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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

33rd FW Airman’s journey to citizenship

  • Published
  • By 33rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
  • 33rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
6/2/2016 – EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – --  With the words “I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen […],” Airman 1st Class Jae Yen Kim, 33rd Fighter Wing budget analyst, finally became a United States citizen.

Most non-U.S. citizens who join the military are able to get their citizenship by graduation day at Basic Military Training. For seldom few, like Kim, the application process can stretch into their first duty assignment.

Kim’s first attempt for citizenship at BMT fell through, but he entered technical school with confidence it would be complete by graduation.

“Arriving at technical school, I expected my citizenship process to be done quickly and smoothly,” Kim said. “However, I found out that the national customer service center representative who had been regularly visiting the base left the job. I did not have a chance to process my request for citizenship during technical school.”

Kim graduated technical school with academic excellence, but without his citizenship. He was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base where the need for his citizenship took on newfound importance: he could not obtain the necessary clearance for his job without it.

For Kim’s supervisor, Staff Sgt. Amanda Reynolds, 33rd Fighter Wing resource advisor, this was not the first time she had seen an Airman struggle to get their citizenship.

“The last time I worked with an Airman that didn’t have their citizenship, it took a couple years before they were naturalized,” Reynold said.

Despite those odds, Kim’s determination and his leadership’s support began to move the process along more quickly for the young airman. He contacted the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services using the Military Help Line, to get him on the right track and, soon after, the young Airman interviewed for his citizenship and took the oath of allegiance in Jacksonville, Fla.

Although it took longer than normal for the Budget Analyst to be naturalized, he knew a higher purpose was at work.

“I thank God for directing my path to finish and receive my citizenship. God guided and established my steps throughout the process,” Kim said. “I am also thankful to my supervisor, Staff Sgt. Reynolds and everyone in my office for their support and care.”

For Kim’s leadership, it was all part of the wingman concept: supervisors are the first line of defense for the well-being of their Airmen.

“At its most foundational, the wingman concept is simply intended to promote the mindset of Airmen watching out for each other and using our individual abilities to better the collective whole,” said Reynolds. “That is exactly what [airman first class] Kim needed as a brand new airman and it's what supervisors are expected to give to their subordinates.”

Now that his citizenship is finalized, Kim intends to use his bachelor's degree in Statistics from the University of Virginia to apply to Officer Training School so he can commission as an officer. He wants to use his skills in mathematics and statistics to maximize budget efficiency in the Air Force as a cost analyst.

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.