Kracht graduates from Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals Published June 15, 2011 By Maj. Jon Elza 3rd Fighter Training Squadron VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 3rd Fighter Training Squadron graduated 1st Lt. Michael Kracht from Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals Class 11-HBV, June 13. Lieutenant Kracht completed this phase of training on his way to becoming a fighter pilot in the F-16 for the Combat Air Forces. He earned the Air-to-Air Top Gun award and will receive F-16 training at Luke AFB, Ariz. The 10-week IFF course begins with tactical formation flights and then introduces pilots to basic fighter maneuvers and air-to-air employment in offensive, defensive, and high aspect fight scenarios. Students bound for aircraft with an air-to-ground attack capability then move on to surface attack and surface attack tactics phases learning to employ ordnance against ground targets. The skills learned during IFF directly translate to the fighter aircraft these students will soon fly in their follow-on training and employ in combat. The 3rd FTS is responsible for active duty, Guard, reserve, and international flying training in the AT-38C aircraft. The 3rd FTS provides training to fighter pilots entering Air Force and international fighter weapons systems, which include the F-16, F-15C, F-15E, F-22 and A-10.