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Air
Force Basic Training
Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB Texas
You'll hear us calling it BMT, "summer camp," and a few other things depending on company. Whatever you call it, get ready for eight and a half weeks that will turn you, at the very least, into a well trained and ready Airman. By graduation, you'll meet the fitness requirements that make airmen physically durable in almost any situation.
Basic Military Training is designed to teach you the critical importance of discipline, teamwork and foundational knowledge you'll need to succeed as an airman. It will also prepare you physically as a warrior in the profession of arms. Successful completion earns you the privilege of proudly wearing the blue uniform of the most powerful Air Force in the world.
Prior to reporting for duty, you should begin your training at home. Following a recommended workout schedule, 3-5 times per week for at least the six weeks before you attend BMT will help you get ready for the challenges you’ll face in basic training and beyond.
Basic Military Training will challenge you physically and mentally. You'll learn to follow instructions, help others and work as a team. You will grow with each success, and you'll gain confidence in your ability to achieve all of your dreams and goals.
On your assigned departure
date, you will return to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for
a review of your enlistment papers and your physical testing results. You
will be sworn into the active-duty
The
Lackland Air Force Base,
home of the 37th Training Wing, is also known as the Gateway to the Air
Force. The Gateway, as its name implies, means that enlisted personnel
in the active Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve all
begin their careers here by completing Basic Military Training.
Historically, training has been the mainstay of the base and that
continues today with a wide variety of organizations dedicated to
training today's expeditionary Airmen in a myriad of skills.
Military Training Flight
You will join about 45 other new airmen in a group called a Training Flight.
You will meet your Military Training Instructor (MTI) who will take you to
your dormitory and help you get settled in. The first few days are spent
completing paperwork, receiving equipment and uniforms and gaining a clear
understanding of the basic rules everyone follows in the
In addition to classroom studies, each Flight will have daily physical conditioning, periods of time for dormitory maintenance, study, personal hygiene and preparation for the upcoming day's events.
You'll find out what it's like
to work with great people and realize what it's like to be a part of a team.
You'll take pride in what you've accomplished, and the friendships that
you've made in the
There
will be a lot of yelling, a lot of orders and a lot of chances for you to
screw up. Don’t let it get to you!!! There is no possible way you’ll be
doing anything “right” for the next few weeks. The first night at BMT will
be the worst. More than anything, you’ll be in a state of shock as the
finality of your decision to enlist starts to sink in. Hang in there!!!
Start to think of this as the first day of the rest of your life. All of the
things you thought you knew, everything you always thought you were capable
of is soon to become a faint, and funny memory.
The whole purpose of BMT is to break down the walls of individuality. Once
that’s done, you’re going to be amazed at the team you’ll be built into,
that of the US Air Force.
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There are going to be times where you feel lonely, homesick, exhausted…. You
may think no one notices this, but just when you think you can’t take it
anymore, when you think no one cares, the least expected thing happens. Your
TI will give you a little word of encouragement. This is where the pride in
what you belong to begins to develop. These feelings only continue to grow
as you complete each week of BMT. When you graduate, you will feel more
pride in yourself, the Air Force and your country then you ever felt
possible. Oh, and that TI you swore hated you, the one that you might have
thought you hated right back will be more proud of you than you could ever
fathom. You’ll have a mutual respect for each other that will last forever.
Those six weeks may be the longest of your life, but they are also the most
valuable. You’ll be able to draw on those experiences for the rest of your
life.
When you arrive at Lackland, you will be referred to as "trainee." Your reporting statement will be, "Sir/Ma'am, Trainee XXXXX, reports as ordered." After completion of the 5th week of training, you will be referred to as "Airman." It's a good idea to rehearse your reporting statement before you arrive. You will be assigned to a "flight," a group of 30-60 trainees within a "Squadron." Each flight will have several TI's assigned to guide the trainees through BMT. The first few days (Zero week) will be spent getting haircuts, issuing equipment and clothing, and explaining the basics of dorm life. Most days begin at 0445 (4:45 a.m.) and end at 2100 (9:00 p.m.). You will receive three meals per day.
Weekly Training Schedule
Week 0 - The Air Force
doesn't recognize the first half week of training with a designation other
than 0 as it consists primarily of getting the basics setup. Airmen can
expect to undergo their new military haircut, to be assigned a bunk along
with all basic necessary equipment and clothing, to go through a nutrition
and fitness analysis, and to receive their individual and division
assignments.
Week 1 - The first official week will introduce airmen to all basic
drills and to the core values of the Air Force. In addition to which, airmen
will be trained on weapons identification, receive cultural sensitivity
training and spend some time being counseled about their educational and
career options.
Week 2 - An introduction to basic war skills is presented during the
second week. Airmen will learn how to properly handle and maintain their
weapons, and will also be given the basics of how to survive during combat,
particularly in harsh environments.
Week 3 - The third week focuses on the medical aspects of being
deployed; all airmen will have the hands-on opportunity to learn how to
quickly and effectively provide basic CPR and emergency medical techniques
while under fire.
