3rd FTS to stand up Thursday

Published April 20, 2007

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A new fighter training squadron will be stood up during an assumption of command ceremony at Vance Air Force Base at 2 p.m., Thursday in Hangar 199.

Lt. Col. Tom Tyson will assume command of the 3rd Fighter Training Squadron consisting of more than 20 instructor pilots who will teach Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals using T-38C aircraft.

The squadron's relocation was based on the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Committee's decision to relocate the IFF training mission from Moody AFB, Ga., to several pilot training bases within Air Education and Training Command, including Vance.

The 3rd FTS eventually will consist of 15 T-38C aircraft, more than 20 instructor pilots and classes of six to eight students beginning their course work each month.

The 40-day course teaches recently minted pilots the basics of air-to-ground and air-to-air combat.

All students in the 3rd FTS will be Vance pilot training graduates who completed their training in the T-38 fighter-bomber track. IFF graduates then move on to receive advanced training in their assigned aircraft.

Students will pursue one of three tracks. "A" track, or air-to-air, will be for students who will be assigned to the F-15C. "B" track students will train for a dual air-to-air or air-to-ground role and will go on to fly the F-16 or the F-15E. "C" track will teach primarily air-to-ground tactics to students assigned to fly the A-10.

Besides actual flying hours and simulator rides, A track students will complete more than 66 hours of academic work, compared to 87 hours for B track and 85 hours for C track. An additional T-38 simulator will be brought in to accommodate IFF students.