CSAF and CMSAF underscore AETC’s strategic role in force readiness

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe spent March 9-10 at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas and Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas, surveying how Air Education and Training Command is preparing Airmen for operational demands at home and alongside allies.

At Ebbing, which the service is positioning as a center for training foreign F-35 partners, the pair met with Airmen from the 188th Wing and the 85th Fighter Group to review work spanning remotely piloted aircraft operations, intelligence and targeting, and the F-35 training enterprise. The discussions focused on building partner capacity and day-one interoperability by training international students shoulder to shoulder with U.S. personnel. “Training with our partners strengthens deterrence and ensures we can integrate seamlessly in high-end operations,” Wilsbach said. “We organize, train and equip the force to win, and the foundational education delivered here is essential to preparing every Airman and partner for the demands of modern conflict.”

Their visit underscored the base’s role in expanding allied airpower and preparing partner nations to plug into coalition operations.

At Goodfellow, Wilsbach and Wolfe observed instruction in intelligence, fire protection and cryptologic disciplines that feed the joint force. During a tour of the 17th Training Group’s cryptologic facilities, they listened to foreign-language intercepts and discussed how students are taught to analyze and act on them. They also reviewed how the group develops fire protection and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance professionals who underpin the service’s readiness.

The leaders met instructors and students across the 17th Training Wing to examine scenario-driven curricula, mission command principles and modernized classrooms designed to prepare Airmen for contested environments. Wolfe said the training pipeline is shaping the force for competition now and in the future: “Across AETC, Airmen are learning the skills, discipline and mindset required to compete and win. From technical training to leadership development, we are building a force that is ready for today’s missions and prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.”

They later held an all-call with the 17th Training Wing inside the Louis F. Garland Fire Academy high bay, emphasizing the importance of strong foundational training and the evolving demands Airmen will face.

While at Goodfellow, Cindy Wilsbach and Dr. Doniel Wolfe met with families, base leadership and community partners to discuss childcare, spouse employment, medical access and housing—areas the service links directly to readiness and performance.

Throughout the trip, Wilsbach and Wolfe highlighted AETC’s role as the entry point for Air Force readiness and modernization. By updating training systems, deepening partnerships with allies and investing in Airmen and their families, they said, the command is focused on delivering a force that can fly, fix, and—if required—fight and win.