Air Education and Training Command

The Air Education and Training Command (AETC) is a pivotal component of the United States Air Force, dedicated to the recruitment, training, and education of Airmen. Established in January 1942, AETC has evolved into the oldest major command in the Air Force. It plays a crucial role in shaping the force's readiness and effectiveness.

Mission and Vision

AETC's mission is to "find, recruit, train, and educate the Airmen the nation needs." This encompasses a comprehensive approach to personnel development, preparing them to meet modern warfare challenges. The command's vision focuses on "developing Airmen with the competencies to win the high-end competition," cultivating essential skills and knowledge.

Core Functions

AETC's responsibilities include:

• Recruitment: Oversees the Air Force Recruiting Service, comprising three regional groups and 27 squadrons with over 1,200 recruiters worldwide. Their mission is to attract quality individuals to sustain U.S. Air Force combat capability.
• Basic Military Training (BMT): Conducted at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, BMT is the initial training phase for all enlisted personnel, transforming civilians into disciplined Airmen.
• Technical Training: Following BMT, Airmen receive specialized training at installations including Goodfellow AFB, Sheppard AFB, and Keesler AFB. Fields include aircraft maintenance, medical services, and intelligence.
• Flying Training: Provides programs such as Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) and the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT), preparing pilots for various aircraft platforms.
• Professional Military Education (PME): Through Air University at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, AETC offers PME programs developing leadership and strategic thinking for officers, enlisted members, and Department of Defense civilians.

Personnel and Resources

AETC comprises over 29,000 active-duty members, 6,000 Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve personnel, and 14,000 civilian employees. The command operates approximately 1,400 aircraft, supporting diverse training and educational missions.

Global Presence

Headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, AETC manages 12 major installations and supports tenant units on numerous bases worldwide. These installations include:

• Altus AFB, Oklahoma
• Goodfellow AFB, Texas
• Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas
• Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas
• Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas
• Luke AFB, Arizona
• Columbus AFB, Mississippi
• Keesler AFB, Mississippi
• Laughlin AFB, Texas
• Maxwell AFB, Alabama
• Sheppard AFB, Texas
• Vance AFB, Oklahoma
• Houston, TX, USA
• Goodyear, AZ, USA

Through its comprehensive training and educational programs, AETC plays a vital role in developing Airmen equipped to meet evolving air and space operational demands, ensuring the U.S. Air Force maintains its strategic advantage.