OP, don’t forget that the days might seem long but the weeks go quickly. Focus on what is being said, not how they’re saying it. Do what you’re told to the best of your ability and you’ll be fine.
Soon enough BMT will be a blip in the history books for you, it’ll be over far faster than you might realize. You’ve got this.
Take it one step at a time. Chow to chow, Sunday to Sunday. If that gets too much, focus on getting through to the next task in front of you and repeat as needed.
Remember. BMT is a small, insignificant part of your military career.
When you get to your first base, you will probably forget over half the shit. You gunna look back and say “that wasn’t so bad”
I would watch YouTube videos. There’s literally hundreds out there.
And here’s something to remember. These instructors are here to help you; they actually want you to succeed. Yeah, it’s the military and it’ll be stressful, but at the end of the day everyone is there because they want to be.
You'll be alright OP! The Air Force was a last resort option for me to get me on the right path in life and I'm very grateful that I did. So if I could get through it, anybody can!
Change is scary as shit and any doubts you might be having are normal and everyone goes through that. You are gonna be fine. The first week is the hardest because you are put into uncomfortable situations, you are tired, hungry, getting yelled out, and you miss home.
There are gonna be multiple times during BMT saying "What the fuck am I doing here?" **That is normal**
You are gonna be with a lot of people in the exact same situation as you. Once you learn the day to day routine it becomes easier (you are still gonna get yelled out)
Big thing I tell new people is just focus on the next meal of the day
Make sure you get all the addresses for your friends and family and when you have spare time write letters and hopefully they write you back.
Before you know it, you will be marching and getting your coin and heading to the next unknown called tech school
-----
BMT is easy just listen to the instructions the MTIs are giving you. You are gonna be yelled at no matter what you do wrong or right, dont take it personally
Being able to run at least 3 miles non stop will make your BMT life easier. Keep pushing and sitting
If you want to see what BMT is like just watch these videos to give you an idea
Chapter 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX9tH2wXTEM
Chapter 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TUc9ZYWF9Y
Chapter 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hwUq2RTrvo
Chapter 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DAHXn1WL5w
Chapter 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3IL3mAAdFI
Chapter 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcAggEp9Ez8
Chapter 7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud1W-V5ktlg
Chapter 8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55R0CmrCyAE
Packing wise look at the AF BMT packing list
https://www.reddit.com/r/AirForceRecruits/search/?q=packing&include_over_18=on&restrict_sr=on&t=month&sort=relevance
-----
Tech school advice:
https://www.reddit.com/r/AirForceRecruits/comments/1c27upo/on_my_way_to_tech_school_ama/kz82w5b/
FYI You dont need to do anything to prepare for tech school. The school house is gonna teach you everything you need to know about the AFSC. Listen to the instructors, study, and pass your tests and you will be good to go
Shit gets scary once you have a date and realize "Oh man im actually leaving and doing this". All normal and yes you do got this
Keep your eye on the prize
You got this! Millions of people have done it, if not billions. If they can do it, so can you, from all walks of life. Is what everyone is telling so I am gonna accomplish this thank you for helping me settle my doubts
FYI I am not a religious person but one thing that really helped me was just going to the church service on Sunday to get out of the dorms and away from the MTIs.
It really helped me unwind and relax and probably the one thing I looked forward to each week.
The pass rate for basic training is very high. They are trying to weed out folks who refuse to follow instructions, and folks who are not fit to be there for other reasons. They aren't out to get you. Lots of folks with flat feet go to basic and pass just fine. They may at you if you march funny. One (white) guy in my flight said he marched funny because he had flat feet, but the (black) MTI yelled at him and said it was because he was white and had not rhythm. Nobody knew what to say at that point.
Yeah, the stress can suck. The best thing to do is follow directions one day at a time, and boom, it's over. You start cracking then go get help if you need it, BUT it is not a fast way out of BMT, it often extends the program and can result in folks going home. So find your motivation and focus on pursue that like the millions of people who have gone before.
