 In 1961 to 1962, he took the U.S. Air Force's Jet Qualification Course at Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.In 1962, he continued his training at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, for aerial gunnery and combat training.When Bautista returned from overseas training, he was posted at Basa Air Base, but was reassigned to the 6th Tactical Fighter Squadron flying the North American F-86 Sabre.