Where NATO’s fighter pilots are trained

There’s something that fighter pilots from Belgium, Denmark, Germany and 11 other NATO Allies have in common: their flying careers started in Texas, USA.
That’s where the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) programme has been training pilots since the early 80s, when a number of countries decided to found the programme at Sheppard Air Force Base. While conceived of as a cost-saving measure, giving Allies the chance to pool resources in the resource-intensive task of training new fighter pilots, this training has since become a place for students and instructors to pass on tactics and form multinational relationships that will span their careers. Allies contributing to this training are Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Throughout the course, students learn the fundamentals of flight, progressing from ground school to the prop-driven T-6 Texan trainer - and finally to the T-38 Talon, a supersonic jet trainer that prepares them for the physical and mental strain of flying tactical aircraft. With 12-hour working days and plenty of bookwork to supplement the flying, this course ensures that only the most skilled and most dedicated graduate serve as fighter pilots in their country’s air forces.
This video follows Royal Danish Air Force Lieutenant ”Bun” and Belgian Air Force Lieutenant Jade. Having since completed the programme, ‘Bun’ is now training to fly C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, while Jade is preparing to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Future generations of Belgian pilots will also have the chance to fly the F-35 Lightning II, as Belgium is in the process of adding these assets to its fleet. The first F-35A jet will enter service at Luke Air Force Base in the United States in 2024, and at Florennes Air Base in Belgium from 2025 onwards.
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[@yomama629]

The ceremony where they find out what aircraft they will fly is awesome

[@Lynn.knepper1280]

What is it? The Ceremony so I can look it up

[@scootertooter6874]

There are TONS of "Drop Night" videos on You Tube for the various classes. I am a retired AF Colonel, and I LOVE watching them - makes me realize there is a new generation of tigers out there to keep the traditions going.

[@till5520]

@@scootertooter6874 Thank you for your service, Sir!

[@SpressieAvi]

Bro, IM hyped!! It's frickin sick!!!

[@andrewyoonhobai8453]

yeah if I ever joined your airforce it would be like "you are flying the militaries only Cessna 172 with a flying banner" and I'm like 🙃

[@schlollepop]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate all those pilots flying A400, C130 or C-5? Much less glamour, but maybe even more vital than all the cool.fighter pilots?

[@Peirithous]

Yes!! Well said! Their contribution is crucial …! Will always be a tremendous need for pilots of A4OO , C13O etc 😍💛🙏

[@flightlinevr6302]

And all the Rotocraft Pilots too, Apache, Tiger, Stallion, Chinook, Hip, Cobra, EC/H-145, Gazelle, ...

[@trashblob]

I peronally think that logistical military aviation is way more interesting. And mindblowing af. The amount of tonnage able to fly .. that is just .. absolutely insane ..

[@dbz9393]

Fr I respect those AC-130 pilots and cargo pilots, it's a tough job

[@markberryhill2715]

One here all in favor of the C-130.

[@ItzKamatsu]

I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the excellent content that NATO consistently shares regarding military matters.

[@DarthVader20201]

The female fighter pilot overcoming all odds. Reminds me of Top Gun Maverick.

[@PtolemyCeasar]

General Mark Milley sends his regards.

[@Ezekiel903]

I hope this alliance will never break, it brought so much more security to all member state!

[@thecaptain2000]

@@DarthVader20201 I wish that lady fighter God Speed, however I remember that even for the Tornados, there was a rumor the Italian Air Force lowered a lot the physical bar, to be able to use female pilots. I hope that is not the case and those girls were not just there for showcase, as everybody's safety may depend on them being able to execute their job at the level that is necessary.

[@migueldelacruz4799]

That pilot that got the f-35 was exploding with awesome.

[@bjrnchrstn]

If only he knew how bad constructed that airframe is. Eagle guy and Viper girl got lucky.

[@luftwaffles274]

@@bjrnchrstn Viper girl can only fly F-16 (43), We Belgians don't have any other fighter jet than that. There are (34) F-35 on order but ain't coming for quite awhile.

[@cursedcat281]

@@bjrnchrstn lol. It's 2023 and we still have these guys believing that F-35 is crap. I'll bet on the F-35 against any airframe in existent.

[@6mmstyle775]

@@cursedcat281 probably subscribers of Pierre Sprey

[@MagMan4x4]

@@cursedcat281 it's only tards, russian and chinese bots that think that the F35 is crap.

