An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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
See More
Photo of an undergaraduate combat systems officer graduation 479th Flying Training Group
479th Flying Training Group
See More
An Airman inspects an aircraft 12th Operations Group
12th Operations Group
See More

Articles

Air Force COOL program kicks off

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman William J. Blankenship
  • 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) --  The Community College of the Air Force officially launched the Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line program March 16.

Air Force COOL is a pathway for enlisted Airmen to earn industry recognized professional certifications and licenses to enhance their active-duty work and to prepare them as they transition to the civilian job market after they leave the service.

CCAF manages the program, which is similar to the Army and Navy's programs.

Found on the Air Force Portal, Air Force COOL has a credential mapping of 642 professional certifications and licenses for 190 enlisted Air Force specialty codes. The credentials are at the national and state levels and from industry.

Airmen should prepare themselves at least six years before retiring and as soon as possible after they decide to separate, said J. R. Breeding, the associate dean for academic programs at CCAF.

"You can have all of your time-in-service experience and have earned a master's degree, but if you don't have that certification, you probably aren't going to get an interview," Breeding said. "It is that whole-person concept that needs to be factored in for the force development of our Airmen. Attending the Transition Assistance Program is not the time to get ready to retire or separate. It is too late at that point, given the length of time it takes to complete these certifications."

Using Air Force COOL to get a job-related certification or license makes an Airman just as, if not more, competitive in the job market as their civilian peers, said Russell Gray, the program manager of Air Force COOL .

"This program is designed to allow Airmen to take what they've learned in the military and place it up against what their counterparts are learning in the civilian sector. It can fill that gap," Gray said. "The job you apply for may not be exactly the same as the one you did in uniform, but there are things you learned doing that job that can translate into tools that can be used once you hang up the uniform."

Complete Air Force COOL program details, application procedures, eligibility requirements and AFSC listings are located on the Air Force Portal or by clicking here.

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.