United States Air Force Basic Military Training (also known as BMT or boot camp) is an eight and a half week rigorous program of physical and mental training required in order for an individual to become an Airman in the United States Air Force, United States Air Force Reserve, or Air National Guard. It is carried out at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. BMT is designed to be both mentally and physically challenging, as well as requiring the individual to quickly adjust psychologically to an unfamiliar way of life.
Those wishing to become officers will attend the United States Air Force Academy, Officer Training School, or Reserve Officer Training Corps.
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Lackland Air Force Base conducts the Air Force's only enlisted recruit training program, ensuring orderly transition from civilian to military life. Recruits are trained in the fundamental skills necessary to be successful in an Expeditionary Air Force. This includes basic war skills, military discipline, physical fitness, drill and ceremonies, Air Force core values and a comprehensive range of subjects relating to Air Force life.
More than 7 million young men and women have entered Air Force basic military training since Feb. 4, 1946, when the training mission was moved to Lackland from Harlingen Air Force Base, Texas. Throughout its history, Lackland's BMT program has changed in many ways to meet the operational needs of the Air Force. Yet, recent updates in the curriculum are some of the most significant in its more than 60-year history, with every aspect of the program overhauled.
On Nov. 7, 2005, BMT changed its curriculum to focus on a new kind of Airman—one who is a 'warrior first.' The goal is to instill a warrior mindset in trainees from day one and better prepare Airmen for the realities of the Expeditionary Air Force.
The changes resulted from the need to meet current and future operational Air Force requirements. In September 2004, the 20th Basic Military Training Review Committee met at Lackland and recommended significant changes in the focus, curriculum and schedule.[1]
Military Training Instructors or TIs are the instructors that are responsible for most of the training that takes place in BMT. They accompany trainees throughout the training process, instructing and correcting them in everything from correct procedures for firing a weapon to the correct way to speak to a superior. They are known for their campaign covers typically called "Smokey the Bear" or "Smokey" hats. Unlike the Marine Corps and Army Drill Instructors, Training Instructor hats are a dark blue, instead of the well known brown.
There really is no typical day in Air Force Basic Military Training, however here is a breakdown of how a day might proceed.[2]
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0445 | Reveille | Wakeup |
| 0500 | Downstairs in formation | Get ready for PT |
| 0500-0600 | Physical Training | This will alternate. One day you will run, the next day you do anaerobic exercises. |
| 0600-0615 | Breakfast | |
| 0630-0745 | Dorm Setup | Make beds and make sure everything is in order |
| 0800-1130 | Daily Activities | Drilling, classes, records checks, shots, uniform issue, etc. |
| 1130–1230 | Lunch | |
| 1300-1700 | Classroom/dorm instruction | Mail call is performed during this time |
| 1700–1800 | Dinner | |
| 1900–2045 | Set up the dorm for nighttime | |
| 2100 | Taps | Lights out |
Prior to arriving at basic training, all prospective trainees undergo a physical examination by a doctor at their local Military Entrance Processing Station or MEPS. Trainees receive their initial weigh-in when they arrive at Lackland. If the trainee is under or over the height and weight standards, the trainee is placed on double rations if underweight (known colloquially in BMT as a "skinny"), or in a "diet" status if overweight.
All trainees receive three meals a day, also known as "chow time." These are either served at the dining facility (DFAC, also known as the "chow hall"), or as a Meal, Ready-to-Eat during field training. Meal time may last 30 minutes or less, depending on the order the flight arrives at the chow hall. Trainees are mandated a minimum of 20 minutes to consume each meal. However, trainees usually receive less than five minutes to actually eat their meal, kindly referred to as "Sit, Eat, and Get Out." Much of the 20 minutes may be spent waiting in line, trainee "water monitors" reporting in the chow hall, and removing, properly storing, and re-donning any carried equipment.
Trainees that sustain injuries or illnesses that disrupt their training are transferred to the Medical Rehabilitation Flight of the 319th Training Squadron. Once they are again medically fit, the trainee will generally return to their prior training squadron as part of a flight currently at an equivalent place in the training cycle that they left.
Basic Military Training is an eight and a half week cycle of training which begins with the receiving phase (also known as zero week) and ending with graduation.
Inbound trainees are transported to Air Force Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base. Upon arrival at Lackland, trainees will be assigned to a Squadron and a Flight. Trainees will then be rushed up to their dorm rooms were they will be given a bed and a locker they will take care of for the next eight and a half weeks. They will also be briefed on meal time procedures in the Dining Facility (DFAC), and other essential ground rules that will apply throughout the duration of Basic Training.