[@frankb8898]

Congrats to all of you, Young Generations of NATO Pilots. As a former Pilot student at Reese AFB - Texas, in 1981-82 ( the Joint NATO Fighter Pilots was still a Project at the time) I graduate with the Class 82/07. I still remember my Graduation Day and I could feel the excitement these Jong Pilots felt on “their day”. What an amazing experience was flying with the T37 (in use in those days) and the T38. Even better was the Fighter Training School in Holloman AFB (New Mexico). Form a former Italian Air Force Pilot to all you I forward my strong respect for such an achievement and may the sky reward you with all the best. Good luck and Fly High. Regards.

[@topgunm]

What plane did you get after graduation?

[@thiesvanwilgenburg9392]

Probably an f16 because he is dutch@@topgunm

[@701Builder]

I was an aircraft mechanic (crew chief) on A-10s at Myrtle Beach AFB. I did my initial training at Shepard AFB in 1985. Lots of terrific memories and wonderful people..students and instructors. Myrtle Beach and many of the bases I visited TDY for exercises like Victorville , Barbers Point NAS in Oahu were closed down. Lackland and Shepard are the only 2 left I know! Nice to see Shepard still going strong! Congrats to all these new pilots!

[@JUNIOR-ey3xu]

The one about to fly the f-35 😂😂😂

[@6by6by6]

My cousins son Casey was top of his class as a NATO fighter pilot and went on to become one of the first F-22 raptor pilots.. Now flying for Alaska airlines 👨‍✈️ Pretty big accomplishment for a quiet humble farm kid from Oregon..

[@rometheceoo]

❤️❤️🙏

[@bladfadsfblaadsfsadf900]

On a daily basis, as a Navy student pilot, I interact with fellow students from Spain, Italy, France, etc, and I have the utmost respect for them. Considering you “lose 50% of your brain power when you hop in the cockpit”, these guys not only overcome that, but do it in a non-native language. It’s humbling, and I’m glad they’re on our side.

[@Asator66]

Can you explain the brain power thing? Is that an 'in' joke in the army or is their truth behind it?

[@benjaminthorsen2848]

"Hometown" "French Belgium" lmao

[@frank-ko6de]

This truly helps you understand the enormity of the USA contribution to the NATO alliance.

[@LV_CRAZY]

Yes but in the end it is a team effort.

[@MyDagfinn]

True, but worthwhile remembering each country pays for itself and brings its own aircraft.

[@omgsrsly]

It also comes as a benefit to the US that the member states decided to enter an alliance with them, instead of creating a completely independent one of their own, which would consequently have led to the necessity and the creation of equal military forces for self-defense and counterbalance. It turned out to be a win-win situation for everyone without another arms-race.

[@ranishkA123]

What this video misses is that Canada does the same thing. The Portage La Prairie and CFB Cold Lake flight training schools train pilots all across NATO including US, UK, Singapore, etc.

[@JamesJoyce12]

it is not free - these countries pay the usaf

[@ProBioMech]

That’s a lot of T38s! Those things were awesome from the maintenance side. Damn near unbreakable

[@user-em2gz1wh2n]

Great exchange at Sheppard AFB and Wichita Falls, Texas! My Dad was stationed there 3 times during my US Military Family career. Salute!

[@rwallage]

My father was there as a member of the Royal Dutch Airforce, in the early 50's flying the T6 and later the P-51D...

[@Bushmaster141]

Greetings from Brazil, I just wish you all the very best and I also wanna say thank you for your service, you guys makes the skies safer and the world a better place. Keep up the good job.

[@timlinator]

As an American and New Yorker I grew up in the shadows of the twin towers and my dad, an immigrant from Ireland, worked on the construction of those towers so I was deeply touched when NATO invoked article 5 for the first time and only time so far in its 70 year history. I am also a dual US/EU citizen and strong supporter of NATO, US and EU. Long live NATO, Slava Ukraine and welcome Finland and Sweden to the family. I support Ukraine joining NATO.

[@bogtrottername7001]

You have expressed the sentiments of so many of us !

[@henboker3]

Wonderful to have others who believe in freedom and order training in Texas, becoming acquainted with a free world community. Welcome to America, friends. I love the positive comments.

[@CausticLemons7]

Awesome! I love that they get that camaraderie and the chance to support and celebrate each other during training.

[@bradlavassaur8265]

Awesome video! The best part was seeing the excitement of the students, when they find out what aircraft they will ultimately be assigned to. Super cool!! Thank you so much for sharing this video. I really enjoyed it. Have a great day. 😊

[@NATO]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JoeyIndolos]

When I watched the assignment of pilots to specific types of planes, I couldn’t help but think of the sorting hat ceremony in Harry Potter 😄

[@lefterisgeorgiou4424]

Greetings from Hellenic Air Force. I was there 23 years ago......

