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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

CSAF visits Maxwell, speaks at OTS graduation

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rachael Parks
  • Holm Center Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach visited Maxwell Air Force Base June 18, where he served as the guest speaker for the newest class of leaders graduating from Officer Training School, Class 26-12.

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The visit provided the Air Force's top uniformed leader an opportunity to welcome more than 170 newly commissioned officers into the ranks while underscoring critical service priorities: readiness, character and warrior culture.

Addressing the graduates and more than 1,000 family members and friends, Wilsbach highlighted the fundamental necessity of a high state of readiness and the responsibility of leading Airmen. He reminded the new officers that every Airman will look to them and expect competence, good judgment, discipline and moral courage.

"Your Airmen do not expect perfection, but they do expect authenticity," Wilsbach said. "They expect you to lead from the front, to hold yourself accountable, and to care enough to enforce standards even when it would be easier not to.

"The standards you experienced here were not arbitrary. They exist because combat is unforgiving.”

.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach stands with OTS Commandant Colonel Roxanne Toy and Chief Master Sergeant Aaron Gufford at Officer Training School

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach stands with OTS Commandant Col. Roxanne Toy and Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Gufford at Officer Training School during a visit to Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, June 18, 2026. Gen. Wilsbach visited Officer Training School to congratulate the Air Force’s newest officers, emphasizing the importance of readiness and warrior culture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Krause)
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A group of servicemembers raise their hand to recite the oath of office during a graduation ceremony

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach administers the oath of office to Officer Trainees of class 26-12 at Officer Training School during a visit to Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, June 18, 2026. Gen. Wilsbach visited Officer Training School to congratulate the Air Force’s newest officers, emphasizing the importance of readiness and warrior culture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Krause)
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Three Servicemembers clap from on stage during a graduation ceremony

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach sits with OTS Commandant Col. Roxanne Toy and Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Gufford at Officer Training School to celebrate the graduation of Air Force Officer Training School Class 26-12, June 18, 2026. Air Force Officer Training School commissions approximately 3,700 total force line and non-line officers annually. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Krause)
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Throughout the speech, Wilsbach also emphasized the need to think clearly under pressure and make sound decisions in uncertainty. He challenged the new officers to build trust through consistency and reminded them to rely on the experience of their noncommissioned officers.

Equally important to clear decision-making, Wilsbach stressed, is moral and mental toughness. Fostering a warrior culture built on technical excellence, accountability and pride in the profession was a central theme of his engagement with the graduates.

"Toughness means doing the right thing when it costs something," Wilsbach told the graduating class. "It means maintaining standards when nobody is watching. It means accepting responsibility when things go wrong. It means taking care of your people while never losing focus on the mission."

As the new officers prepare to depart Maxwell Air Force Base for their respective duty stations across the globe, the core message from the chief of staff was clear: the foundation of the Air Force's strength is its people, and their readiness forms the core of a credible national deterrent.

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.