SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, delivered the keynote address at the Institute for Defense and Government Advancement Military and Flight Training Summit, Oct. 29.
The annual military flying training conference brings together a community of over 350 flight training program managers, instructors, industry leaders and subject matter experts, representing over nine allied and partner nations.
This year’s theme was “Building Readiness for The Future Fight,” and throughout his address, Robinson underscored the critical importance of readiness in an evolving military landscape and the changing character of conflict.
“We must continuously innovate our training methods to ensure our Airmen are prepared for the challenges they will face,” Robinson stated. “Military flight training isn’t just about the right tech and equipment, but also the right resources, to produce the right people at the highest standards.”
Robinson also noted the unified challenges facing pilot training in the United States and among allies, acknowledging the existing shortage of manpower.
“Like many of you, we’re facing a shortage of manpower while the demand for air power continues to increase,” Robinson said. “It takes an average of 528 days from commissioning to becoming mission qualified in an aircraft. We’re looking at MFT [miliary flight training] as a ‘system of systems,’ and leveraging technology, partnerships and process improvements to maximize every flight hour across the enterprise.”
As AETC members continue to reoptimize for Great Power Competition, the need for sustained investment in training and operational readiness is imperative.
The general highlighted the significance of the T-7A Red Hawk, noting the aircraft is critical for training tomorrow’s pilots.
“The T-7 is the advanced trainer aircraft that we need and want,” Robinson stated. “We are equipping our personnel to ensure they are fully prepared for this advanced aircraft and the associated weapons systems required for both formal training unit operations and deployment to the operational force.”
Robinson also stated that history has shown that failing to invest in military flight training can have dire consequences to the posture of the future force.
Conversely, “it teaches the power of partnerships, and how the U.S. has leveraged its ‘Arsenal of Democracy’ to win in conflict, alongside highly capable, trained allies,” he added.
In addition to the keynote, AETC members were featured throughout the summit as speakers and panelists. A few of the discussion topics were evolving training for fifth and sixth generation aircraft, fostering innovation, future fighter lead-in training and the evolution of sustainment.