RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Air Force officials announced today that Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, is the preferred location for consolidation of the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals' (IFF) training units.
The Air Force currently conducts IFF training at five locations, producing 450 IFF graduates per year. Over the years, the Air Force IFF graduate requirement has dropped to 380 per year. As a result of the decrease in IFF graduate requirements, the Air Force is consolidating IFF training from the current five locations to three. The move is projected to save the Air Force approximately $55 million over the next eight years.
"As the Air Force's preferred alternative, Randolph AFB would accept 15 additional T-38Cs and train approximately 80 additional students annually in support of the IFF consolidation," said Kathleen Ferguson, deputy assistant secretary for installations.
A preferred alternative is one that the Air Force believes best fulfills its mission and responsibilities, taking into consideration environmental, operational, technical and other factors.
All five bases that currently conduct IFF training were evaluated for feasibility, timing and cost in order to meet initial operational capability. The Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff carefully considered the site survey results and other military judgment factors in making this preferred alternative decision.
The Air Force is closing IFF units at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, and Vance Air Force Base, Okla., as part of actions to consolidate the IFF training mission from five locations to three. Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, was not considered for consolidation in the current actions because it is operating at its full capacity for this mission.
Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. was considered and subsequently selected as a reasonable alternative for basing the IFF mission.
This is not a final basing decision. Selection is subject to completion of an environmental assessment. The preferred and reasonable alternatives will continue to be evaluated in the environmental impact analysis process.
- 30 -
For more information call the Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs Office at 210-487-4400.