MAY 12, 2026 – The Department of Air Force has initiated the reassignment of combat air forces formal training units from Air Education and Training Command to Air Combat Command.
This strategic move, overseen by Gen. Adrian Spain, ACC commander, and Lt. Gen. Clark Quinn, AETC commander, aims to enhance readiness by streamlining the training pipeline for fighter and remotely piloted aircraft units.
“The reassignment of fighter and RPA formal training units under their lead MAJCOM is the first step in optimizing how we train for the challenges of modern warfare,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach. “Airmen get a great start in AETC, and ACC will build upon that foundation, incorporating our front-line tactics directly into the training pipeline. The objectives for this reassignment are to accelerate readiness, minimize breaks in training, and ensure Airmen are ready to take on any mission.”
Air Force FTUs specialize in developing operational proficiency for aircrew members assigned to advanced weapon systems. These units provide system and mission-specific training, ensuring a seamless transition from foundational skills to combat-readiness.
The reassignment leverages ACC’s resources and expertise as the lead command responsible for organizing, training and equipping combat air forces. This initiative is expected to accelerate the production of combat-ready Airmen while enhancing operational efficiency.
“AETC has built the foundation of our combat Airmen for decades and will remain instrumental in providing the skills and mindset to the broader force that underpin our warfighting capability,” Spain said. “As the strategic environment grows more dynamic and the pace of operations increases, this reassignment ensures the operational community is more tightly linked to the CAF training enterprise. That connection strengthens the core of our warfighting framework, enables ACC to manage risk across the full spectrum, and reinforces the agility, lethality, and velocity required to keep pace with operational reality.”
AETC has been instrumental in managing FTUs and producing combat-ready Airmen. This reassignment allows AETC to sharpen its focus on providing pilots and maintenance Airmen with critical foundational skills while ACC hones their advanced skills and tactics for high-end conflict.
“AETC’s commitment to the U.S. Air Force is to forge the world’s most capable Airmen,” said Lt. Gen. Clark Quinn, AETC commander. “This transition enables Air Combat Command to begin shaping the Airmen AETC provides on day one of their time in front-line combat aircraft and helps strengthen the bond between operational units and training units. For more than eight decades the Airmen of ‘the First Command’ have laid the foundation of airpower, and we’ll continue to do so as we provide the highest quality graduates to Air Combat Command as they consolidate the fighter training enterprise within ACC.”
Some FTUs will reassign specific units or courses under ACC, while others will reassign entire wings or installations. Total Force associations will not change. An AETC-ACC transition task force will ensure a smooth and seamless transition for affected personnel and their families.
The conditions-based reassignment planned for this summer includes:
- F-35 Formal Training Unit, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. and Ebbing Field, Ark.
- F-35 FTU, 56th FW, Luke AFB, Ariz.
- F-16 and MQ-9 FTUs, 49th Wing, Holloman AFB, N.M.
- F-16 FTU, 149th FW, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas
- F-16 FTU, 162nd FW, Morris Field, Ariz.
- F-35 FTU, 173rd FW, Kingsley Field, Ore.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs