How a Female Should Prepare for Air Force Basic Training

A woman who joins the Air Force gets paid for her time. She gets trained for a job that matches her skills and interests. At the end of the enlistment, she will already have job experience and references. The 6 and 1/2 weeks of basic training happen at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas. Before going, though, she should prepare physically and emotionally because basic training is a very challenging experience.

Instructions

1. Become physically fit before going to basic training. A woman must be able to run 1 and 1/2 miles in 13 minutes by the end of basic training. She also has to do 55 push-ups in 2 minutes as well as 55 sit-ups in 2 minutes.

2. Resolve to handle your emotions privately during basic training. One of the goals is to make the women tough enough to handle any intimidating or adverse situations that could arise on the battle field. While tears are common at basic training, they should not be seen by the Training Instructor, your sergeant.

3. Learn to take very quick showers. Women live together in a squadron. They are herded through the showers in a group. Each group of 15 women gets a maximum of 10 minutes to shower. A woman also needs to be able to put her hair up into a bun that is no more than three inches in bulk. All the hair has to stay back without the benefit of hair spray.

4. Pack nothing except underwear, bras, deodorant, shampoo and socks. Your other clothing will be issued by the Air Force after you arrive at the base. Any make-up or other personal items, including jewelry, will be confiscated until you graduate.

5. Tell your friends and family that the Training Instructor will read any mail sent to you before you get it. However, also tell them that you will really appreciate and need mail during basic training. Any food will be confiscated, though, and any other care packages will be withheld from you until after graduation.

Resources

• Air Force Online