COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The path from college graduate to military pilot runs directly through the 14th Student Squadron at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, where annually over 469 student pilots from 25 nations receive the administrative foundation and academic instruction essential to earning their wings.
As the largest squadron at Columbus AFB, the 14th Student Squadron operates 27 aircraft simulators and provides comprehensive support that enables the 14th Flying Training Wing to meet its mission of training world-class pilots through the new Future Undergraduate Pilot Training course for the T-6 Texan II, the Graduate Pilot Training program for the T-38 Talon, and XPW (Accelerated Path to Wings) program for the T-1 Jayhawk.
“The Student Squadron is the starting point for each student’s pilot training journey, and we maintain a presence all along the way,” said Lt. Col. Jerry Rives, 14th Student Squadron commander. “After onboarding is complete, we work diligently to prepare students with the foundational skills necessary to succeed in flying training, and ultimately, in combat.” The squadron's 21 active duty and 82 civilian personnel maintain administrative control over approximately 700 students simultaneously, managing training records and providing daily support through all phases of the UPT program. This administrative framework allows the wing to conduct an average of 260 sorties daily.
Students receive classroom instruction in aircraft systems, navigation and employment before progressing to simulator training on T-1 Jayhawk, T-6 Texan II and T-38C Talon platforms. The squadron conducts all syllabus-directed simulator events for these aircraft, providing the foundation required before students advance to flight training in the aircraft.
“Preparing students to get airborne in our training aircraft is truly a team sport. In addition to the classroom and simulator instruction, the Student Squadron is collaborating daily with medical providers, aerospace physiologists, and aviation resource managers to ensure the students are properly cleared and prepared to take flight,” said Rives. “The squadron maintains student pilot training records at Columbus, ensuring seamless continuity as students progress from academics through primary and advanced training phases. This meticulous record-keeping enables Columbus AFB to train approximately 469 pilots annually as part of the Air Force's goal to produce 1,500 pilots per year.”
International students from 25 nations train alongside American pilots, building partnerships that extend beyond graduation. Each international graduate returns to their home country with standardized training that supports coalition operations.
“Training with international students is one of the most beneficial parts of what we do,” said Rives. “Our students and instructors, regardless of nationality, gain experience which will help them in future fights.”
The squadron's simulator operations maximize training efficiency while reducing aircraft requirements. Students complete required simulator events before progressing to actual flight training, ensuring they enter the cockpit with foundational knowledge of aircraft systems and procedures.
Columbus AFB began training pilots in 1942 and has maintained its pilot training mission since returning to Air Education and Training Command in 1969. The base currently operates 243 aircraft and maintains an economic impact of $315 million annually in Mississippi.
The Air Force is leading AETC through the scaling of a new Initial Pilot Training model designed to streamline the path to wings while maintaining training standards. The 14th Student Squadron provides the foundation for students entering this evolving training environment.
“I expect the future environment our students will be serving in will look markedly different than what we’ve seen before, which will require adaptability and resilience,” said Rives. “Maintaining a critical eye on how we train these students now will help ensure they’re prepared to prevail in future conflicts, and that we’re able to produce the pilots our nations need.”
Students who complete the UPT program at Columbus receive their pilot wings and proceed to follow-on training in their assigned aircraft. The administrative and academic foundation provided by the 14th Student Squadron enables this progression while ensuring graduates meet Air Force standards for military pilots.
The squadron's dual role as administrative hub and academic powerhouse makes them essential to daily operations at Columbus AFB. Every sortie flown by the wing begins with 14th Student Squadron administrative support and academic preparation, demonstrating their critical contribution to the 14th Flying Training Wing's mission of training world-class pilots.