thinking through problems in unique and creative ways, not to deliver a standardized approach to problem-solving.”

With the necessary tools to think strategically and view problems from a unique and creative perspective, the 50 graduates will go on to help further advance the U.S. Air Force’s effort to reoptimize for great power competition.

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.