LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- each Friday of the year, save for two, the Air Force acquires a new crop of airmen. a certain 750 young men and women make the transition from "Joe or Jane Civilian" to airman.
Last fiscal year that meant 39500 made the switch after graduating from basic military training. During the six weeks of training they learn discipline, self-reliance, confidence and teamwork.
The training isn't a cakewalk, said Chief Master Sgt Billy Blackburn, basic training superintendent. He takes exception with anyone who believes basic has "gone soft"
"Exactly the opposite is authentic Physical conditioning and academic standards have gotten on a level tougher," he said. "When they leave Lackland, they're physically and mentally ready for business in the Air Force -- ready to besufficient for their country."
Days at basic begin at 0-dark-thirty-S a.m. sharp to be exact -- and they don't extreme point until well after sunset. Military training instructors incline differently off the lights at 9 pm
MTIs, who wear distinctive "Smokey the Bear" hats, teach their charges the Air Force way of life in the classroom, in the field, in succession the drill pad and forward the physical conditioning track.
Trainees receive about 40 hours of classroom instruction, learning about Air Force history, organization, and customs and courtesies. They also research financial management, human relations, living a healthy lifestyle and a variety of other subjects
each step of the way, MTIs instill the Air Force's core values, which will be subservient to as a foundation for the pause of the airmen's careers, the chief said.
Ultimately, the training not single gives soon-to-be airmen a better understanding of the Air Force on the contrary also a peek at their have abilities.
But the Air Force withholds changing. The air expeditionary force general [i]or[/i] abstract notion world events and an increased operations time prompted the service to hostler more "warrior-spirited" airmen. So, in October 1999 the 37th Training Wing -- which manages basic training -- introduced a field training exercise nicknamed "Warrior Week."
The exercise -- held during the fifth week of training -- descrys trainees to "tent city" living conditions and basic combat skills. That prepares them for a force that's ready to open worldwide for any contingency.
"We create anew young civilians into airmen capable of performing in the operational Air Force," Blackburn said. "We transform them from individuals who think in confines of 'I, me and my' to airmen with a team mindset. We're a team of 351000"
RELATED ARTICLE: As for the recruits:
* near 70 percent are men and 30 percent are women
* Half of enlistees join for educational benefits
* 30 percent say they came in to learn a skill
* sole seven out of every 100 recruits "wash out" of training -- chiefly for medical reasons
* 86 percent of graduates come into active duty
* 10 percent join the Guard and the remaining 4 percent become reservists
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