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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

Doctrine essay contest winners announced

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

With 29 essays submitted, the Inspiring Doctrinal Innovation (IDI) judges chose the three-winning submissions at Maxwell AFB, June 13, 2024.

With the prompt “How AI will necessitate changes to US Air Force Doctrine,” the writers were given until midnight of May 5th to complete their essays.

“The essays are judged in a few rounds,” said J. Todd Self, LeMay Center for Air Force Doctrine Development and Education outreach team. “We first look at each submission to ensure it met the submission criteria. If it did, then those essays are forwarded to a panel of judges around Air University who have some expertise in the topic area for the essay or are just doctrine subject matter experts.”

Once essays are with the judges, they are scored on two metrics. The first being how well the essay answers the prompt, and the second metric rates the essays in comparison to each other.

“The top five papers based on the judge scores are then sent to the leadership and additional doctrine subject matter experts around the Doctrine Development Directorate to judge, using the same criteria,” Self said. “The top 3 are the winners based on that final round.”

After waiting weeks for their results, we congratulate the top three winners:

1. 1st Lt. Ian Palmer, 43d Electronic Combat Squadron, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.The essay topic was “Accelerating Decision-Making Through Human-Machine Teaming.”

2. Tech. Sgt. Matthew Calhoun, 566th Intelligence Squadron, Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. The essay topic was “Artificial Intelligence, and the Future of the United States Air Force.”

3. Maj. Matthew White, Lifecycle Management Center’s Armament Directorate at Eglin AFB, Florida. The essay topic was “Effects of AI-Enhanced Decision-Making on Air Force Doctrine.”

The LeMay Center partnered with the Air University Innovation Accelerator (AUiX) office on the contest. AUiX provided a great deal of collaborative support, to include a financial award for the winner. The first-place prize is the purchasing of the essay from the author for $1,000. The top three writers will also be coined by Major Gen. Parker Wright, Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education commander, and Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base Ala. Deputy Commander.

To read the top three essays, visit the Inspiring Doctrinal Innovation essay contest website at https://auix.org/inspiring-doctrinal-innovation-essay-contest/

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.