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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

Active-duty Airmen to have direct access to physical therapy clinics

  • Published
  • By Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS) --  The Air Force Medical Operations Agency has recently directed all Air Force military treatment facilities (MTF) to establish direct access physical therapy clinics for active-duty members. The policy shift will now allow an active-duty member with an acute musculoskeletal injury to make an appointment directly with a physical therapist.

For three of the past five years, musculoskeletal injuries, such as knee sprains, have been the number one reason for an active-duty Airman to seek care at an MTF. In addition, musculoskeletal injuries are the largest reason for limited-duty profiles in the Air Force, causing more than 47 percent of the profiles in 2013. Typically, Airmen sought care within the family practice or flight and operational medicine clinics and may have received a referral to a physical therapy clinic.

"Air Force physical therapists are trained and credentialed to provide independent practice, to include medication prescription, order appropriate diagnostic imaging, place patients on profiles, and refer to other practitioners as appropriate," said Col. Joseph Rogers, a physical therapy consultant to the Air Force surgeon general.

Rogers also cited recent military research showed "patients who received early physical therapy had total lower healthcare costs, fewer medical appointments, and fewer invasive procedures than those with delayed physical therapy addressed more than 14 days after injury.”

With early access to care, physical therapists can provide tailored treatments to each patient.

"Treatment may consist of manipulation, dry needling, exercise or modalities," said Lt. Col. Brian Young, the assistant professor at U.S. Army-Baylor University doctor of physical program and Air Force physical therapy clinical operations chairman. "In today's fiscally constrained environment and exponential increase in healthcare costs, early access to physical therapy is key for early return to duty and function after musculoskeletal injuries."

According to Rogers, with the recent policy release, each MTF will implement these changes over the next few months.

"We expect each physical therapy clinic to establish appointment availability for acute injuries by the end of the summer," he said.

Active-duty members should contact their local MTF for more information.

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.