The summer crop of A-10 pilots flying out of Bagram AB, Afghanistan, are a true mixed bag—almost 50/50 active and reserve. The active duty pilots hail from Spangdahlem AB, Germany, and the Air Force Reserve Command pilots are from Whiteman AFB, Mo. The Reservists have more experience, but they all have extensive training in the Warthog’s dedicated close air support mission. And, says Reserve Col. Tony Johnson, in the end “an A-10 pilot is an A-10 pilot no matter where you go.”
The last remaining T-1 Jayhawk at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, took its final flight to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on July 15. The 99th Flying Training Squadron will train pilots using T-6 and simulator until it gets T-7 Red Hawk in fiscal 2026.