Basic Training for is a key component to enlisting in the United States Military. It is designed to condition your body and mind so that you are fully prepared. It prepares you mentally, emotionally and physically for what is to come as well as the unexpected. Basic Training determines if you have what it takes to enlist in the United States Air Force. Do you have what it takes? Read below to learn what the expect from Air Force Basic Training.
Air Force Basic Military Training consists of 8.5 weeks at San Antonio’s Lackland Air Force Base.
Week Zero – Orientation
The moment you arrive and step off the bus you are assigned to a Training Instructor (MTI) who will distribute directions, explain procedures and assign tasks in preparation for you to become a Warrior Airman. Haircuts are required for all recruits to symbolize that you are all in this together, as equals. Women are not shaved but are required to keep hair high and tight in a 2-inch bun or above their collar. Expect Drill Sergeantsto be very hard on you in the beginning. This is to help solidify that you are no longer “home” and to prepare you for the weeks ahead.
- In processing
- Haircuts
- Learn Reporting Statement
- Flight Assignment
- Clothing and Equipment Issue
- Dorm and Drill Basics
- Individual Duty Assignments
- Entry Control Procedures
Week One – Fall In
Week One is used to get recruits prepared for the physical and mental challenges that are required of graduation. You will learn the basics of Air Force life and learn the importance of attention to detail in everything you do.
- Reporting and Saluting
- Medical and Dental Appointments
- Fitness and Nutrition
- Educational Benefits Briefing (MGIB/Post 9/11)
- ID Card Issue
- Individual Drill
- Flight Drill
- Dorm Preparation
- Warrior Role
- Law of Armed Conflict
- Chain of Command
- Air Force Rank Insignia
- Weapon Issue
- Weapon Parts Identification
- Human Relations and Cultural Sensitivity
Week Two – Basic War Skills
In your second week, you will learn the basics of defensive fighting techniques, how to handle your weapon and move tactically.
- Career Guidance
- Weapon handling and maintenance
- Integrated Defense
- Cover and Concealment
- Tactical Movement
- Firing Positions
- FPCON (Force Protection Conditions)
- Defense Fighting Positions
- SALUTE (Size/Activities/Location/Unit ID/Time/Equipment) Reporting
- Challenging Procedures
Week Three – Combat LifeSaving
Week three teaches you how to save the lives of your fellow wingmen – or yourself – if ever the need arises. You learn what to do, what not to do and how to improvise while under enemy fire.
- SABC (Self Aid/Buddy Care) under fire
- Bleeding Control
- Bandages and Dressings
- Combat Application Tourniquet
- Blood Clotting Agents
- Splint Fractures
- Internal Bleeding
- Burn Treatments
- Shock Management
- Airway Management
- Spinal Injury
- Interview Sessions
Week Four – Countering the Threat
In your fourth week, you will tackle the Obstacle Course. You will learn your role in threats against National Security and learn about Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) weapons. You will be put to the test by, what some call, the most feared event of Basic Military Training – The Gas Chamber.
- CBRNE/Chamber Training
- Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Level I
- Security Programs
- Obstacle Course
- Weapons Evaluation (breakdown and assembly)
- Second Clothing Issue
- Dress and Appearance (service uniform)
Week Five – Ready to Fight
Week five combines all the skills you have learned in previous weeks, and puts them to work during Pugil Stick Training. You will practice your defensive moves on real people and learn how to react properly when they fight back.
- Introduction to the Code of Conduct
- TEMPER (Tend Extensible Modular Personal) Tents
- CPR
- CATM (Combat Arms Training and Maintenance)
- Mental Preparation for Combat
- Pugil Stick Application
- Basic Leadership
- Basic Situational Awareness
- AEF (Air Expeditionary Force) Prep
- Public Relations
- Joint Warfare
Week Six – The BEAST
Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training (BEAST) is a situational challenge that puts your skills to the test in realistic combat scenarios and field training exercises (FTX).
- SERE (Survival Evasion Resistance Escape
- Deployment Briefing
- Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training (BEAST)
Week Seven – Airmanship
In week seven be prepared to take a lot of academic courses. You will learn the history and heritage of the Air Force as well as issues such as ethics and finances. During this week you will also begin the final evaluation of your physical fitness and skills.
- Air Force History
- Combat Stress Recovery
- Sexual Assault Prevention and Reporting
- Suicide Awareness and Prevention
- Financial Management
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Ethics
- PT (Physical Training) Evaluation
- Written Test
Week Eight – Graduation
Your final week is a celebration of your accomplishment of becoming and Airman. You will attend a graduation ceremony, perform the Airmen’s Run in front of friends and family and receive The Airman’s Challenge Coin.
- Airmanship and Core Values
- Formal Retreat/Airman’s Coin Ceremony
- Haircuts
- Technical School Briefing
- Commanders Departure Briefing
- Town Pass Briefing
- Graduation
