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CMSAF makes inaugural visit to Basic Military Training
July 8, 2024 — Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David A. Flosi made his first official visit to a Basic Military Training graduation on June 20. As the 20th CMSAF, Flosi’s presence underscored the significance of the event for the newest graduates of the Air Force and Space Force. ... MORE

343rd, 344th Training Squadrons win Drill Down Competition
June 26, 2024 — The 343rd and 344th Training Squadrons represented the 37th Training Group in the Second Air Force Drill Down Competition at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, on April 27... MORE

The 343rd and 344th Training Squadrons pose for a group photo next to their first-place trophy at the Second Air Force Drill Down Competition. The 343rd and 344th Training Squadrons represented the 37th Training Group and won first place in the Second Air Force Drill Down Competition at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, on April 27, 2024. (Courtesy Photo)

New leadership assumes command of Gateway Wing
May 31, 2024 — Col. Willie Cooper III assumed command of the 37th Training Wing from Col. Lauren Courchaine May 30, during a ceremony at the Pfingston Reception Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland... MORE

Col. Willie Cooper III assumes command of the 37th Training Wing from Maj. Gen. Michele Edmondson, 2nd Air Force commander, May 30 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Cooper was the former 375th Mission Support Group commander at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and succeeded Col. Lauren Courchaine who will transition to a new role as the Senior Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ava Leone)

Farewell Reflections: An exit interview with Col. Lauren Courchaine
May 31, 2024 — As Col. Lauren Courchaine bids farewell to her role within the 37th Training Wing, it’s a moment for reflection and celebration. She envisioned a dynamic and resilient organization that fostered a culture of inclusiveness and respect; was innovative and committed to professional development; and was high performing in every aspect of the mission. The commander shares her insights, experiences, and wisdom, as she prepares to take on her next role as the Senior Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon, Washington D.C. ... MORE

Col. Lauren Courchaine, 37thTraining Wing commander, salutes the flag during the April 3, 2024, Airman’s Coin & Retreat Ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. More than 500 Airmen graduated from Basic Military Training where Courchaine served as the Commander of Airmen for the retreat ceremony. Courchaine is changing command May 30 and will move into her new role as the Senior Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon, Washington D.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Gregory T. Walker)

97th Air Mobility Wing leaders join Air Force BMT graduation
May 23, 2024 — More than 40 leaders from the 97th Air Mobility Wing flew down south to tour portions of the enlisted Air Force’s initial training facilities and participate in a Basic Military Training graduation at the 37th Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, from May 14-16, 2024. ... MORE

U.S. Air Force Col. Jeff Marshall, 97th Air Mobility Wing (AMW) commander, salutes graduating Airmen, while Chief Master Sgt. Justin Brundage, 97th AMW command chief, stands at attention, during the Basic Military Training graduation pass in review at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, May 16, 2024. Marshall served as the reviewing official for the graduation parade. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kari Degraffenreed)

Military service: Finding purpose in taking care of people
May 17, 2024 — For Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Carmona, military service was not merely a career choice; it became a journey marked by personal struggle and a profound belief in the importance of taking care of people- elevating his service to something far greater than a job... MORE

On April 12, 2024 Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Caramona, 341st Training Squadron Instructor, shadowed Chief Master Sgt. Carlos Damian as Command Chief for a Day. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Kate Anderson)

37th Training Wing celebrates 2024 first quarter awards
May 6, 2024 — The 37th Training Wing first quarter awards ceremony was held at the Defense Language Institute English Learning Center auditorium at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on May 3... MORE

The 37th Training Wing Commander Colonel Lauren Courchaine presents members of the 37th Training Wing with a first quarter award on May 3, 2024. Members from the 37th Training Group, Inter-American Air Forces Academy, 637th Training Group and 737th Training Group were represented during the award ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Kate Anderson)

Why I Stay: The inspiring journey of Staff Sgt. Cody Linden
May 3, 2024 — In a world often clouded by uncertainty, there are individuals whose dedication and selflessness shine brightly, illuminating a path for others to follow. Staff Sgt. Cody Linden is one such individual, whose journey of service and sacrifice serves as inspiration to all who come across his story... MORE

Enhancing trainee performance: A breakdown of 'Operation First Flight'
April 15, 2024 — Air Force Basic Military Training has undergone a significant transformation with the recent implementation of Zero Week at the 323rd Training Squadron. This strategic, organizational conversion marks an intentional shift in the approach to training new recruits, with the goal of not only assessing initial competency but also to equip trainees with essential tools for success throughout their time in BMT and beyond... MORE

