Day-to-Day in the Air Force's Basic Training

Air Force basic training teaches a wide variety of military skills.

The eight weeks of the U.S. Air Force's basic military training cover a wide variety of military skills and disciplines. Your day-to-day activities change based on each week's training activities, but each segment of the training starts early in the day and requires intense physical and mental readiness. Graduates of BMT become airmen in the U.S. Air Force.

Daily Schedule

A reveille wakes trainees before 5 a.m., and each day starts with an hour of exercise training before breakfast. During the morning and afternoon hours, trainees receive instruction on that week's subject, as well as drills and inspections. Trainees retire to bed at 9 p.m.

Orientation

During the first few days of training, new recruits receive orientation information, uniforms, haircuts and inoculations, as well as prepare to begin training exercises. Each trainee follows the orders of a training instructor, the same individual who will overlook the remainder of the training.

Fall In

The first full week of training places emphasis on physical fitness and preparation. Classroom sessions teach trainees basic military etiquette and behavioral standards. Physical training begins, and each trainee receives initial weapon familiarity instruction and safety training.

Combat Training

The next three weeks of basic training focus on combat skills. Initial training continues weapon use and tactics, as well as basic skills of war. From there, trainees move on to lifesaving techniques they may need for field work. Finally, trainees receive instruction on countering the unconventional threats presented by terrorists and biological and nuclear weapons.

Field Training

Referred to as "The Beast," week six represents the most physically challenging section of Air Force basic training. Trainees relocate to a field training area, where they experience more advanced combat simulations, including simulated insurgent uprisings, explosive threats and air attacks. Trainees maintain their own chain of command and have opportunities to utilize the previous weeks' training information.

Evaluation

The last classes given in basic training focus on useful information that graduates will need in their future assignments, such as ethics and finances. Before graduation, each trainee must pass several physical fitness and airmanship tests. Graduation allows friends and family members to visit trainees for the first time.

References

• U.S. Air Force: Basic Military Training