Air Force Features

July 10, 2019
First BMT trainees experience M-4 training, qualification

Basic Military Training trainees were the first to experience M-4 carbine weapons familiarization course at the range, which closed in November 2018, due to improper rainwater drainage. Since then the range has undergone refurbishing efforts to divert water runoff.
Jan. 25, 2019
‘Til Valhalla’: Special Tactics combat controller laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery

Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin, a Special Tactics combat controller assigned to the 26th Special Tactics Squadron, was honored as hundreds gathered in the rain and he was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, Jan. 24, 2019.
Jan. 2, 2019
Like daughter, like mother: Recruiter helps family join USAF

No one expected the mother to sign up for service while gathering information for her daughter at the Air Force recruiting office in her Rhode Island hometown.
Dec. 21, 2018
From start to finish: Air Force Reserve MTI's lead BMT total force flights

Ten Air Force Reserve 433rd Training Squadron military training instructors guided four total force basic military training flights through eight and a half weeks of training and education in preparation for their Dec. 14 BMT graduation at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. It was the first
Dec. 19, 2018
LaFlamme brothers: Identical twins, identical Air Force careers

Growing up, they were known around their small town as “the twins.” Their mother dressed them in matching outfits as infants, and they participated in the same school activities. Although they gained their own identity as they got older, they now have the same job and wear the same uniform.
Nov. 5, 2018
BMT curriculum changes focused on inspiring, developing Airmen

After listening to feedback from the field, a few changes to the Air Force Basic Military Training curriculum will transform trainees into more combat ready Airmen.
July 16, 2018
Yesterday’s Air Force: BMT

Tomorrow's Airmen all get their start at Lackland Air Force Base where citizens have been transforming into Airmen since 1942. It makes no difference whether you were a pickle or faced the B.E.A.S.T., Basic Military Training is the one thing that all enlisted Airmen have in common.
June 28, 2018
Battlefield Airmen Prep Course improves attrition rates, builds more resilient candidate

The 350th Battlefield Airmen Training Squadron has implemented a nine-week preparatory course for all Battlefield Airmen candidates. Battlefield Airmen graduating from Basic Military Training will have to complete the course before transitioning into the initial entry course.
May 14, 2018
Air Force transitions to a single combat uniform

Air Force leaders announced the service will move to a single combat utility uniform, adopting the Operational Camouflage Pattern, or OCP, already in use by the Army and Airmen in combat zones and in certain jobs across the Air Force.
April 7, 2017
Airmen’s Week: Changing the culture of Airmen

After the completion of Basic Military Training, but before Airmen depart for their various technical training locations, lies a relatively new, yet crucial program geared toward the betterment of the Air Force: Airmen’s Week. Airmen’s Week is a 31-hour, values-based course with a mission to
June 2, 2016
Father-son duo comes full circle at BMT graduation, retirement

In the Air Force, countless parents have proudly watched their child graduate from basic military training, and countless children have seen their parents retire from service. On May 27 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, a father and son did both on the same day, respectively.
March 29, 2016
James announces Office of Energy Assurance

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James announced the establishment of the Air Force Office of Energy Assurance and conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland March 22.
June 17, 2015
Airmen’s Week: Transition from trainee to Airman

Capstone Week officially changed its name to Airmen’s Week May 11, to better reflect the training and trainee mindset expected of the week following basic military training.
April 5, 2015
Father, daughter NCOs share passion for mentorship as MTIs

The morning of March 27, at the parade grounds on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, two Airmen became the first father and daughter duo to serve together as military training instructors (MTI).
Oct. 30, 2014
Wingman now a part of BMT culture

Glamorized during the ‘80s movie ‘Top Gun,’ the concept of a wingman was to always keep the lead pilot safe, even at the cost of veering off to fight the enemy. For the past few years, “wingman” has become a pledge, promise and commitment between Airmen to take care of themselves and those around

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