[@user-vg3yc6gk5f]

It's so gratifying to see these young people who are so dedicated to protecting the world. God bless them all

[@oliverlabudik3355]

protecting their country ...... in a different country

[@smiley.6534]

I live under a common path taken by the Belgian air force, Jade has probably flown over me. Awesome!

[@Mr44magnum0706]

To think that these countries have came together to support each other. What an amazing thing to be apart of.

[@unkn0wnv1rus3]

I love how they have slides for the pilots. Jade "Spunky" Weakness is closing the canopy xD

[@itsomethingreat]

Impresionante. Enhorabuena a todos estos jóvenes que persiguen su pasión.

[@svarturhrafn760]

Love and glory to the Alliance from Austria! I hope we'll be part of NATO soon.

[@sEEKllsevN]

Absolutely!

[@robertjamesonmusic]

That would be incredible.

[@peabase]

If the Ukraine war won't do it, what will it take for Austria to join NATO? Or for Austria to properly support Ukraine, which doesn't require NATO membership.

[@Doenerwerfer]

wird zeit

[@javanava8925]

I really hope so but I just don't see it happening. Your government isn't even tough enough towards Russia. But, let's see in the future...

[@buyezspace]

I got to tour the base, get to go in all of the buildings shown, and even fly their T-38 sim, and guys, it's awesome

[@Traumglanz]

Yes, Texus sounds exactly what I would have said. My dad's best friend, old german air force guy, used to train there.

[@cesmigs8502]

This is an amazing and emotional film. I just realized you're doing this training here in my amazing state of Texas.

[@freyafabulous3323]

I love to see that they are all such good friends and teammates!

[@BruceWSims]

Not just uniformity in skillset and performance but a sense of knowing the relationship between their loyalty to their individual country and to that of the Coalition. You can't buy or make that sort of growth. It has to be instilled and encouraged from within. What a great video!!!

[@NATO]

Thanks for watching and leaving such a nice comment! Glad you enjoyed the video and its message.

[@drittpassord]

video kept a good focus on Lt. Jade! Stunningly beautiful with a nice smile.

[@nightcall7398]

I loved the fact that they get to see what jet they pilot. I can only imagine how exciting that could be!

[@grkuntzmd]

I imagine that since they are trained on the same or similar tactics, if they were ever call upon to fight side-by-side in a real war, that would help greatly to allow multi-nation squadrons.

[@TrumpIsGoingToPrison]

That IS the point. :)

[@ibiskiils]

this is so interesting! maybe i´ll choose that path.

[@SD-fg8rb]

love the folks at ENJJPT! missing sheppard everyday!

[@ultimativeslexikon5436]

Thank you, now i can't choose in which branch i want to serve in.

[@ala2058]

Stoya's gonna make a great fighter pilot! 👏 👏 👏

[@t3chn0m0]

That Belgian girl really has the right spirit and drive =). That's why she will be one of the first Belgian Pilots, transfering from the F16 to the F35.

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

That's a pretty sweet way to learn what your fighter will be

[@DarthVader20201]

The F-35 Lightning II is the most advanced ATF

[@lagershutz3527]

Thank you for your service, for the heart and effort you put! Cheers from Finland

[@preussenproductz]

Love NATO from America 🇺🇸💙

[@Dasycottus]

The moment where the whole class picks up Jade to celebrate with her 😂🥳 Fantastic

[@teqnkka4403]

The best of the best of the best just like in MIB, all jokes aside, respect, big respect!

[@mrbrand4720]

Looks interesting and i can imagine it having a positive effect on a fighter pilot . Regards from Sweden

[@zagrepcanin82]

we are NATO! best wishes to young pilots from Croatia

[@BradFalck-mn3pc]

There is a holiday inn in Trenton Ontario next to the RCAF base with a CF 5 stuck in the lawn like that T38

[@shivraj8036]

Looks like real life Top Gun

[@ysbrand1114]

I really want to join the royal Dutch airforce hopefully in a couple years I'll be here :)

[@marino4691]

The F5 is so beautiful

[@user-xz9hu4rd2v]

At Shepard to a larger extent, but the other pilot training bases also train foreign students. At Columbus AFB I taught to fly Algerian, Japanese, and Italian students.

[@feonor26]

This was my goal and dream, but sadly I didn't get past the medical check as the doc said "You need glasses" :(

[@thecringeinspector5636]

Absolutely awesome, thank you. Loving NATO even here from the Czech Republic!

[@jaroslavpetracek2188]

Nice video - and thank you for guardian our sky over not just over Europe! Greeting from Czech rep

[@omerijaz20]

truly inspirational!!

[@PaulScholtes1980]

The aircraft you see from 1:16 to 1:17 If i'm not mistaken, that's the F4 Phantom that was also widely used during the war in Vietnam, right?