Week 4 - Countering a terrorist threat is the main focus of week
number four and all airmen will be given anti-terrorist training, including
chamber training and how to follow the Air Force's security programs.
Week 5 - Building on the previous four weeks, week five will test the
skills that the airmen have developed while also introducing them to more
advanced combat techniques. Leadership and pre-combat mental preparation
will be focused on, along with how to properly handle a public relations
situation. Airmen will take their first written test by the end of week
five.
Week 6 - The sixth week of boot camp is referred to as The Beast.
Airmen will spend the week in an intensive Survival, Evasion, Resistance and
Escape (SERE) operation and will be critiqued afterwards on all aspects of
their performance.
Week 7 - Week seven places an emphasis on proper airmanship. Airmen
will learn the history of the Air Force and will receive training on many
vital topics, including recovering from combat stress, the importance of
ethics and suicide prevention. All airmen will also undertake a second
written test and will have their drills, courtesies and reporting evaluated.
Week 8 - Airmen will start the eighth week by undertaking their final
written test. They will then receive a briefing from their Commander, along
with briefings specifically about technical school and town passes. Before
prepping for their graduation ceremony airmen will receive another military
haircut and then they will participate in their graduation parade.
Each week has its own specific focus and it is therefore hard to pinpoint a
typical day during Air Force basic training, however, each day does follow a
similar routine. Airmen will be woken up at 0445 by the playing of reveille
and will be expected to report for physical conditioning by 0500. The next
hour will be spent exercising, comprised of an alternating schedule of
aerobic exercises and running. From 0600 - 0615 airmen will eat breakfast,
after which they'll be expected to get their dorm in shape. After these
daily basics the schedule can alternate quite a bit from week to week, but
what follows is rough example of what to expect.
0800-1130 - Classes, drills, immunizations and other necessary functions of
the day.
1130-1230 - Lunch
1300-1700 - This is the part of the day when most of the classroom
instruction and testing takes place.
1700-1800 - Dinner
1900-2045 - Clean up the dorm, get gear ready for the next day and shine
boots.
2100 - The playing of Taps, followed by lights out.
Graduation is a recognition you will earn. It marks the end of your Air
Force basic military training and the beginning of your career as a military
professional in the World's Greatest Air Force! You will enjoy the pride of
accomplishment you've earned through courage, determination, and the will to
succeed. You will attend a public ceremony attended by your friends and
family as they come together to share in this significant and rewarding
event.
New Air Force Airmen Battle Uniform Accessories
Academic Training
You'll
attend approximately 40 hours of classroom instruction to learn about all
aspects of Air Force life.
You'll want to spend any 'available time' studying for your academic test
(while waiting for a haircut, in line for clothing issue, or prior to lights
out). Your score on the academic test will be one of the factors used in
your selection for Honor Graduate.
In the end, you will have gained a better understanding of a wide range of
military subjects, and a better understanding of your own abilities. You
will also learn the importance of the Air Force's core values that will help
guide you as you lay the groundwork for a rewarding career in the US Air
Force! Examples of academic training subjects: Air Force History, Air
Force Organization, Financial Management, Lifestyle Fitness, Customs and
Courtesies, Human Relations.
After
completing BMT, airmen begin technical training in their career field
specialties, primarily at five installations: Goodfellow, Lackland, and
Sheppard Air Force bases in Texas; Keesler AFB, Miss.; and Vandenberg
AFB, Calif. Each base is responsible for a specific portion of formal
technical training airmen require to accomplish the Air Force mission.
Highly trained instructors conduct technical training in specialties
such as aircraft maintenance, civil engineering, medical services,
computer systems, security forces, air traffic control, personnel,
intelligence, fire fighting, and space and missile operations.
Commissioned officers attend technical training courses for similar career
fields at the same locations.
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Physical Fitness - Prepare for BMT
Check out the new US Air Force Physical Fitness Standards.
Part of Air Force life revolves around physical fitness. Throughout your Air Force career you'll be asked to meet certain physical-conditioning standards. The Air Force physical-conditioning program is designed to ensure Air Force members are physically capable of handling military duty, while maintaining good personal health and looking sharp in uniform.
Physical conditioning at BMT can be rigorous if you're not prepared. A physically fit trainee has a greater chance of avoiding injury and graduating on time. Start an exercise program three times a week for 45 minutes a session. The program should emphasize muscular strength, flexibility and cardio-respiratory endurance. Muscular strength is defined as the maximum amount of force a muscle can produce in a single movement. A training program using free weights is an ideal method to attain muscular strength and endurance.
A well-rounded exercise program also requires stretching before and after any exercise. Five to seven minutes of stretching before and after a workout is a good standard. Stretching should be performed in a slow, controlled manner for 10 to 30 seconds with some tension in the muscle. Avoid bouncing or using jerky movements because this may cause injury. Stretching helps flexibility and prevents common injuries, such as shin splints.
