If you are reading this, ods are you or a family member is going to go through the BMT course for the Air Force, so we created this list of recommendations that will help you have a better time during the first weeks of BMT.
1. Air Force’s core values, know'm by heart: Integrity First, Service before Self, Excellence in all we do. Its in the strength of the spirit and the courage of the heart that we find the power go grow beyond our expectations. Its from internal and hidden motivation from the self that we get the drive to transform our selves into the future. The energy and motivation must come from within. The 3 core values of the Air Force speak to your internal strength, and as they will become, if you choose so, the main drivers of your career. Play this video about USAF's core values, and remember these are the core strengths of airmen.
2. Some basic stuff about Lackland Air Force Base: Lackland Air Force Base is located in Bexar County, Texas and is the only entering processing station in the Air Force for basic military training and thus its called the “Gateway to the Airforce”. Lackland Air Force Base is part of Joint Base San Antonio which is a union between the United States Army Fort Sam Houston and the United States Air Force Randolph Air Force Base and Lackland Air Force Base, which were merged on October 1st, 2010.
3. Know the Reporting Statement. A "Reporting Statement" is the way you address your superiors. "Sir/Ma'am, trainee (Your Last Name) reports as ordered". Be sure never to confuse a Ma'am or with a Sir or vice versa. Also be sure to avoid saying a "Sir Sand-witch" where you state "Sir, blah blah blah, Sir". As Staff Sgt. Antonio Gonzalez says "Nothing makes an MTI’s day like a sir sandwich from a new trainee fresh off the bus!" (MTI = Military Training Instructor). 4. Know the Airman’s Creed. "I am an American Airman, I am a warrior, I have answered my nation’s call, I am an American Airman, My mission is to fly, fight, and win, I am faithful to a proud heritage, A tradition of honor, And a legacy of valor. I am an American Airman. Guardian of freedom and justice, My nation’s sword and shield, Its sentry and avenger. I defend my country with my life. I am an American Airman. Wingman, leader, warrior. I will never leave an Airman behind, I will never falter, And I will not fail." 5. When appropriate, (and there are many occasions for this) join in singing the first part of the Air Force Song: " Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun, Here they come zooming to meet our thunder, At ’em boys, give ‘er the gun!, Down we dive, spouting our flame from under, Off with one helluva roar!, We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey!, Nothing can stop the U.S. Air Force!
6. Get ready to work very very hard... for 8 weeks: Seriously, get into the mindset of increasing your resistance to psychological stress and physical stress. Get in shape, get ready, visualize yourself going through it all till the end and hold on to that vision. This is so you get an idea of the mindset you need to be ready for:
7. Its got one of the best Obstacle Course anywhere!. And this is a little of what your body should be in shape for. The idea is to get ahead of the game by prepping your body before hand. So play this video about the famed BMT obsticle course and get familiar with it:
8. Get familiar with the United States Air Force Ranks: "For thousands of years, military forces worldwide have maintained a strict rank to keep order.*1" A military rank structure helps because it helps maintain order, assure a continuation of command and honor with the prestige generated by higher ranks. "he rank of United States Air Force Academy cadets is denoted by the insignia on their shoulderboards in all "blues" uniforms, including "blues", service dress, overcoats, mess dress and parade dress. All cadet shoulder boards carry the heraldic nebuly device, (commonly referred to as "clouds" by cadets). Third class cadets have one thin bar (ground) underneath the clouds; second and first class cadets wear two thin bars, one each above (horizon) and below the clouds. Additional chevrons denote cadet non-commissioned officer ranks, while additional bars denote cadet officer ranks.*2".
9. Common terms and abbreviations: In Lackland Air Force Base a number of terms are used in such a way that your airman will probably end up using them with you. If you want to learn more about those terms and abbreviations follow this link.
10. Communication: Communication in Lackland is completely different from things in the real world. Yes, you heard it, students in Lackland are not allowed to use their cellphones and sending videos and pictures is prohibited. Families will only hear from their airman in phone calls and letters. 11. Transportation: You can take your personal car with you if you do take exit 4 I-410W and go through airman’s gate, which is open 24 hours a day. You can also rent your car too which as an easy way of not complicating yourself just make sure you check which are the car agencies available at San Antonio International Airport. The airport is located 18 miles away from Lackland Airforce Base. Taxi drivers can take you from the airport to Lackland but you have to check that the driver has a valid military ID because they won’t be able to ride in the base. Some of the taxi companies around that are available are: * Yellow Cab Taxi (210) 222-2222 * A1 Express Taxi (210) 224-8294 * AAA Taxi Service (210) 599-9999 * National Cab (210) 434-4444 * Towne Car Taxi (210) 826-8294 Weather: During the graduation ceremony, there is not a specific dress for the visitors. Comfortable clothes are recommended since you will be sitting in bleachers. The experience of 3rd CCS from Lackland Air Force Base told from day zero till graduation. Know what is the real life in the AFB. Information is taken from: http://www.lackland-afb-graduation.com/ http://afwm.org/
This blog post was based on the following sources and resources, we very much welcome you gain more insights from these great places online
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