[@joec7724]

Yes. That model is an F-4E.

[@MrJeepCanada]

Those jets look like an F-5 don't know much about that plane but there is one near a Canadian base in Montreal CF-5 really love that look

[@vyoin3133]

Together strong! Greetings from TR

[@rchristie5401]

Outstanding video!

[@sahilrana3383]

I just love this video

[@robertlaabs5066]

Interesting! Thank You!

[@ErukanuSenpai]

All learning in the same place is a very good thing - uniform knowledge for all !

[@engineers_hub]

Goose bumps!

[@ShyRaven2161]

Love to see collaboration like this!

[@haemse]

Awesome vid!

[@NATO]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jlrice571]

I love this. Stay safe out there kids. 👏👏

[@Jouberproductions]

NATO is best

[@beyourselfmusic_1986]

there are definitely some Top Gun mustaches there!

[@Nate75YouTube]

Hello from Marin County, California! ❤️‍🔥🌁 Beautiful pilots! Thanks for sharing, NATO. 🤔 6:51

[@cliveashleyhamilton]

We've all seen how UKR has been able to survive just and how important that has been. It's a really tough job for these people, excellence isn't demanded, it's a requirement, a requirement to win through complete perfection at all times

[@mtbwithjure7809]

Is it only for jet pilots? Slovenia has prop planes, can those pilots also go to this training?

[@CharChar2121]

Woooooo! 🎉 With love, from America. 🇺🇸

[@MrFlipperf4f]

Is Duffy's still the place to meet on Friday evening?

[@illiria2000]

Much respect from an Albanian

[@wpeaston]

Looks like a fantastic unit

[@Dylan-cr5ub]

Congrats to all the fighter pilots, love from Belgium 🇧🇪 ❤✌.

[@LordMuzhy]

I love the Belgium accent, that girl reminds me of Swen Vick from Larian

[@TheGrace020]

Epic 😻

[@thormusique]

Bravo! This is so wonderful to see, and I humbly thank you all for your service. Cheers!

[@donquixote1502]

Very impressing school. 👍👍

[@steffenweng7613]

Thank you awesome young people 😎

[@kevintaylor791]

Raise a glass to Lt. "Bun"... You're still in the game mate.

[@pennylane428]

This was so interesting. Thank you.🇺🇸

[@Dimaz42]

could they change to other aircraft after Drop Night, when they have enough experience? 🤔

[@Box0rz]

The amount of moustaches... The Top Gun: Maverick effect :D

[@Jon.......]

02:08 | I've never heard of a "turboprop jet" before. Please explain. As I understand things, the T-6 is a turboprop where as the T-38 is a turbojet.

[@tanderson596]

You're quite right. It's a turboprop. Calling it a 'turboprop jet' is only likely to cause confusion.

[@cheongkitvong7449]

Nice Video 👍

[@jetfusion1532]

Signed up for it too when I was 24, but didn't make the lottery. Now I'm stuck with PC simulators as next best thing 😂

[@amonhaq3103]

I like the ceremony where they find out what aircraft they are going to be flying for the whole career. It’s nice :)

[@alexjack5158]

lol not whole career. They switch up often. This piloting roles are only for short term due to health fitness requirements. It takes big impact on the body alll that air pressure.They later become trainers/instructors or pilot commercial planes for the public.

[@romans6two338]

NATO is the greatest alliance in the world!

[@paulomatheus_]

How long to finish the course?

[@Tamereno]

Pretty awesome!

[@flying_salt]

That guy who got the F-35 lol

[@agoogleuser2369]

Ahhh... These young men and women are so lucky to have these opportunities...! ❤ (the T-6 Texan is NOT a turbo-prop jet. It's just a turbo-prop)

[@Garrus_Vakarian_N7]

Serb from Montenegro ❤ Shepard AirForce Squadron

[@rebelvodka99302]

5:13 bro unlocked top tier

[@sveniiizgaming2685]

I’m red-green colorblind, is it still a option to get success in my dream of flying a fighter jet?

[@Bryan-cd9cl]

Full emotional when u receive Ur dedicated airframe in front of all your fellow comrade...sadly for those who expecting flying a jet...but They Would be sent to a c-130..or any other bus liner 😢

[@EagleOneM1953]

Not only in Sheppard base here in Texas but also Luke AFB in Arizona. Belgium is about to receive its first F-35s and the first ones will be delivered to Luke where Belgian pilots will get their training on it before flying it in their country in much adverse weather conditions...it rains an awful lot in my native country... Congrats on a very well made view of NATO pilot training...

[@RoughRyderr]

There are several "UPT" pilot bases across the US to include in Louisiana, Oklahoma and a couple others that I can't think of off the top of my head.