Shaping the Air Force: Responsibilities and Impact of the Air Education and Training Command

The Air Education and Training Command (AETC) plays a vital role in shaping the United States Air Force by recruiting, training, and educating Air and Space Force personnel. As one of the nine Major Commands (MAJCOM) of the USAF, AETC reports directly to Headquarters, United States Air Force. With its headquarters at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, AETC is the oldest major command in the Air Force.

AETC's Mission and Structure

AETC's mission is comprehensive, encompassing everything from initial recruitment to advanced professional military education. More than 48,000 active duty and Air Reserve Component members, along with 14,000 civilian personnel, contribute to AETC's multifaceted operations. The command's structure includes:

Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS): Headquartered at Randolph AFB, Texas, AFRS is responsible for recruiting both enlisted and commissioned officers. It comprises three regional groups and 24 squadrons with over 1,400 recruiters assigned throughout the United States, its territories, and several foreign countries.
Second Air Force (2 AF): Based at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, 2 AF oversees basic military and technical training for enlisted members, as well as technical training for non-flying missile launch officers and support officers.
Nineteenth Air Force (19 AF): Headquartered at JBSA-Randolph, 19 AF executes operational-level command and control of all formal aircrew flying training missions within AETC.

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Air University (AU): Located at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, Air University provides a full spectrum of Air Force education, from pre-commissioning programs to the highest levels of professional military education.

Transforming Civilians into Airmen: Basic Military Training

The first step for all enlisted personnel in the Regular Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Command is Basic Military Training (BMT) at Lackland AFB, Texas, within the 737th Training Group. This intense, 8 1/2-week course transforms civilians into motivated, disciplined warrior Airmen, providing them with the foundational skills and values needed to serve in the Air Force. In a typical year, between 20,000 and 30,000 new Airmen complete BMT. Modernizing Basic Military Training is critical to preparing Airmen for the demands of future operational challenges.

Technical Training: Developing Specialized Skills

After completing BMT, Airmen begin technical training in their career field specialties. This training takes place primarily at six installations:

JBSA-Lackland, Texas
JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Texas

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Goodfellow AFB, Texas
Sheppard AFB, Texas
Keesler AFB, Mississippi
Vandenberg SFB, California

Each base focuses on specific aspects of the formal technical training required for Airmen to accomplish the Air Force mission. A recently established technical training institute at Fort Sam Houston also conducts training in several medical career fields.

Flying Training: From Initial Flight to Advanced Tracks

Air Force pilot candidates start their flying careers with Initial Flight Training (IFT) at Pueblo Memorial Airport, Colorado. This is followed by Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT), which is divided into three phases: Academic/Ground Training, Primary Flying Training, and Advanced Flying Training. Student pilots fly the T-6 Texan II, mastering contact, instrument, low-level, and formation flying.

After the primary phase of SUPT, student pilots are selected for one of three advanced training tracks based on the needs of the Air Force and their class standing:

Fighter/Bomber Track: Students train in the T-38 Talon at SUPT and ENJJPT bases.
Airlift/Tanker Track: Students train in the T-1A Jayhawk at SUPT bases.
Helicopter Track: Students train in the TH-1H Huey at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

AETC also provides Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training (UCSOT) at NAS Pensacola, Florida. This training merges the previous Navigator, Weapon Systems Officer (WSO), and Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) tracks into one coherent training cycle.

Air Battle Manager Training

Air Battle Managers (ABM) are aircrew who operate mission systems in the E-3 Sentry "AWACS" and E-8 J-STARS aircraft, as well as ground-based Control and Reporting Centers. They complete Undergraduate Air Battle Manager Training (UABMT) at Tyndall AFB, Florida, which includes a comprehensive syllabus covering radar theory, aviation basics, control techniques, adversary and joint aircraft capabilities, and live air-to-air control exercises.

Formal Training Units: Follow-On Training

AETC provides follow-on training for most Air Force pilots, CSOs, and enlisted aircrew in their assigned aircraft via Formal Training Units (FTUs). Pilots selected for fighter aircraft complete the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) course before reporting to their FTU.

Air University: Education and Professional Development

Air University (AU), headquartered at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, provides the full spectrum of Air Force education, from pre-commissioning to the highest levels of professional military education. AU oversees the Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development, which provides direction for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps and Officer Training School.

AU’s officer PME schools, overseen by the Carl A. Spaatz Center for Officer Education, prepare students from the Air Force, its sister services, and allied nations for more responsible positions as they progress through their careers. AU also oversees the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), the Air Force's primary institution for graduate and continuing education.

Historical Evolution and Restructuring

AETC was established in January 1942 as the Army Air Corps Flying Training Command. In July 1993, Air Training Command and Air University merged to form AETC, allowing the command to retain its heritage and honors while assuming responsibilities for both training and education.

In 1994, AETC adopted the Objective Wing Concept and stood up several wings responsible for crew training in various aircraft, as well as space and missile operations.

Strategic Priorities and Future Focus

AETC's strategic priorities include:

Advance Force Development: Focuses on mission-focused, Airman-centric, and competency-based learning.
Enhance Lethality and Readiness: Links AETC's recruiting, training, and education efforts directly to Air Force and Space Force readiness.
Transform Learning: Moves from the industrial-age model to learner-centered, modern training and education.
Cultivate an Environment of Excellence: Emphasizes caring for Airmen and their families, promoting mutual respect, and encouraging open communication.

AETC is also adapting to the future operating concept and battlespace by working to integrate functional competencies across different areas and drafting new doctrine to support these changes.

The Commander's Role: Leadership and Responsibilities

The commander of AETC is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the command's mission, ensuring that Airmen are properly recruited, trained, and educated to meet the needs of the Air Force. The commander also plays a key role in shaping the future of the Air Force by driving innovation and adapting training programs to address emerging threats.

A recent review of Air Force Instructions and discussions with commanders indicate that squadron commanders have numerous duties with which they must comply. Commanders find that ancillary duties that are not properly resourced can interfere with mission performance. Also, commanders interviewed noted they felt least prepared for the administrative and disciplinary responsibilities required of commanders.

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