In addition to strength, endurance and stretching, you should be prepared for the cardio-respiratory endurance challenge at BMT. Build your endurance through aerobic exercise of at least 20 minutes three to five times a week using such exercises as cycling, swimming, roller-blading, running and lap swimming.
Succeeding at BMT could be a matter of mental and physical preparation.
Basic Military Training Graduation Fitness Requirements
How hard is the fitness program? It's
rigorous and challenging. The program includes 1-hour daily workouts, 6 days
a week with additional daily remedial sessions as required. Three days are
dedicated to a strength building regimen (pushups, crunches, leg lifts,
etc.) and three days reserved for aerobic training (running and sprinting).
You need to prepare before you arrive.
How will you be evaluated? The first weekend you arrive, you'll have an
initial physical fitness evaluation--on pushups, sit-ups, and a timed 2-mile
run. Your weekly progress will be monitored and you'll need to pass your
final evaluation in order to progress.
Fitness training will not end with your final evaluation. You'll need to
pass a 2 1/2-mile motivational "Airmen's Run" in the final week of training
in order to graduate.
Are you motivated? Check
out our new section on
Air Force Special Operations.
Some select Air Force career fields such as Tactical Air Controller, Combat
Controller, or Pararescueman offer Airmen the unique opportunity to attend
highly specialized courses including the elite
Army Ranger School
and
Airborne School.
Deploying soon? Check out our Afghanistan Deployment Packing List and prepare for your deployment in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Want to be on the cutting edge of air combat? Find out more about Enlisted crew positions on Predator UAV Drones.
Air Force Changes BMT Physical Fitness Standards
Teamwork is paramount to all
that is taught during BMT and physical fitness is no exception. The most
physically fit male and female flights each week receive a "Fitness
Excellence" streamer to display on their guidon. Flights are also expected
to complete the 2.5-mile Airmen’s Run in flight formation. By the end of
basic training, all airmen will have run at least 2.5 miles, a major
accomplishment for many who had never even run a mile before entering basic
training.
The person who oversees both basic and technical training for the Air Force
and has advocated, for over a year, more vigorous fitness training in BMT,
applauds the increased physical standards BMT has put in place.
More information on
US Air Force
Physical Fitness Standards.
USAF Core Values
Integrity First
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"Our Core Values, Integrity first, Service before self and Excellence in all we do, set the common standard for conduct across the Air Force. These values inspire the trust which provides the unbreakable bond that unifies the force. We must practice them ourselves and expect no less from those with whom we serve." - General Michael E. Ryan, Chief of Staff, United States Air Force. |
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In 1995, The Honorable Sheila E. Widnall, Secretary of the Air Force and General Ronald R. Fogleman, Air Force Chief of Staff, approved these core values for the United States Air Force. The Air Education and Training Command and the United States Air Force Academy were tasked with promulgating these core values throughout the Air Force at every level. This initial education has been completed. Air Force commanders and schools for professional military education continue to hold these values up for the inspiration and guidance of new generations of military professionals. |
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Program offers Path to Academy Commission for Airmen
Each year, regular airmen on active duty and airmen
serving in the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard receive
appointments to the Air Force Academy – 85 slots are available for the
regular airmen and 85 slots are available for those in the Air Force
Reserve and the Air National Guard. Refer to AFI 36-2019 for directions
for applying for direct appointment to the Academy and AFI 36-2021 for
applying to the USAFA Preparatory School.
For more information, click here for our Leaders Encouraging Airman
Development (LEAD) Program Pamphlet.
To compete for either, you must complete AF Form 1786 and have your unit
commander complete a statement on your character, ability and motivation
to become an officer. Submit the form and statement through your unit
commander and MPF and forward it to:
Office of Admissions
HQ USAFA/RRS
2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 2300
USAF Academy, CO 80840-5025
The form must arrive no later than January 31 for the class entering the
following June. Additional information about the Academy and the Prep
School may be obtained by calling 1-800-443-9266, DSN 333-2520, or
commercial 719-333-2520.
Previous Performance
We'll evaluate your leadership potential through your record of
participation in athletic activities, including team or individual
sports and nonathletic activities, such as class offices, public
speaking, Civil Air Patrol or scouting. Your grade transcripts from high
school and from any preparatory school or college you may have attended
after high school will determine your academic potential. We'll also
consider your performance on active duty and recommendations from
supervisors.
Selection Criteria
We consider all candidates (regular or reserve) on a competitive
basis for 85 appointments to the Academy and 50 appointments to the
Preparatory School. Examination results and previous performance
determine selections. We'll notify you of your qualification and
selection status in early May. Airmen not accepted for direct entrance
into the Academy are automatically considered for the Prep School.
Check out other
Scholarships for Veterans.Search Your Air Force Records
Looking for historical information such as old class photos or rosters of your Basic Training class? Have questions about your previous Air Force units or want access to past records? Try our comprehensive military records search resource.
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