AETC; Setting Sights to Aim High

Headquartered at Randolph Air Force Base, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, and comprising the people and aircraft by which green U.S. Air Force recruits are honed into world-class aviators, technicians, and technologists, the U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command (AETC) is the USAF’s primary training and professional education command.

AETC's stated mission is to "recruit, train and educate Airmen to deliver air power for America."

EAA’s AirVenture 2023—the 70th iteration of the world-renowned weeklong fly-in, airshow, and incomparable aviators’ hootenanny—will see the USAF’s Air Education and Training Command bring its people and resources to Oshkosh.

EAA vice president of communities and member programs Rick Larsen stated: “The Air Force’s Air Education and Training Command has a much wider reach than even most aviation enthusiasts would imagine, which makes AirVenture an outstanding location to highlight all of the command’s capabilities, Those capabilities will be showcased in the air and during ground presentations throughout the week at Oshkosh.”

Though definitive announcements pertaining to participating aircraft and activities will be made public as they are finalized, AETC’s presentations are slated to include aircraft representing numerous facets of the USAF’s combat, strategic, and logistical fleets. In addition to aircraft displays and aerial demonstrations, the Air Force’s Air Education and Training Command will feature several of the service’s lesser-known assets, such as C-17 critical care air transport, military working dogs, and explosive ordnance disposal. The Air Force’s Band of the West will also perform throughout the duration of the 24 - 30 July event at Oshkosh, Wisconsin’s Wittman Regional Airport (OSH).

AETC commander USAF Lieutenant General Brian Robinson set forth: “AETC is referred to as the First Command because nearly every Airman starts at AETC, and we’re proud to be responsible for establishing the foundation for so many Air Force careers. Across basic military training, technical training, and pilot training, our force generators are developing empowered Airmen who are advancing the U.S. Air Force’s strategic advantage to defeat our competitors. Oshkosh is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase AETC’s members and how we recruit, train, and educate the Airmen our nation needs.”

The oldest of the USAF’s nine Major Commands (MAJCOM), Air Education and Training Command was established and activated in January 1942. AETC’s training mission makes it the first command to touch the lives of nearly every Air Force member. Over the years, AETC training and educational programs have graduated north of 25-million students.

FMI: www.eaa.org