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30 Years: AETC command chief retires from First Command
July 25, 2023 — Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson, command chief of Air Education and Training Command, closes out his 30-year career on July 28 in the same place where every enlisted Airmen begins their Air Force journey: The First Command... MORE

US. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson, command chief of Air Education and Training Command poses for a photo near the AETC headquarters building

Recruiters, MTIs, MTLs lay foundation for tomorrow’s forces
October 26, 2020 — For Air Education and Training Command, developing the Airmen we need doesn’t happen magically. It takes the right Airmen with the right training at the right time with the right focus. It means investing in our future by investing in force generators – recruiters, military training instructors and military training leaders... MORE

U.S. Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson (left), command chief for Air Education and Training Command, talks with Senior Master Sgt. Lorenda Wong (right) 737th Training Support Squadron superintendent, during a tour of the Pfingston Reception Center Oct. 15 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

New AETC Command Chief focused on Airmen and valuing force generation
August 4, 2020 — The First Command welcomed Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson as its new senior enlisted advisor to the commander and senior staff effective Aug. 1, 2020. Thompson, who replaces Chief Master Sgt. Julie Gudgel as the command chief of Air Education and Training Command, is coming into the position after serving as the 19th Air Force command chief... MORE

Official biography photo for Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson, command chief of Air Education and Training Command.