States since 1958. This training took place on various bases throughout
the states before it was moved to Holloman Air Force Base, NM, in 1992.
German Air Force pilot candidates learn to fly in Texas at U.S. Air
Force undergraduate pilot training. The future Weapon System Officers
(WSO) attend undergraduate navigator training at Pensacola NAS, Fl.
The U.S. Air Force's 20th Fighter Squadron at Holloman trained German
pilots and WSOs to fly the F-4F PHANTOM. In addition, the 20th
conducted the Flight Instructor (IP) and the Fighter Weapons Instructor
Course (FWIC). The German government paid the full cost of this
program. The 20th Fighter Squadron was inactivated on December 20,
2004.
The German Air Force Tactical Training Center (GAF TTC) was activated
as a tenant unit at Holloman AFB May 1, 1996. This program, based on a
memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two governments and
financed by the German Federal Ministry of Defence (FMOD), is unique by
the way that it allows the German Air Force to deploy and station their
TORNADO A/C permanently at Holloman AFB, NM. With the activation, 300
German military personnel and 12 Tornado aircraft joined Team Holloman.
The mission was to conduct a Fighter Weapons Instructor Course (FWIC)
for the TORNADO and advanced tactical training in preparation for
combat.
The Tactical Training Center was redesignated the German Air Force
Flying Training Center (GAF FTC) July 1, 1999 in conjunction with their
growing mission. In addition, German Air Force pilots and WSOs are now
learning to fly the TORNADO at Holloman AFB and instructor aircrews are
being trained as well. As of July 2007 there are 600 German military
personnel and 21 Tornado aircraft assigned to Holloman AFB, NM. These
numbers may increase up to 900 personnel and 42 A/C, depending on the
actual training needs.
There are numerous reasons the German Air Force trains here. The area
offers great flying weather and has suitable air space. Other reasons
are the proximity of Holloman AFB to the German Air Force Air Defense
Center (GAF ADC) at Ft. Bliss, TX and the centralizing of German
aircrew training for the TORNADO at a single location.
The GAF FTC consists of two Groups, the Training Group and the Support
Group. The Training Group holds the administrative staff which is
necessary to plan and support the flying courses. Within the Training
Group the Training Squadron is home of all the instructors and the
students.
The Support Group consists of three squadrons witch are the First Line
Maintenance Squadron, the Second Line Maintenance and Electronic
Squadron and the Supply Squadron.
Factsheet courtesy US Air Force
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