As the initial uniform issue is not until the following Thursday or Friday, trainees will be required to wear civilian clothes for at least one full day. During this period, trainees will be referred to as a "Rainbow Flight" or simply as "Rainbows", because of the flight's bright and varied clothing.[3] In order to break in their new boots, trainees will alternate wearing sneakers and boots with their newly issued uniforms until the end of Zero Week, earning them the nickname "Sneaker Weekers" or "Baby Flights". After first clothing issue, civilian belongings and baggage will be secured and stored for the remainder of BMT.
Trainees will undergo a urinalysis test the day after arrival. Any trainee that fails the drug test will immediately be separated from the military. The trainees are given an opportunity to phone a family member to inform them of safe arrival and mailing instructions, then are searched for contraband. Next, males receive their first military haircut, where they are left essentially bald. Females are instructed in the authorized hairstyling, which allow hair to be short enough to not touch the collar or in a bun.
Zero week only lasts until the first Sunday when trainees can attend the religious service of their choice.
The remainder of in-processing involves completion of paperwork, receiving vaccines and medical tests and the first physical fitness test.
The first test will consist of one minute timed push ups, one minute of sit ups, and a timed 1.5 mile run. After the first physical fitness test all Trainees will be put into a fitness group. If a Trainee does not meet the basic needs he/she will be put into a remedial group that will have extra PT sessions through out the week.
After the first physical fitness test the MTI can issue disciplinary action in the form of typical push ups, flutter kicks, and squat thrust or any other exercise that the MTI thinks is necessary as a punishment for simple mistakes. Trainees will be expected to adhere to the rules by this time or face discipline by physical exercise, or go through the chain of command depending on the severity of the misconduct.
The following chart shows physical fitness achievement levels as well as the minimum requirements for graduating Air Force Basic Military Training:
| Males | Run(1.5 mile) | Push-ups | Sit-ups | Pull-ups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberator (minimum graduation standard) | 11:57 min. | 33 | 42 | 0 |
| Thunderbolt (honor graduate standard) | 9:30 min. | 55 | 60 | 5 |
| Warhawk (extraordinary - highest standard) | 8:55 min. | 65 | 70 | 10 |
| Females | Run(1.5 mile) | Push-ups | Sit-ups | Pull-ups |
| Liberator (minimum graduation standard) | 14:21 min. | 27 | 50 | 0 |
| Thunderbolt (honor graduate standard) | 12:00 min. | 32 | 55 | 2 |
| Warhawk (extraordinary - highest standard) | 10:55 min. | 40 | 60 | 5 |
This is the Pre-Deployment Phase. Here trainees will sit down with a job counselor and are shown a list of jobs they qualify for, and that are available, and are instructed to prioritize that list in order of preference. The job counselors then take the preferences, and the preferences of all of the other recruits in the same week of training that are in the same guaranteed aptitude area, and try and work it out the best they can to give everyone the preferences they want.[4] Those who enlisted with a guaranteed job will not go though this process. Trainees also learn and practice integrated base defense, tactical movement, firing positions and force protection, using the M-16 in several practice scenarios.
Trainees undergo extensive training with the M-16. Trainees will learn and practice the rules for safe use and handling of the weapon. They will also receive training in how to assemble, disassemble, clean, and repair the M-16. Trainees will also be trained in self-aid and buddy care.
In Week 4, trainees will go through the obstacle course. The Air Force Obstacle Course consists of 20 obstacles, designed to test strength, endurance, and willpower. The course also encourages team-building, as the trainees waiting to tackle an obstacle cheer for their flight mates. Trainees climb over, under and around obstacles. Trainees will also go through CBRNE training and learn how to counter threats such as terrorism, biological and chemical weapons and security breaches. Included in the CBRNE training is gas mask and MOPP gear training, where trainees will be exposed to tear gas. Trainees will also be fitted for and issued their blues during this week.
During this week, the trainees will participate in two sets of fighting training. The trainees will be instructed in various rifle fighting techniques and then participate in pugil stick fighting to demonstrate knowledge of these techniques. Trainees will wear protective gear and will constantly be watched by the TI to ensure no one is seriously injured.
