AETC issues official COVID-19 mission essential training determination, authorizes travel

  • Published
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

Air Education and Training Command released a formal memorandum outlining the command's mission essential training determination during the new coronavirus outbreak. The signed memo officially authorizes travel for recruits and Airmen who are scheduled to attend basic military training, technical training and flying training.

Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, AETC commander, signed the memorandum which was sent to AETC commanders and the Air Force’s Personnel Center March 18.

"AETC executes the critical mission of training and preparing our servicemen and women to provide for the national defense and current worldwide military missions," Webb stated in the memorandum titled Mission Essential Determination — Basic Military Training and Technical Training. "Maintaining AETC's recruiting, training and education activities and pipeline is critical to the operational mission success of our commanders executing the National Security Strategy."

Per the memorandum, Webb stated AETC will continue to: "recruit and access Airmen; train candidates and enlistees in Officer Training School, ROTC and basic military training; develop Airmen in technical and flying training; and deliver advanced academic education such as the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College."


Webb also stated the AETC training is "mission essential" and "therefore, Airmen (officer and enlisted) assigned to these AETC training courses are mission essential and must travel. Upon graduation from this training, Airmen must move to their next duty station or follow-on training pursuant to AFPC guidelines." Additionally, Air Force Institute of Technology graduates are included.

To download a copy of the Mission Essential Determination — Basic Military Training and Technical Training memorandum, click here. Airmen with follow-up questions should contact their immediate chain of command, while recruits set to travel to basic military training should contact their local recruiters for further guidance.