U.S. Department of War
03/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/16/2026 07:14
Leaders Survey Training Command's Impact on Force Lethality
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe visited Ebbing Air National Guard Base and Goodfellow Air Force Base March 9-10 to see how Air Education and Training Command is preparing Airmen for the demands of the operational Air Force. The visit highlighted how AETC develops foundational skills, strengthens partnerships and supports the readiness of Airmen and families.
At Ebbing ANGB, soon to become the Air Force's F-35 Foreign Military Sales training hub, Wilsbach and Wolfe met with Airmen supporting the 188th Wing's remotely piloted aircraft , intelligence and targeting missions, as well as the 85th Fighter Group's F-35 training enterprise. Leaders discussed how training international partners alongside U.S. Airmen strengthens interoperability and builds allied combat capacity, ensuring partner nations can integrate seamlessly into high-end coalition operations.
"Training with our partners strengthens deterrence and ensures we can integrate seamlessly in high-end operations," Wilsbach said. "We organize, train and equip the force to win, and the foundational education delivered here is essential to preparing every Airman and partner for the demands of modern conflict."
The engagements underscored how Ebbing ANGB 's mission contributes directly to expanding allied airpower and preparing partner nations to operate alongside U.S. forces.
At Goodfellow AFB, the leaders observed intelligence, fire protection and cryptologic training that supports AETC's mission to develop technically proficient Airmen for the joint force. During a tour of the 17th Training Group's cryptologic facilities, Wilsbach and Wolfe listened to foreign-language intercepts and discussed how Airmen are trained to analyze and act on them. They also examined how the group develops and inspires professional fire protection and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance warriors who underpin the Air Force's readiness and strategic advantage.
The senior leaders met with instructors and students across the 17th Training Wing to discuss how scenario-based instruction, mission command principles and modernized training environments are preparing Airmen for contested operations.
Wolfe emphasized the enterprise-wide impact of the training mission, saying, "Across AETC, Airmen are learning the skills, discipline and mindset required to compete and win. From technical training to leadership development, we are building a force that is ready for today's missions and prepared for tomorrow's challenges."
Wilsbach and Wolfe held an all-call with 17th Training Wing Airmen inside the Louis F. Garland Fire Academy high bay, where they discussed the importance of foundational training and the evolving demands of the operational environment.
Mrs. Cindy Wilsbach and Dr. Doniel Wolfe met with military families, installation leaders and community partners to discuss childcare, spouse employment, medical access and housing. Their engagements reinforced AETC's commitment to supporting families as a readiness imperative and highlighted the connection between family stability and Airman performance.
Throughout the immersion, Wilsbach and Wolfe emphasized that AETC is the entry point for Air Force readiness and modernization. From initial training to advanced flying, mobility operations and allied integration, their visit demonstrated how AETC operationalizes the CSAF's priorities to fly and fix, and if necessary, fight and win. By modernizing training systems, strengthening partnerships and investing in Airmen and families, AETC continues to deliver the ready, lethal and resilient force the nation requires.
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