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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

Leading the next generation of warrior medics

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Michael Ellis
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas --  It’s a little after 7:30 a.m. and the stampede has finally cleared the hallways. Finally, a moment of silence, the first since arriving to work three hours prior. The five-story building is nearly desolate now, but a multitude of paperwork and tasks remain to be done before the 800-plus military students return from class in the afternoon.

Such is the life of a military training leader at the 59th Training Group, the Air Force component at METC, the Defense Department’s Medical Education and Training Campus. The tri-service campus offers more than 50 medical programs, and graduates about 21,000 enlisted students annually.

These MTLs provide administrative care and Air Force instruction to the second largest group of technical training students in Air Education and Training Command, second only to security forces. Nearly all Air Force enlisted medics come through the unit. Some stay only a month, while others may be assigned here up to a year.

The group houses three squadrons with up to 1,200 Airmen, all students from 16 different Air Force career specialties. Remarkably, there are only 24 MTLs in the unit, and they are responsible for the more than 5,500 Airmen who navigate the hallways every year.

“Most of us never had to supervise a large number of Airmen before, so coming here is a new challenge,” said Staff Sgt. Britni Hill, a MTL with the 59th TRG.

Particularly because the tri-service training environment makes it extremely important to instill military bearing, and customs and courtesies early on in these Airmen’s careers, said Hill.

Hill, who was a security forces specialist before taking on the special duty assignment as an MTL, said being in this unique training environment is very different from her previous experience.

“Oftentimes, it’s necessary to explain why things differ between the services instead of just barking orders,” she said.

Another MTL, a native of the Philippines, said before his Air Force career began, he had to work hard to meet standards.

“I was in the delayed enlistment program for more than six months because I had to lose weight before going to basic training,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Visita. “Later, I dropped another 60 pounds. Since then, fitness has been a huge part of my life.”

Visita now leads physical training sessions and promotes exceeding the standards among the students.

“It’s a rewarding experience; I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Visita said. “But even when enforcing standards, it’s important to be aware of factors that might be causing someone to deviate. You have to be mindful that even as a disciplinary figure, you’re also the mentor.”

It’s not uncommon to be counseling someone when they mention that they are going through tough times, like the loss of a parent or sibling. Some may even be going through a divorce, he added.

It’s late in the afternoon now. Dozens of counseling sessions have been administered and stacks of paperwork have been tended to. As the lights go off, other MTLs get ready for the night shift. At this 24-hour operation, there are always MTLs … always available to tend to the next generation of warrior medics.

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.