JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
The Air Force merged the 560th Flying Training Squadron into the 435th Fighter Training Squadron on Oct. 3, 2025, to consolidate T-38C operation and implement the new Fighter Bomber Fundamentals Pilot Instructor Training program at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.
Under the new structure, the 435th FTS will oversee syllabus events for FBF PIT transition, FBF PIT employment and legacy Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals wingmen. The consolidation is designed to allow the wing to support the command’s efforts to scale the FBF program to all Air Education and Training Command pilot training bases except Sheppard Air Force Base.
The merger will bring gradual changes for students and instructors as training evolves toward a fully integrated FBF PIT structure. Daily operation will remain largely the same in the near term, but more significant adjustments are expected as new syllabi are developed, and the aircraft fleet is consolidated. Crossflow between IFF and PIT instructor pilots will enable instructors to teach both transition and employment phases of the syllabus.
IFF training will continue under the 435th FTS through the near future. The FBF PIT program will be phased in with deliberate integration of organizations, processes and infrastructure.
The heritage of the 560th FTS will be preserved through a deactivation ceremony, which was also scheduled for Oct. 3. Squadron items, including the flag and patches, will be placed in a heraldry container and transferred to the U.S. Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The ceremony will feature the furling and covering of the 560th FTS guidon and a change of command. Col. John P. Anderson, commander of the 12th Operations Group, will preside of the event, with distinguished guests from across AETC expected to attend.
In the first year following the merger, the 435th FTS aims to achieve initial and full operation capability by integrating processes, programs and personnel. The squadron also plans to begin infrastructure updates and optimize use of the T-38C fleet.
As the sole schoolhouse for FBF instructor pilots, the 435th FTS will continue to produce wingmen and instructor pilots, supporting the 12th Flying Training Wing mission to train warfighters for America.