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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

Air University Highlight: From high school dropout to ROTC commander

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

From dropping out of high school to commanding an ROTC detachment, Lt. Col. David Richardson proved that in the U.S. Air Force, hard work can pay off.

Official portrait of U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Richardson, commander of Air Force ROTC Detachment 025 at Arizona State University. As the commander he is responsible for a comprehensive college program focused on recruiting, training and preparing more than 175 officer candidates from Arizona State University and 11 cross-town universities (Courtesy photo)

Official portrait of U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Richardson, commander of Air Force ROTC Detachment 025 at Arizona State University. As the commander he is responsible for a comprehensive college program focused on recruiting, training and preparing more than 175 officer candidates from Arizona State University and 11 cross-town universities (Courtesy photo)
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Richardson works as the commander of Air Force ROTC Detachment 025 at Arizona State University.

“I support the mission by ensuring we develop leaders of character for the Air & Space Forces to fight and win our nation's wars,” Richardson said.

Richardson grew up surrounded by Air Force culture, with his father being a retired senior master sergeant in the avionics field.

“My Air Force interest started with my father,” Richardson said. “He genuinely seemed to enjoy his job, and that was enticing for me. After I dropped out of high school, I quickly realized my career prospects were dim. The Air Force provided the structure and direction I needed to turn my life around.”

In his early years, he found himself out of high school, not knowing what he wanted to do with his future. Although he decided to join the Air Force, that came with its own challenges.

“I was the biggest obstacle to a successful career,” he said. “I was so immature and self-centered as a young person; it nearly sabotaged my Air Force career before it even started. Within my first year in the Air Force, I received eight LORs and a UIF. When the group commander ordered a handful of Airmen to be transferred from my squadron to a new one, I was one of the Airmen chosen. My new squadron commander, Lt. Col. Sam Rosado, looked at my UIF and said, ‘Some of this you deserved, and some of this is just the snowball rolling downhill. I am throwing all of it out.’ Fast forward a few years, as a young and very experienced NCO, I was still selfishly motivated, worried about how decisions would affect me and my career. At some point, a switch happened for me, and I focused on others and their success. Focusing on others’ success was a turning point in my career; their success has enabled an upward trajectory for my career.”

After spending over a decade in security forces on the enlisted side, and overcoming his struggles, Richardson decided he would be able to have a greater impact if he commissioned.

“Spending my security forces career in almost exclusively operations, I knew I was not competitive for senior master sergeant or chief master sergeant despite a very successful enlisted journey,” Richardson said. “If I wanted to have a bigger leadership impact, I was going to need to pursue a different path. Around my 12-year mark, I started my bachelor’s degree, which was challenging being full-time in person, before widespread online courses, and working 12-hr shifts.”

Richardson said his top tips for success would include taking care of your teams, being a teammate with a learning attitude, and be customer service oriented.

“While your career may be a reflection of many of your accomplishments, you will not be successful unless those around you are successful too,” he said. “You will likely never be the smartest person in the room, so approach your teams with this mindset. Courtesy always pays off in the long-run, and everyone should be treated with the same respect from E-1 to O-10.”

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.