Air National Guard Basic Training Information
The Air National Guard has been an integral part of the United States Air Force since 1947. It is comprised of citizen-soldiers who train part-time as civilians during peaceful times, in preparation for being called to military duty in times of war. Entry into the Air National Guard begins with Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Mentally and physically demanding, the rigorous 8 1/2--week program develops the skills, discipline and confidence required for defending America's skies.
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Week Zero (Orientation) and Week One (Fall In)
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During Orientation, recruits are assigned a training instructor who directs their activities during Basic Military Training. They are also assigned individual duties, issued clothing and equipment, instructed in dorm preparation and given haircuts. They are now ready to begin the first full week of training, which introduces them to body conditioning, flight drills and weapons. They also learn the Air Force chain of command and to identify rank insignia.
Week Two (Basic War Skills) and Week Three (Combat Lifesaving)
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In training for a fighting role, recruits learn tactical movement, cover and concealment, firing and defensive fighting positions and the handling and maintenance of weapons during their second week of training. Challenge procedures and career guidance are also implemented. During the third week, recruits are taught to handle the medical situations that often arise while under enemy attack. Instruction includes bleeding control, airway management, burn and shock treatments, bandage, dressings and combat tourniquet application, splinting fractures and assisting those suffering from internal bleeding and spinal injuries.
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Week Four (Countering the Threat) and Week Five (Ready to Fight)
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Threats to national security are addressed during the fourth week, including terrorist attacks and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive weapons. Obstacle courses are employed to challenge and train recruits to counter the various threats to homeland safety. The United State's Air Force is committed to "preparation and perfection," and in adherence to this, week five focuses on intense honing of the skills acquired up to this point. Recruits also learn basic leadership skills and undergo mental preparation for combat.
Week Six (The BEAST) and Week Seven (Airmanship)
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Combat scenarios and realistic field training exercises make week six the most challenging one of training. Called Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training (BEAST), the activities of this intense week tests everything a recruit has learned in preparation to defend and survive under enemy attack. During week seven, recruits enter the final evaluations of physical fitness and airmanship skills, learn about combat stress recovery and study the proud history and heritage of the United States Air Force.
Week Eight (Airman's Run and Graduation Ceremony)
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The week of graduation is exciting and emotional as recruits reunite with family and celebrate the honor of earning their place in the Air National Guard. Ceremonies begin with the Airman's Run, where families line the roadway to watch recruits run their normal morning route. Each squadron wears a different colored t-shirt and runs in flight formation while singing "jodies," which are chants or work-songs sung by the military while running or marching. The Airman's Run is followed by the Airman's Coin Ceremony where recruits, donning their dress blues, are presented with the Air Force Airman's Coin to signify their transition from trainee to Airman. Graduation festivities also include religious services, receptions, buffets and brunches, town passes and a parade. Prior to graduating, though, recruits must submit to one of the requirements they faced at orientation---a haircut.
Additional Information
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Lackland Air Force Base is the only Basic Military Training site for United States Air Force, Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard recruits. Candidates must be between 18 and 34 years of age, though one can join at 17 with parental consent. While a high school diploma is the preferred educational background, the GED and other high school equivalents will be taken into consideration. Recruits will take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test for the purpose of matching their skills and knowledge with military occupations.
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References
- Photo Credit flag of italy in the air image by TEMISTOCLE LUCARELLI from Fotolia.com
