479th Flying Training Group
The 479th Flying Training Group, located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., is the U.S. Air Force's only training pipeline for combat systems officers. The 479th Operations Support Squadron, 479th Student Squadron, 455th Flying Training Squadron, and the 451st Flying Training Squadron work in concert to graduate as many as 400 CSOs annually. The 479th FTG develops USAF integrators of electromagnetic spectrum, sensor, and weapon operations. Humans-on-the-Loop synchronizing our diverse technologies; ingrained with the inherent skills to sense, target, and attack from the air. Eyes and ears in the sky of fellow Airmen. Leaders with an extraordinary ability to abstract environmental information and apply high-tech systems on an increasingly complex battlefield. These CSOs are trained to perform duties as electronic warfare officers, weapon systems officers, navigators, and special operations. The 479th FTG mission is to develop the world’s best Combat Systems Officers for the USAF.
451st Flying Training Squadron
The 451st FTS conducts advanced undergraduate combat systems officer training in 21 modified T-1A Jayhawk aircraft in addition to the T-25 training device. The modified T-1A holds an additional student and instructor station in the aft section of the aircraft. The aft training stations receive flight information from the aircraft's avionics, global positioning system and flight instruments, allowing simulated threats to be introduced to provide a virtual, real-time threat environment to students. The unit trains more than 350 active duty, guard and reserve officers in advanced navigation, electronic warfare, special operations, and weapon systems employment to meet service and combatant commander operational requirements. Trainees come to the 451st upon completion of primary training in the 455th FTS. Graduates of the 451st FTS attend formal training units throughout the combat, mobility and special operations air forces. The 451st FTS also conducts Instructor CSO mission qualification training. The 451st FTS mission is to train and educate exceptional Combat Systems Officers.
455th Flying Training Squadron
The 455th FTS conducts the primary phase of undergraduate combat systems officer training using a fleet of 22 T-6A Texan II aircraft. The squadron annually trains more than 350 CSO students annually, providing instruction in basic airmanship, flight discipline, crew coordination, crew resource management, and mission management. The 455th FTS also conducts theater indoctrination training for newly assigned instructor pilots. The 455th FTS mission is to create the aviation foundation in AF CSOs, propelling them to successful flying and professional careers.
479th Operations Support Squadron
The 479th OSS supports the primary and advanced phases of the undergraduate combat systems officer training. The squadron conducts academic training, scheduling, aviation resource management, communications, current operations, aircrew flight equipment, and flight physiology functions for the group. The 479th OSS is the home of two T-1A simulators, three T-6A simulators, and 18 T-25 simulators. The 479th OSS is also home to the Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations School (EMSO) and conducts advanced graduate electronic warfare training for U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, NATO and international military personnel. The 479th OSS mission is to support world-class Combat Systems Officer training and deliver top-quality Electronic Warfare education.
479th Student Squadron
The 479th STUS is the first stop for students and exercises administrative control of all students at USAF Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training. The mission of the 479th STUS is to prepare professional, motivated, and dedicated aviators through relevant, real-world focused simulator and academic training.