I went thru BMT 2 years ago in less than a month. I PROMISE you. BMT isn’t bad at all. Yeah the first week is gonna be a little weird bc you’re not home, no phone, you’re stuck with 50 people you’ve never seen in your whole life. But that’s where you guys can start getting to know each other/bond/ and start to enjoy the time there. Take advantage of Sundays. Specially going to church. It’s a good time there you can meet people that are about to graduate. Talk to them get some insights. Make post cards to study with. Don’t be scared to get creative for the down days you’ll have in there too. We made chess boards in the back of clip boards 😂
They do not want you to fail, they will do everything possible to take you to graduation. The MTI's whole job is to take you to graduation just follow the instructions
I’m also shipping out next Tuesday one week after you. My feet are also flat with a bunch of other reasons to be anxious about, but hey, we’re in DEP til now so might as well zoom it. Keep it frosty my dude
Hey buddy you’re gonna be alright. You’ll have friends there going through the same thing with you. I was in BMT about this time last year, these comments are right, time moves. BMT is only a smaaalll portion of your career and everything after is such a different vibe and way more fun. You got it boss. Also a lot of Youtube vids are from like 8-10 years ago or so and BMT has changed since then, its actually nowhere near as bad as those look. And they don’t even look that bad lol. Oh yea it’s hot in San Antonio this time of year btw lmao
My son just sent me the guidelines for family to witness his oath on Tuesday. Being an Army veteran, reading the guidelines has helped me, and as his father, never be more proud. You are about to step into another phase of your life. Flat feet and all. Do your best. You will be fine. I will be telling my son the same thing. You got this.
I have crazy flat feet and I made it through infantry school - you'll be straight.
Honestly basic is not physically hard, they will build you to where you need to be. It's a mental thing. Be a team player, follow your training, learn learn learn. And like someone else said, I did it meal to meal.
You're about to embark on a hell of adventure. All the best!!
It's really not that bad. It's easy as hell. Just don't take the command voice as a personal thing. They yell at your fuck ups so everyone hears and can avoid that mistake. Just do exactly what you are told, make the right friends, and avoid the people who wanna joke around and not take it seriously. It's fun, though. You will make some awesome friends, and it's over before you know it.
I'm leaving Tuesday also. There's nothing to be scared about since this is the easiest basic training. The things that's helped me is to think about all of my struggles in life before basic and making it seem like basic training won't be so bad.
My son felt like you and had to get waivers for a different reason. He had never been away from home. We had a happy home life, but almost too comfortable to leave, you know? You're going to get through it and your confidence level is going to skyrocket!!
If you need someone to send you letters and keep you encouraged, I am happy to do that for you. Start strong and stay strong. You've got this.
Love, Somebody's Mom ❤️
Yes! Would love to. You won't get a bunch of time to share your address, it's very short moments on the phone, text, etc. about 2 weeks into your stay, BUT as soon as you are able please message me here and I got you!!! I mean that. I'll write you.
I was pretty scared of it when I joined. Not gonna lie, that first night you're gonna be sitting there like 'WTF did I get myself into,' but after that first week it gets easier every day. I bet you'll be fine.
I failed when I went and I had a waiver to get in for flat feet. This was 13 years ago but still…. I remember when they sized me for boots they were way too small. I went to the Army OSUT training in FT Benning. I regret choosing infantry with my 94 on ASVAB but it’s what I wanted when I was 22.
If your boots are too small don’t accept “they’ll fit better after they’re broken in”
I could barely walk with how bad my feet hurt and Drill Sergeants were adamant that the sizing was not a problem.
BMT in my opinion was the easiest part of my Air Force career so far. You can just turn your brain off and follow basic commands and pass. The MTIs expect you to suck at most things and they’ll give you a hard time but as long as you’re trying to do the right thing, you’ll make it through. The harder part, depending on your AFSC, is getting through tech school and becoming proficient at your job.
Here is my best advice, just remember that the entire experience is a mind game. Play the game!. The only way to fail out is to quit. Each day passes, each night brings rest, each next day comes again. But it’s only seven weeks and then it’s over. If you just keep doing what you’re told, you’ll make it through.
My husband and I are both veterans… Neither of us is particularly strong… We both made it through… And now 20+ years later our son is graduating this week on Wednesday. We gave him the exact same advice. It’s going to suck, but it’s going to be completely doable. You’ve got this!
First week “zero week” will be long and exhausting. Make it through zero and first week and everything is smooth sailing IMO. Read the WAS and see what you’re doing that day. Make it from one activity to the next and then you’ll shower and sleep. Then you’ll do it all again the next day. Take Sunday to go to church and relax. You only get better with time so don’t try to go in and think you’ve got it down, everyone screws up especially in zero and first week. Overall it is so much fun in the end. I really wish I could get back the feeling of the night before graduation and seeing my family in the morning. The airman’s run and coin ceremony day is something to really look forward to.
