{"id":30102,"date":"2020-08-03T20:04:49","date_gmt":"2020-08-03T20:04:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/uncategorized\/2020\/08\/03\/be-a-bro-how-a-commanders-sexism-derailed-this-pilot-training-class-and-brought-down-aetc-leaders\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T20:52:34","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T20:52:34","slug":"be-a-bro-how-a-commanders-sexism-derailed-this-pilot-training-class-and-brought-down-aetc-leaders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/news\/your-air-force\/2020\/08\/03\/be-a-bro-how-a-commanders-sexism-derailed-this-pilot-training-class-and-brought-down-aetc-leaders\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Be a bro\u2019: How a commander\u2019s sexism derailed this pilot training class \u2014 and brought down AETC leaders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are two types of women who fly<\/a> in Combat Air Forces, a female student pilot was told by her flight commander in early 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, there are the \u201cbros,\u201d female pilots<\/a> who have \u201ctough skin\u201d and simply shrug off offensive comments, the flight commander told her during a mid-term feedback session after her checkride in a T-38. These women are more likely to be chosen for leadership positions, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then there are those women who are \u201ceasily offended,\u201d he said, according to her responses to a May 1, 2018, commander-directed investigation into harassment, sexual misconduct, hazing and other misconduct in the 87th Flying Training Squadron, part of the 47th Flying Training Wing at Laughlin Air Force Base<\/a> in Texas. Their future opportunities would be limited, he implied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing that didn\u2019t factor into his calculus, he told her: Flying ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her heart sank as she listened to her superior officer rattle off stereotypes about female pilots. It wasn\u2019t the first time she had experienced sexism while learning to fly in the 87th \u2014 and it wouldn\u2019t be the last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The investigation, obtained by Air Force Times through the Freedom of Information Act, provides more context to the misconduct and leadership failures that led to the abrupt firing of three commanders in October 2018, including the former wing commander of the 47th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it also shows how an Undergraduate Pilot Training flight\u2019s culture can deteriorate under the command of an officer who made what investigators called \u201csexist remarks,\u201d demeaned female pilots and allowed an atmosphere of sexism to fester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also provides a glimpse of the challenges women can face while trying to break into the heavily male-dominated world of Air Force pilots. An environment that goes wrong, the report shows, can lead to promising female aviators feeling like they have to stay silent and endure sexual harassment to avoid derailing their careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a statement provided to Air Force Times, Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, commander of the 19th Air Force that oversees flying training, said harassment in any form, or actions that degrade or marginalize anyone, is unacceptable in his command or the Air Force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAETC and 19th Air Force are committed to fostering a climate where every airman feels welcome, valued and included,\u201d Wills said. \u201cEvery flying instructor in AETC is held to a high standard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wills said that to make sure problems like the harassment in the 87th doesn\u2019t happen again, the 19th has improved its training and increased reporting requirements. It also continues to hold commanders accountable for their unit climate and their airmen\u2019s health and success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhile the vast majority of our instructor force is setting an excellent example, we will deal swiftly and firmly with any reports of conduct that fails to match our standards,\u201d Wills said. \u201cWe owe our airmen, family members and citizens an Air Force that exemplifies our national aspirations and ideals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Air Force has grown increasingly concerned in recent years about the lack of diversity in its pilot corps, and has sought to try to remove barriers that prevent or discourage women and minorities from trying to become pilots. Last year, the service said only 6 percent of its pilots were women.<\/p>\n\n\n\t