A Military Training Instructor addresses Basic Military Training trainees assigned to the 323rd Training Squadron on Jan. 20, 2024 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, during culminating events on day five of Zero Week, known as Operation First Flight. Zero Week is the first five days of BMT where MTIs have the opportunity to optimize instruction before trainees are assigned to their BMT squadron. Zero Week serves as a deliberate process that not only assesses the initial competency and readiness of trainees but equips them with the essential tools needed to excel throughout their BMT journey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Cotto)

Basic Defender Course optimizes training for high-end fight
April 15, 2024 — In a strategic move toward enhancing national defense capabilities, Air Force Security Forces is reoptimizing training to ensure Defenders are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle evolving threats in a modern era. The 343rd Training Squadron’s Security Forces technical training is one of the key components in the Defender Next initiative, where the career field is undertaking the largest shift in the schoolhouse in over two decades... MORE

Security Forces technical training students raise their hands as they recite the Security Forces pledge during the Basic Defender Course graduation at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Jan. 16, 2024. The 343rd Training Squadron is optimizing training to ensure Defenders are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle evolving threats in a modern era. The 343 TRS Security Forces technical training is one of the key components in the Defender Next initiative, where the career field is undertaking the largest shift in the schoolhouse in over two decades. (U.S. Air Force photo by Vanessa R. Adame)

Transforming Training: The modernization of the 346th Training Squadron SCALE-UP Classroom
April 4, 2024 — Nestled in the heart of Naval Base Ventura County is the newly activated 346th Training Squadron where a new initiative, the SCALE-UP classroom was recently unveiled. The reimagined and transformed space is one of several modernization efforts within the 37th Training Wing where training is now competency-based and student-centered... MORE

Vehicle Maintenance students assigned to the 346th Training Squadron experience the SCALE-UP classroom on Feb. 14, at Port Hueneme, Calif. The student-Centered Activity Learning Environment-Upside Down Pedagogy or SCALE-UP's primary objective is to spearhead the development of a front-line training program for 2T3 Vehicle Management specialties. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Jonathan Cotto)

37th Training Wing names its annual awards winners for 2023
March 5, 2024 — The 37th Training Wing recognized its top award winners for 2023 during a dinner held at the Gateway Club at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on Feb. 23... MORE

A Day in Command: Staff Sgt. Rayanna Willard
February 21, 2024 — Originally from Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, Staff Sgt. Rayanna Willard stepped into the boots of command chief for a day at the 37th Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on Feb. 2... MORE

Why I stay: Chief Master Sgt. Carlos F. Damian
January 12, 2024 — Chief Master Sgt. Carlos Francisco Damian currently serves as the command chief for the 37th Training Wing. His journey is a testament to the values of discipline and resilience... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Carlos F. Damian, 37th Training Wing Command Chief

From Puerto Rico to the skies: COM/NAV instructor selected as Command Chief for a Day.
January 8, 2024 — Staff Sgt. Jonathan S. Ventura, a communications and navigation Instructor with the 318th Training Squadron, was recently selected to serve as the Command Chief for a Day at the 37th Training Wing... MORE

Photo of 37TRW Command Chief Carlos Damian and Staff Sgt. Jonathan S. Ventura during Command Chief for a Day at the 37th Training Wing.

A Day in Command: Military Training Instructor takes the helm at the 37th Training Wing
November 30, 2023 — The 37th Training Wing granted a unique opportunity to one of its own -- Master Sgt. Aubrey J. Thrower, an exemplary and seasoned military training instructor, was selected to assume the role of Command Chief for a day... MORE

37th Training Wing veterans recall decades of service
November 20, 2023 — Eddie Molett and Oscar Clayton, civilians assigned to the 37th Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, are both veterans and have more than 100 years of combined federal service between the two of them... MORE

Eddie Molett has 63 years in federal service.

Operation Home Cooking: Annual Thanksgiving tradition opens homes to trainees
October 28, 2023 — Approximately 330 families in the San Antonio area will have the opportunity to host Air Force Basic Military Training trainees in their homes on Thanksgiving Day with Operation Home Cooking... MORE

More than 200 students graduate during IAAFA's second 2023 cycle
September 28, 2023 — More than 200 international military students from 12 partner nations and the U.S. Air Force filled an auditorium at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland for a ceremony to mark the end of their training at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy... MORE

BMT Modernization: Optimizing for great power competition
September 25, 2023 — Over the past year, the 37th Training Wing leadership at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland has been implementing progressive changes aimed at developing Airmen and Guardians by combining education with realistic, scenario-based training. This enables trainees to gain experience in a practice environment and to build the foundation for follow-on training... MORE