The trainees will also visit CATM on the Medina Annex where they will fire and qualify using an M16A2 rifle. During the actual firing, trainees will fire at a man-sized target at 75 yards, 180 yards, and 300 yards in the standing, sitting, kneeling and prone positions. A total of 50 rounds will be fired during the qualification and 10 rounds fired while wearing a gas mask; the targets must be hit at least 25 times in order to become qualified with the weapon, and those who hit the targets at least 35 times qualify for the Small Arms Expert Ribbon.[5]
During Week Six, trainees will be sent to the BEAST on the Medina Annex. The BEAST, or Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training, is the final test in BMT. This represents the culmination of all the skills and knowledge an Airman should possess. These skills and tactics the trainees have learned will be put to test in realistic field training exercises and combat scenarios.[6] It is a grueling and intense 96-hour exercise that will push the trainee to his or her limits. The trainees are required to wear body armor and helmets and carry at all times their rucksacks, three MREs, a flashlight, full chemical MOPP suit and gas mask, two canteens and an M16. The site has four zones, called Reaper, Predator, Vigilant and Sentinel, that simulate self-contained forward operating bases. Each zone is a ring of 12 field tents, 10 for barracks, plus a command post and hospital tent, centered around a three-story observation tower and a hardened briefing facility that serves as an armory and bomb shelter. The zone is defended by five sandbag defensive firing positions, and trainees control access to the zone through an entry control point.[7]
Trainees will see what Airmen on convoy escort duty endure on a daily basis - incoming mortar rounds, complex attacks, roadside bombs, car bombs, and unexploded ordnance. They'll be taught how to identify potential threats and who to report them to in their chain of command. BEAST week will be entirely devoted to scenario training. As they take advantage of more field time to hone their newly acquired infantry skills, the trainees also will have more hands-on instruction in buddy care, culminating in a final exercise on the last day of the exercise.[8] The BEAST site includes a 1.5-mile improvised explosive device (IED) trail littered with simulated roadside bombs. Trainees learn to spot IEDs and then use the trail in training scenarios. For example, under one scenario, trainees make their way down the "lane" in tactical formation, trying to identify IEDs from the other debris such as soda cans. At the end of the trail, trainees are broken into teams of two "wingmen," and negotiate a combat-obstacle course (low-crawl under netting, hide behind walls, roll behind bushes and timbers, strike dummies with the butt of your rifle, high crawl 60 yards through deep sand up a 40 percent grade).[9][10] Teamwork is stressed, as the majority of tasks are completely impossible without it; each group must succeed or fail as a whole. The others will result in failure unless every trainee passes through together, requiring the team to aid its fellow trainee(s) who struggle in the accomplishment of the given mission. On the last day the trainees begin their final march.
Week seven of BMT focuses primarily on post-deployment training. During this week, they'll receive intensive classroom instruction about the difficulties many military members face when they return from a deployment, such as financial management, family issues and alcohol abuse. Trainees will also continue to practice drill and have dorm inspections. Trainees will also learn about Air Force history and heritage during this week.[11] The final physical fitness test is also given this week. Failure to pass the final PT test will result in the trainee being transferred to the 319th Training Squadron's "Get Fit" flight, thereby providing the trainee extra time to improve fitness scores.
At the beginning of eighth week the trainee will be assigned their AFSC if they haven't already received one. The final written End of Course (EOC) test will be taken. This test consists of 100 questions covering everything the trainee has learned during basic training, and the trainee must score a minimum of 70 percent to pass. In order to qualify as a possible honor graduate, the trainee must score over 90 percent.
On the final Thursday of BMT, all trainees will participate in the 2.5 mile run known as the "Airman's Run". The run is a victory celebration of the challenges overcome and esprit de corps gained by Airmen during training. Family and friends will be able to attend the days events and see their loved ones for the first time since the start of basic training. The Airman's Run will be followed by the Coin and Retreat Ceremony. Trainees will be presented with the Airman's Coin which signifies the transition from Trainee and have earned the right to be called an Airman. Many Airman consider this to be one of the most significant events in their career. After the Airmen are dismissed, they will be able to spend the remainder of the day with loved ones.
Friday is the Graduation Parade. The flights will pass in review, take their final oath of enlistment and are then dismissed which marks the end of Air Force Basic Military Training and the beginning of an Airman's career. Family and friends will be able to see their Airman's living quarters at the dormitory, tour the base and San Antonio following the ceremony. The weekend will be spent returning to the flight in the evening and spending the daylight hours on Base Liberty or Town Pass.
On the Monday morning following graduation weekend, all Airmen will proceed to the appropriate technical training school for their Air Force Specialty Code. This technical training typically lasts anywhere from one month to over two years[12].
Activities that are prohibited during Basic Training include (but are not limited to):
When a trainee engages in a prohibited activity, their TI may recommend the Commander impose non-judicial punishment (UCMJ Article 15). An Article 15 is a type of disciplinary action, also known as non-judicial punishment, and can entail any or all of the following:
A trainee can be discharged from the Air Force before the conclusion of Basic Military Training. Discharges that occur before the completion of 180 days (approximately 6 months) of training are considered uncharacterized, which are neither honorable nor less than honorable.
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This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Air Force.