JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
The most senior enlisted leader of the Air Force returned to the foundation of the enlisted corps at Basic Military Training at Joint base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, on April 1, reinforcing standards and engaging with Airmen.
For Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David R. Wolfe, the sound of a Military Training Instructor’s call is more than just a command, it’s the sound of standards being built. His visit to the 37th Training Wing was a deliberate return to the very beginning, a focused look at how the wing acts as the Gateway to the Air Force for every enlisted member.
Wolfe’s visit provided a strategic look at the critical processes that transform civilians into air minded warriors. He observed how the 37th TRW instills the bedrock principles of discipline, resilience, and Air Force standards. It was a chance to connect with the force at its most foundational level and reinforce the message that the journey to becoming an Airman starts here.
During his visit, Wolfe and his wife, Dr. Doniel Wolfe, met with new Air Force families, spouses, and a group of first sergeants and their spouses to discuss the challenges and triumphs of military life. When Wolfe sat down with new Air Force families, he spoke not just as a senior leader, but as a husband and father, reinforcing the vital role families play.
"This is not a normal company," Wolfe said. "You've decided to join our organization, and we want to take care of you. It's a solemn responsibility we have to the sons and daughters of America to make sure that they've got what they need and their families are served."
While engaging with first sergeants and their families, the Wolfes directly addressed the unique pressures and vital contributions of these senior enlisted leaders. This acknowledgment honored their personal dedication to upholding the Air Force's promise to care for its own. They lauded their critical role as the frontline advocate for Air Force members and their families and acknowledged the hurdles they face.
As guest speaker at the Coin and Retreat Ceremony, Wolfe addressed Airmen directly, emphasizing the standards they now represent.
"Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching," he said. "Service is the understanding that your mission is bigger than yourself. And excellence is the daily decision to give your absolute best because the mission demands it and your teammates depend on it. You are the promise of a safe tomorrow. You are an American Airman."
Transforming civilians into Airmen is a deliberate, intense process. He spoke with Military Training Instructors who lead this transformation, discussing how they balance the immense pressure of training with the mentorship required to build resilient members.
Staff Sgt Juliana Serrano, a 323rd Training Squadron MTI, highlighted the significance of their role.
"MTIs are setting the example here at BMT to show the trainees what right looks like, to show that first impression for military professionalism and first line supervisors," she said. "To have the CMSAF here and to brief him is an honor. I never thought I would have an opportunity for something like this, and I am glad that I got to show him what we do here at BMT."
Wolfe toured the 319th Training Squadron's PACER FORGE combat training site, newly introduced to the training curriculum in 2025.
“The first time an Airman sees a military aircraft should not be at an airshow later in their career,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas Lee, 319th Training Squadron commander. “We need a cultural change, and this is planting the seeds.”
This updated training adds intel briefings and scenario injects earlier in training and incorporates an ‘airfield-centric’ environment where trainees work in small teams to maximize collaboration, accountability, and critical thinking.
During his tour, Wolfe observed the trainees navigating this simulated deployed environment, including the new locations for static C-130 and F-16 aircraft.
“What you are doing right now is going to change the culture and the fabric of the Air Force over time,” Wolfe said. “The force needs to understand what it is to generate air power, and if we don't start here, it won't matter what we do later on.”
As Wolfe's visit concluded, the message was clear: the 37th TRW is more than a stopping point. It is the bedrock upon which the entire enlisted corps is built.
The visit served as a powerful reminder that in an era of advanced technology, the personal connection and enduring strength of the U.S. Air Force still begins with one fundamental transformation: turning a civilian into a resilient, standards-driven, air-minded warrior.