The US Air Force's Basic Military Training (BMT) program is a 7.5-week course that all new trainees must complete before joining the Air Force or Space Force. The program, held at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, aims to motivate, train, and inspire the next generation of airmen to deliver 21st-century air power.
The training is intense and physically demanding, with a focus on discipline, attention to detail, and teamwork. Trainees learn various skills, including combat training, first aid, and how to handle and fire a weapon. They also participate in a simulated combat environment, known as BEAST (Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training), where they are tested on their skills in a realistic setting.
The trainees are taught how to respond to different scenarios, including chemical and biological attacks, and how to provide medical aid in emergency situations. The program also emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication, and decision-making under pressure.
After completing BMT, airmen and guardians head to technical school to start the next chapter in their journey in the US Air Force and Space Force. The program is designed to transform civilians into confident, capable, and proud airmen and guardians who are ready to serve and defend their country.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. All trainees must graduate from the Air Force's 7.5-week Basic Military Training (BMT) program.
2. BMT takes place at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
3. The average age of a basic training trainee is 20.6 years old.
4. Trainees are sorted into smaller groups known as flights, which are divided by gender.
5. During Zero Week, male trainees receive haircuts, and female trainees must wear their hair in a bun, ponytail, or up to two braids.
6. The Air Force wants to get trainees physically fit from the start, with physical training beginning at 0-600 hours.
7. Trainees must pass a physical fitness test during the fifth week of training, which includes one minute each of push-ups and sit-ups, as well as a timed 1.5-mile run.
8. Females were first allowed to join the Air Force in limited roles in 1948 and began being accepted on an equal basis with males in 1976.
9. Today, 20% of the Air Force's active-duty service members are female.
10. 25% of all trainees at BMT are female.
11. Trainees learn how to line up and march in formation from their Military Training Instructor (MTI).
12. All trainees must keep their living areas and uniforms in pristine condition, which are inspected regularly by their MTIs.
13. During Zero Week, each trainee is assigned a rifle, which they learn to care for.
14. 35% of BMT is classroom instruction.
15. Trainees learn how to hold their rifles in various shooting positions.
16. Trainees are taught how to handle and fire an M4 carbine during Combat Arms Training and Maintenance.
17. Trainees fire a total of 76 rounds and must hit their target on at least 12 of them to qualify.
18. Trainees who score 22 or higher qualify as experts.
19. During BEAST (Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training) week, trainees live in a simulated combat environment and are tested on various field training exercises and scenarios.
20. The culminating event of BEAST week is called "The Village," where trainees must infiltrate a village and rescue an injured airman.
21. Trainees are taught how to defuse situations with opposing forces and use minimal force on those who are non-compliant.
22. Trainees are trained in Tactical Casualty Combat Care (TCCC), which teaches them how to perform potentially life-saving first aid in combat.
23. After graduating from BMT, airmen and guardians head to technical school to start the next chapter in their journey in the US Air Force and Space Force.