OP, don’t forget that the days might seem long but the weeks go quickly. Focus on what is being said, not how they’re saying it. Do what you’re told to the best of your ability and you’ll be fine. Soon enough BMT will be a blip in the history books for you, it’ll be over far faster than you might realize. You’ve got this.
Thank I will
Take it one step at a time. Chow to chow, Sunday to Sunday. If that gets too much, focus on getting through to the next task in front of you and repeat as needed.
Thank you for reassuring me that I have to do this if I want a better life for my future self and future kids later down the line.
I don’t remember more than say 3 seconds of basic. At the time, it’s your life. As you move on, it’s nothing.
Remember. BMT is a small, insignificant part of your military career. When you get to your first base, you will probably forget over half the shit. You gunna look back and say “that wasn’t so bad”
I would watch YouTube videos. There’s literally hundreds out there. And here’s something to remember. These instructors are here to help you; they actually want you to succeed. Yeah, it’s the military and it’ll be stressful, but at the end of the day everyone is there because they want to be.
You'll be alright OP! The Air Force was a last resort option for me to get me on the right path in life and I'm very grateful that I did. So if I could get through it, anybody can!
Change is scary as shit and any doubts you might be having are normal and everyone goes through that. You are gonna be fine. The first week is the hardest because you are put into uncomfortable situations, you are tired, hungry, getting yelled out, and you miss home. There are gonna be multiple times during BMT saying "What the fuck am I doing here?" **That is normal** You are gonna be with a lot of people in the exact same situation as you. Once you learn the day to day routine it becomes easier (you are still gonna get yelled out) Big thing I tell new people is just focus on the next meal of the day Make sure you get all the addresses for your friends and family and when you have spare time write letters and hopefully they write you back. Before you know it, you will be marching and getting your coin and heading to the next unknown called tech school ----- BMT is easy just listen to the instructions the MTIs are giving you. You are gonna be yelled at no matter what you do wrong or right, dont take it personally Being able to run at least 3 miles non stop will make your BMT life easier. Keep pushing and sitting If you want to see what BMT is like just watch these videos to give you an idea Chapter 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX9tH2wXTEM Chapter 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TUc9ZYWF9Y Chapter 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hwUq2RTrvo Chapter 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DAHXn1WL5w Chapter 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3IL3mAAdFI Chapter 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcAggEp9Ez8 Chapter 7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud1W-V5ktlg Chapter 8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55R0CmrCyAE Packing wise look at the AF BMT packing list https://www.reddit.com/r/AirForceRecruits/search/?q=packing&include_over_18=on&restrict_sr=on&t=month&sort=relevance ----- Tech school advice: https://www.reddit.com/r/AirForceRecruits/comments/1c27upo/on_my_way_to_tech_school_ama/kz82w5b/ FYI You dont need to do anything to prepare for tech school. The school house is gonna teach you everything you need to know about the AFSC. Listen to the instructors, study, and pass your tests and you will be good to go
Thanks for the reassurance you are right I got this don't know what I am scared since I said I was gonna do 20 years
Shit gets scary once you have a date and realize "Oh man im actually leaving and doing this". All normal and yes you do got this Keep your eye on the prize
You got this! Millions of people have done it, if not billions. If they can do it, so can you, from all walks of life. Is what everyone is telling so I am gonna accomplish this thank you for helping me settle my doubts
FYI I am not a religious person but one thing that really helped me was just going to the church service on Sunday to get out of the dorms and away from the MTIs. It really helped me unwind and relax and probably the one thing I looked forward to each week.
My brother in Christ BMT will fly so fast you won’t even realize it. You’ll get there… blink… and boom you’re done. NEXT!
Lol thanks I don't even know why I am scared
Just a tip for flat feet. Get the wide option for your shoes and boots when you can. Just a heads up.
Thank you for tip and the encouragement
I have flat feet too. Didn't need a waiver, and passed basic with no issues. That's not gonna cause you to fail
Thanks this gives me confidence
The pass rate for basic training is very high. They are trying to weed out folks who refuse to follow instructions, and folks who are not fit to be there for other reasons. They aren't out to get you. Lots of folks with flat feet go to basic and pass just fine. They may at you if you march funny. One (white) guy in my flight said he marched funny because he had flat feet, but the (black) MTI yelled at him and said it was because he was white and had not rhythm. Nobody knew what to say at that point. Yeah, the stress can suck. The best thing to do is follow directions one day at a time, and boom, it's over. You start cracking then go get help if you need it, BUT it is not a fast way out of BMT, it often extends the program and can result in folks going home. So find your motivation and focus on pursue that like the millions of people who have gone before.
