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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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12th Operations Group
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Articles

Master your mind: AFGSC reimagines readiness with MindGym

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Shelby Thurman
  • Air Force Global Strike Command
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Carsten Stahr, 28th Force Support Squadron commander, steps out of the MindGym after a short demonstration at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, Feb. 2, 2024. Lumena hosted a Demo Day for Ellsworth leadership to allow them to experience the MindGym and recommend it to others. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brittany Kenney)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Carsten Stahr, 28th Force Support Squadron commander, steps out of the MindGym after a short demonstration at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, Feb. 2, 2024. Lumena hosted a Demo Day for Ellsworth leadership to allow them to experience the MindGym and recommend it to others. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Kenney)
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To ensure operational readiness and maintain the tactical edge, Airmen must train their brains with the same rigor as their bodies. Air Force Global Strike Command is looking to accelerate and modernize this effort with a tactical training simulator known as MindGym.

“No different than investing in modernization efforts for weapon systems, such as the B-21 Raider, Sentinel ICBM program, and the new fleet of Grey Wolf helicopters, Global Strike senior leadership recognizes the importance of modernizing how they advance their most important asset: Global Strike Airmen,” said Col. Erich Schroeder, AFGSC command surgeon. 

MindGym, originally developed by and in partnership with Lumena Inc., is a safe, painless, and highly controlled environment designed to sharpen focus, accelerate reaction times, and enhance decision-making under pressure. The 7-by-7-foot reflective cube room provides low lighting, calming music, and guided exercises. Participants wear an electroencephalogram (EEG) biosensor headband that assesses brain functions, providing insight into areas such as task management, mental clarity and relaxation.

This readiness resource is already available to all Airmen and civilians across all of the command’s eight bases. Regardless of rank, unit, or workplace: a flightline, or a missile field, MindGym is available for anyone in Striker Nation looking to perform at a higher level by sharpening their cognitive control, focus mental clarity and energy required to thrive on and off duty. 

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brandie Henrichs, Airman Leadership Instructor, prepares to use the MindGym at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Nov. 20, 2024. The MindGym offers a unique and immersive experience that focuses on reducing stress and promoting relaxation to help improve military readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bryce Moore)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brandie Henrichs, Airman Leadership Instructor, prepares to use the MindGym at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Nov. 20, 2024. The MindGym offers a unique and immersive experience that focuses on reducing stress and promoting relaxation to help improve military readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Bryce Moore)
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MindGym is a commercial system that does not collect specific military identifiers like rank, unit, nor Air Force specialty code (AFSC). Similar to how the audio file of the 20-meter High Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run (HAMR) is available for Airmen to practice timing their shuttles prior to taking their Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment (PFRA), Airmen can enhance their mental fortitude with MindGym. 

While this tool is optimal for AFGSC Airmen regardless of rank, job, or location, it is another resource available to help sharpen physical and mental fitness. 

“MindGym is another example of how Global Strike Command directly invests in our Airmen,” said Col. Nekitha Little, director of AFGSC’s Manpower & Personnel (A1) Directorate. “Striker Airmen are fundamental to mission success. Wellbeing is vital to ensuring that Strikers are always ready to provide long-range precision strike, anytime and anywhere.” 

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.