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

Articles

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Nick Le Tourneau, F-22 Demonstration Team pilot, performs precision aerial maneuvers during the National Security Forum at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, May 7, 2025. Since 1954, the Secretary of the Air Force's National Security Forum has brought together the nation's most influential and valued civic leaders with the military's developing senior leaders to enable open discussions on historic and contemporary national security strategies and challenges. Over a three-day period, attendees engage with U.S. and foreign military officers and government civilians through a lecture and seminar format. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)

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U.S. and foreign military service members and their families get an up-close look at U.S. airpower during the National Security Forum at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, May 7, 2025. Since 1954, the Secretary of the Air Force's National Security Forum has brought together the nation's most influential and valued civic leaders with the military's developing senior leaders to enable open discussions on historic and contemporary national security strategies and challenges. Over a three-day period, attendees engage with U.S. and foreign military officers and government civilians through a lecture and seminar format. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)

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Air War College hosts the 2025 National Security Forum

Published May 12, 2025
By Senior Airman Evan Lichtenhan

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --

Senior military leaders, foreign military officers, and civic leaders gathered at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, for the 2025 National Security Forum, held May 6–8, 2025.

Attendees heard from keynote speakers including Performing the Duties of Under Secretary of the Air Force Mr. Edwin Oshiba, Gen. David Allvin, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, U.S. Space Forces–Space Commander and Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander.

Edwin Oshiba, Performing the Duties of Under Secretary of the Air Force, briefs civic leaders from across the country at the National Security Forum at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, May 6, 2025. This is the 71st anniversary of the SecAF-sponsored NSF hosted by Air University's Air War College, May 6-8, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trey Ward)

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin provides the capstone address to the Air War College class of 2025 and the civilian guests of the 71st National Security Forum at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, May 8, 2025. NSF is a Secretary of the Air Force-sponsored program that brings civilian business leaders, entrepreneurs and academics together with their military counterparts to foster communication and learning. (US Air Force photo by Melanie Rodgers Cox)

“This year’s AWC National Security Forum was a truly exceptional opportunity—not only does it allow some of the finest U.S. and international military leaders to engage with our civic and private sector partners but also allows for those strategic leaders to forge enduring partnerships,” said Mr. Oshiba. “This forum offers a venue to discuss valuable insights into the Department of the Air Force’s evolving priorities—highlighting a renewed focus on deterring China, defending the homeland, and burden-sharing with allies and partners.”

Hosted by the Air War College, the forum featured discussions on a range of pressing topics, including challenges in the Pacific, the Russia-Ukraine war, wargaming, and an F-22 aerial demonstration.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Nick Le Tourneau, F-22 Demonstration Team pilot, performs precision aerial maneuvers during the National Security Forum at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, May 7, 2025. Since 1954, the Secretary of the Air Force's National Security Forum has brought together the nation's most influential and valued civic leaders with the military's developing senior leaders to enable open discussions on historic and contemporary national security strategies and challenges. Over a three-day period, attendees engage with U.S. and foreign military officers and government civilians through a lecture and seminar format. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)

A focal point of the forum was the evolving role of space in national defense.

“Our Space Force capabilities are critical to the joint force and to our American way of life. That’s truth number one,” said Lt. Gen. Schiess. “Truth number two is the Space Force must defend its capabilities, or the joint force will not be able to project its power.”

The National Security Forum, established in 1954, continues to bring together leaders from diverse sectors to examine past, current, and emerging conflicts through the lens of national security’s strategic realities.

“We are in a time of consequence,” said Gen. Allvin. “These next few years is going to be absolutely critical. So, we need every bit of learning that these great professors shoved into your head over the last year. We need every bit of that to come to bear because we’ve got some important decisions coming up.”

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.