If Your Child is at Lackland BMT, Read This.

Okay, you knew that sooner or later your daughter or son was going to leave the nest. It’s always going to feel “too fast.” For parents of a BMT cadet, the challenge can be just as tough as Basic Military Training itself—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We hope this post helps you shift to a mindset that feels less intimidating and far more rewarding.


It’s a different kind of challenge for a parent to adapt to the idea of their child leaving, especially for those without a tradition of military service. Yet, just as the rigors of BMT will make cadets stronger, wiser, and more aware of their potential, parents will also emerge from this experience with greater wisdom, inner strength, and faith in their children. In today’s hectic world, your child’s decision to become an Airman is truly a gift and a beacon of hope for humanity.


At the end of Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, there is an important event: graduation—an essential first accomplishment that will forever change their lives.

Allowing yourself to appreciate the moment and let yourself feel rightfully proud of your loved one’s brave commitment, to savor the precious and noble intent expressed by a young man or woman in the context of being welcomed to an elite fighting force whom also share the same convictions, who strive to live their core values:  “The Air Force Core Values of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do, are not just a way to support our country and the U.S. Air Force, but more importantly a framework for approaching life and all of our different roles to be better men and women and support those we love and care about.(2)”

You have before you the opportunity to celebrate feeling proud about your boy or girl, be proud! Celebrate it!, You’ve helped form one of the few good people that understand the benefit and the sacrifice required to live in freedom, to bet on a better world and lead by example. This is a gift, an airman is a treasure. A spirit that will be ready to face the biggest sacrifice we as humans can make, to defend people they might not even meet, and people whom may never know the sacrifices they will endure.  Buy you will, and letting them know that, with a letter, a hug or a ring will mean the world to these noble souls. 

Feet on the ground, but heart and ideals in the sky... its quite appropriate they call it the Air Force. So be proud and share your wisdom. Let them know.  The real heroes are not the leaders history writers were paid to write about, the true benefactors of our cultural wealth and freedom is an anonymous silent group of well meaning generous do-gooders, who’s big hearts and gentle souls align with the cry for justice and freedom.

You might make the mistake of thinking that a parent’s posture and attitude might seem of little importance to a young adult, but its all a big charade, in reality your children are extremely sensitive to how you view them and their self worth. Being open and sincere about your trust in their instincts and ideas, in their capacity to react to challenges with agility and strategy will exponentially increase their own self worth and sense of confidence to confront reality and grow.