Air Training Command

• Establishment: Air Training Command (ATC) was established on 1 July 1946 as a major command of the United States Air Force to consolidate and oversee all Air Force training programs after World War II. • World War II Roots: ATC's lineage can be traced back to the Army Air Forces Training Command, which trained hundreds of thousands of airmen during World War II. • Mission: ATC was responsible for recruiting and training Air Force personnel, including pilots, navigators, and technical specialists. • Pilot Training Innovations: ATC introduced the use of jet aircraft in pilot training during the 1950s, keeping pace with rapid technological advances in aviation. • Women in Training: The command played a pivotal role in integrating women into the Air Force through programs like Women in the Air Force (WAF) training. • Vietnam War Era: During the Vietnam War, ATC dramatically increased training outputs to meet the demand for aircrews and support personnel. • Technical Training: Beyond flight training, ATC administered technical training schools for maintenance, electronics, medical, and other specialties. • Command Restructuring: In 1993, Air Training Command was inactivated and succeeded by the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), reflecting a broader educational mission. • Notable Bases: Key ATC bases included Lackland AFB (basic training), Randolph AFB (pilot training), and Sheppard AFB (technical training). • Legacy: Many of the Air Force's most distinguished leaders, including generals and astronauts, began their careers under the training programs managed by ATC.