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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

Beyond the badge: First civilian defender graduates ALS

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tanner Doerr
  • 42 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  

Whitney Motley, 42nd Security Forces Squadron police officer, recently became the first security forces civilian to graduate from Airman Leadership School on Dec. 5, 2024.  

Whitney Motley, 42nd Security Force Squadron police officer, checks identification at the gate at Maxwell Air Force Base-Gunter Annex, Alabama, Dec. 18, 2024

Whitney Motley, 42nd Security Force Squadron police officer, checks identification at the gate at Maxwell Air Force Base-Gunter Annex, Alabama, Dec. 18, 2024. Motley was the first civilian defender to graduate from Airman Leadership School here. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tanner Doerr)
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“ALS helped me understand the reasoning behind certain practices and policies, giving me a deeper foundation of Air Force knowledge," said Motley. 

Coming from the Army National Guard, Motley said she initially struggled to understand the language and certain aspects of Air Force culture. ALS helped broaden her perspective by clarifying acronyms and Air Force-specific terms. 

ALS is the foundational course for aspiring noncommissioned officers in the Air Force. Motley shared that the course taught her key leadership and communication skills, which will enable her to better support and lead defenders in security forces. 

“I believe our civilian counterparts, regardless of occupation, benefit greatly from attending ALS alongside our other total force and allied nation students,” said Staff Sgt. Lauren Silverthorne-Frost, 42nd Force Squadron ALS instructor. “Attending this course allows our civilians to learn more about the way our force encourages young leaders to take ownership of their roles and carry out the mission at any level, all while providing the utmost care for their subordinates.” 

 As the only civilian in the class, Motley navigated the unique challenges of adapting to the military environment while in ALS. Motley gained invaluable insights into leadership, diversity and the importance of understanding military culture. 

“Officer Motley was an absolute joy to have in class! She has a vibrant personality that naturally draws others to her,” said Silverthorne-Frost. “She always offered honest feedback, never missed an opportunity to help those around her, and was a true asset to her class. I know she carries herself in the same way as a Department of the Air Force (DAF) officer as well.” 

ALS attendance is now a pre-requisite for active-duty Defenders attending the Veteran’s Affairs Law Enforcement Academy, so sending DAF defenders to ALS satisfies both active duty and civilian training. 

U.S. Airmen and Whitney Motley, center right, 42nd Security Force Squadron police officer, center right, stands in formation with U.S. Airmen in Airman Leadership School during retreat at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Dec. 2, 2024.

U.S. Airmen and Whitney Motley, center right, 42nd Security Force Squadron police officer, center right, stands in formation with U.S. Airmen in Airman Leadership School during retreat at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Dec. 2, 2024. As part of their daily duties during the five-week Airman Leadership School course, all ALS students participate in both reveille and retreat. Motley attended ALS, which taught her key leadership and communication skills that will enable her to better support and lead defenders in security forces. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo by Elizabeth Figueroa)
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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.