CSAF visit to JBSA spotlights training modernization and force readiness

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach marked his first visit to Basic Military Training and the 37th Training Wing by addressing more than 3,000 parents, friends and families at a graduation ceremony April 23 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, where 787 Airmen received their Airman’s coin. “Today is a proud moment. You have earned the title ‘Airman.’ That title is not given lightly. It carries responsibility, expectation and trust,” Wilsbach stated.

Serving as the reviewing official, Wilsbach also recognized the class’s top graduate, Airman 1st Class Lucas Estes, and met with Military Training Instructors and Military Training Leaders during a two-day immersion focused on training and family support programs. “It was an absolute honor to serve as the reviewing official and usher in our newest Airmen this week,” Wilsbach noted. “I also had the opportunity to meet the MTIs and MTLs who prepare trainees to become Airmen, shape our enlisted force and ultimately build the next generation of warfighters.”

The visit included time with the Special Warfare Training Wing at JBSA-Chapman Annex, where he observed ongoing training and received briefings on human performance initiatives. Shifting to JBSA-Randolph, Wilsbach examined the Air Force’s T-7A Red Hawk program, starting in the Ground Based Training System’s high-fidelity simulators before taking a flight in the aircraft to evaluate performance. He met with 12th Flying Training Wing leaders on plans to replace the T-38 Talon and heard from the 99th Flying Training Squadron on how the Red Hawk is intended to modernize the pilot training pipeline for fifth-generation demands.

While the chief focused on training and readiness, Mrs. Cindy Wilsbach followed an independent schedule centered on family readiness. She discussed base housing and quality-of-life issues with Key Spouse Leaders, received a briefing on nutrition and fitness programs at the Special Warfare Training Wing alongside Mrs. Wendy Quinn, and visited the 341st Training Squadron for a demonstration of Military Working Dogs.

Wilsbach’s stop at JBSA followed visits to Vance and Altus Air Force Bases in Oklahoma the previous week, a circuit he said reinforced Air Education and Training Command’s emphasis on building combat-ready Airmen. “The visits this week and last provided an extensive look into how we are developing our force,” CSAF said. “What stood out is the attitude, enthusiasm and caliber of our trainers, instructor pilots, special warfare cadre and students making it clear that our Airmen get a great start in AETC.”

Command officials described the trip as underscoring a service-wide push to advance and accelerate training while supporting the Airmen and families charged with executing the mission.