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Earth Day 2024: Defending the nation, protecting the future
April 22, 2024 — The Department of the Air Force observes Earth Day, Every Day because safeguarding our environment is crucial to sustaining readiness and accomplishing our mission. We’re Defending the Nation and Protecting our Future by restoring the environment, investing in built and natural infrastructure resilience, and amplifying conservation efforts... MORE

Banner image with Defending the Nation, Protecting the Future slogan featuring pictures of Airman and Guardians on horseback, monitoring red cockaded woodpeckers in the trees, and with a satellite.

AETC command chief visits Team XL
January 29, 2024 — U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley, command chief for Air Education and Training Command, was welcomed by Team XL during an immersion visit on Jan. 22, 2024. This was his first visit to the 47th Flying Training Wing since becoming the AETC command chief. ... MORE

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley (left), command chief for Air Education and Training Command, watches as 2nd Lt. John Volk, 47th Student Squadron student pilot, flies a T-6 aircraft simulator inside a 47th Student Squadron classroom at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 22, 2024. Bickley spent time with Team XL members to get a first-hand glimpse at how Laughlin’s Airmen train student pilots to be the Air Force’s newest and most lethal pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kailee Reynolds)

Baby on board! Laughlin instructor pilot makes history with groundbreaking policy change
January 25, 2024 — Capt. Tabitha Letourneau, an 86th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, made history on Jan. 4, 2024, and became the first instructor pilot to fly with student pilots while pregnant at an Air Force pilot training base. ... MORE

U.S. Air Force Capt. Tabitha Letourneau, 86th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, poses in front of a T-1A Jayhawk at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, January 9, 2024. Letourneau worked with the Women’s Initiative Team to invoke changes on the Air Force’s medical waiver guide, allowing her and other female instructor pilots to fly with unrated student pilots in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kailee Reynolds)

Laughlin Airman writes 'Letters to Lackland'
May 7, 2020 — Airman 1st Class Cailey Brislin, 434th Squadron Aviation Resource Management at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, writes to Basic Military Training Airmen at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland to offer support and words of wisdom... MORE

Airman First Class Cailey Brislin, 434th Squadron Aviation Resource Management (SARM) at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, says she began the Letters to Lackland project when she realized she could make an impact on a trainee who may be feeling lonely--especially in this new climate of physical distancing. She believes getting the opportunity to write words of wisdom has great impacts on Airmen during one of the most formative and vulnerable parts of their Air Force career. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Rachael Parks)

Aspiring Air Force pilots: Don’t let height standards get in the way
November 7, 2019 — Those who aspire to one day become a U.S. Air Force aviator must first meet several requirements, including height, before they are considered for pilot training. For those who fall outside of the Air Force’s height requirements, height waivers are available... MORE

U.S. Air Force Maj. Nick Harris (left) and Capt. Jessica Wallander, instructor pilots with the 71st Flying Training Wing at Vance Air Force Base, Okla., stand side-by-side to illustrate the varying standing heights of Air Force pilots to dispel the myth that there is one height standard for all Air Force pilots. Height waivers are available for candidates that do not meet AFI 48-123 standards. If you are interested in learning more about height waivers, work with your commission source or contact the Air Force Call Center at 1-800-423-USAF. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy Photo)