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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.

 

 

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aircraft mechanic, performs maintenance 12th Maintenance Group
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Articles

Olympic athlete graduates BMT

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Kate Anderson
  • 37th Training Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --  

Three-time Olympic athlete, Anita Alvarez, graduates Air Force Basic Military Training on Jan. 9.  

After winning a silver medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Alvarez made her way to the 737th Training Group to complete 7.5 weeks of basic military training. The newly graduated athlete is now also known as Airman Alvarez.  

Airman Anita Alvarez raises her right hand to recite the Oath of Enlistment

Airman Anita Alvarez raises her right hand to recite the Oath of Enlistment during the Basic Military Training graduation ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, January 9, 2025. Alvarez is a three-time Olympic athlete joining the Department of the Air Force World Class Athlete Program upon graduation from Basic Military Training. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2d Lt Kate Anderson)
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“My BMT experience is one I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” said Airman Alvarez. “The regimen, discipline, teamwork and resilience needed to get through the past 7.5 weeks felt similar to what was needed to make it to and through three Olympic games and all the challenges I’ve faced along the way.” 

Alvarez is one of 781 airmen to graduate from BMT this week. However, her Air Force journey will look a little different than most. Alvarez will be joining a premier group of athletes in the Department of the Air Force World Class Athlete Program to continue her training as an artistic swimmer.   

Dale Filsell, Chief, Department of the Air Force WCAP and Shooting Program, shares, “DAF WCAP affords elite athletes, such as Airman Alvarez, the opportunity to qualify for the Olympic games and proudly serve their country at the same time.” 

The DAF WCAP, managed by Air Force Services Center, was established in 1995 and is open to Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve Air Force and Space Force personnel who rank the highest in their sports. Since its inception, 14 WCAP athletes have represented Team USA at the Summer and Winter Olympics.  

Airman Anita Alvarez smiles with her family and the leaders of Air Force Services Center and Department of the Air Force World Class Athlete Program

Airman Anita Alvarez smiles with her family and the leaders of Air Force Services Center and Department of the Air Force World Class Athlete Program, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, January 9, 2025. Alvarez is a three-time Olympic athlete joining the Department of the Air Force World Class Athlete Program upon graduation from Basic Military Training. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2d Lt Kate Anderson)
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“The DAF WCAP is delighted to welcome Airman Anita Alvarez to the program,” said Filsell “Airman Alvarez is WCAP’s first-ever recruited Olympic medalist and the program is looking forward to supporting Airman Alvarez as she trains and competes to become a four-time Olympian at the LA28 Summer Olympics.” 

Although WCAP athletes train full-time in their given sport, they are also required to complete all annual and ancillary training, professional military education, fitness assessments and other mandatory tasks required of all Airmen and Guardians.  

“I feel very honored to be getting this opportunity to serve my country while simultaneously representing my country as I look toward the final years of my professional athletic career,” said Alvarez. 

For more information about the Air Force World Class Athlete Program visit their website: https://myairforcelife.com/air-force-wcap/  

Trainee Anita Alvarez, 331st Training Squadron, leads from the front during the run portion of her official physical fitness test during week five of Basic Military Training

Olympic athlete graduates BMT

Trainee Anita Alvarez, 331st Training Squadron, leads from the front during the run portion of her official physical fitness test during week five of Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas on December 23, 2024. Alvarez is a three-time Olympic athlete joining the Department of the Air Force World Class Athlete Program upon graduation from Basic Military Training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Gregory Walker)
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Trainee Anita Alvarez, 331st Training Squadron, hangs from the bars during the Confidence Course at PACER FORGE

Olympic athlete graduates BMT

Trainee Anita Alvarez, 331st Training Squadron, hangs from the bars during the Confidence Course at PACER FORGE during one of her final weeks at Basic Military Training on Joint Base San Antonio-Chapman Annex, Texas on January 2, 2025. Alvarez is a three-time Olympic athlete joining the Department of the Air Force World Class Athlete Program upon graduation from Basic Military Training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Cruz)
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Trainee Anita Alvarez, 331st Training Squadron, completes the push up portion of her official physical fitness test during week five of Basic Military Training

Olympic athlete graduates BMT

Trainee Anita Alvarez, 331st Training Squadron, completes the push up portion of her official physical fitness test during week five of Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas on December 23, 2024. Alvarez is a three-time Olympic athlete joining the Department of the Air Force World Class Athlete Program upon graduation from Basic Military Training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Gregory Walker)
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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.