AWC Commandant visits CAFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Danielle Powell
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
Major Gen. Steve Miller, Commandant of the Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., was the keynote speaker for the graduation of Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 07-12 July 27. 

After delivering his sage words of career guidance to the newest class of Air Force pilots, the general took his first flight in a T-6 Texan II. Immediately following his flight, the general was asked if he would come back to CAFB, General Miller said with a smile "Absolutely, make me a T-6 Instructor Pilot." 

"This is a wonderful base with a wonderful community. I have really enjoyed my visit. It has been a great opportunity to come here. I have had many dealings with different people here on base and everything has been world-class. And it looks like Columbus is a great place to live and work, " said General Miller about his first experience at Columbus AFB. 

As a pilot with more 2,800 flying hours in the T-37, T-38, F-15 and now the T-6, General Miller offered up a wealth of advice to future Air Force pilots. He encourages them to do their best and work their hardest while going through pilot training and throughout their military careers. "It is easy to spend time just learning how to fly, but it is also important to develop as officers. A large part of what an individual learns here is how to operate better as a team," said General Miller. 

The general spoke about upcoming opportunities that are being presented at the Air War College. Currently the Air War College is reorganizing programs to seek greater effectiveness and efficiencies to deliver education. Not only is the Air War College making these changes, but also all of the officers professional development courses that are offered at Maxwell AFB. 

"The great thing about education is that it is ever changing to accommodate the changing world around us," said General Miller. 

This is something CAFB is fully aware of being a pilot training base. Not only is the curriculum on a steady change as the fight to win the Global War on Terror changes, but a new aircraft, the T-6, has been added to the inventory.