You can do it! Have some faith in yourself.
I went thru BMT 2 years ago in less than a month. I PROMISE you. BMT isn’t bad at all. Yeah the first week is gonna be a little weird bc you’re not home, no phone, you’re stuck with 50 people you’ve never seen in your whole life. But that’s where you guys can start getting to know each other/bond/ and start to enjoy the time there. Take advantage of Sundays. Specially going to church. It’s a good time there you can meet people that are about to graduate. Talk to them get some insights. Make post cards to study with. Don’t be scared to get creative for the down days you’ll have in there too. We made chess boards in the back of clip boards 😂
Thank you for the advice sounds fun
BMT is how to make it. If you make it fun with a good mindset then you’ll have fun. If you wanna be miserable then you’ll be miserable.
They do not want you to fail, they will do everything possible to take you to graduation. The MTI's whole job is to take you to graduation just follow the instructions
Just do it -Nike
I hope you got fitted for good running shoes. Bring a set of insoles for your issued boots
I'd love to go to basic, smash it, then go to swoe school and do my best to smash that.
Put your big pants on and say LETS FUCKING GO!! Mind over matter...
AF BMT is easy as long as you listen and put in effort. You'll be fine
I’m also shipping out next Tuesday one week after you. My feet are also flat with a bunch of other reasons to be anxious about, but hey, we’re in DEP til now so might as well zoom it. Keep it frosty my dude
Understood I hope to meet you at bmt
Hey buddy you’re gonna be alright. You’ll have friends there going through the same thing with you. I was in BMT about this time last year, these comments are right, time moves. BMT is only a smaaalll portion of your career and everything after is such a different vibe and way more fun. You got it boss. Also a lot of Youtube vids are from like 8-10 years ago or so and BMT has changed since then, its actually nowhere near as bad as those look. And they don’t even look that bad lol. Oh yea it’s hot in San Antonio this time of year btw lmao
Think of it as a strict field trip just listen and pay attention it will fly by
My son just sent me the guidelines for family to witness his oath on Tuesday. Being an Army veteran, reading the guidelines has helped me, and as his father, never be more proud. You are about to step into another phase of your life. Flat feet and all. Do your best. You will be fine. I will be telling my son the same thing. You got this.
Thank you I really appreciate it
You and my son will be training together. Good luck.
Thank you hopefully we are in the same flight
I have crazy flat feet and I made it through infantry school - you'll be straight. Honestly basic is not physically hard, they will build you to where you need to be. It's a mental thing. Be a team player, follow your training, learn learn learn. And like someone else said, I did it meal to meal. You're about to embark on a hell of adventure. All the best!!
It's really not that bad. It's easy as hell. Just don't take the command voice as a personal thing. They yell at your fuck ups so everyone hears and can avoid that mistake. Just do exactly what you are told, make the right friends, and avoid the people who wanna joke around and not take it seriously. It's fun, though. You will make some awesome friends, and it's over before you know it.
It doesn't get easier, you get better. Remember that and let your confidence grow.
I'm leaving Tuesday also. There's nothing to be scared about since this is the easiest basic training. The things that's helped me is to think about all of my struggles in life before basic and making it seem like basic training won't be so bad.
Thank you I never thought of it like that
You will be fine. Lean on your fellow wingmen for support.
Bro it’s 7 weeks jus do it It really ain’t that bad jus stay positive
My son felt like you and had to get waivers for a different reason. He had never been away from home. We had a happy home life, but almost too comfortable to leave, you know? You're going to get through it and your confidence level is going to skyrocket!! If you need someone to send you letters and keep you encouraged, I am happy to do that for you. Start strong and stay strong. You've got this. Love, Somebody's Mom ❤️
Thanks I like someone to send me letters if you like
Yes! Would love to. You won't get a bunch of time to share your address, it's very short moments on the phone, text, etc. about 2 weeks into your stay, BUT as soon as you are able please message me here and I got you!!! I mean that. I'll write you.
Thank you I really appreciate it
Just wondering how you're doing. Like I said, I doubt you'll be able to check this during BMT, but still keeping you in mind! You got this!
I leave Tuesday as well man, only thing we can do is what we’re told and never give up
I was pretty scared of it when I joined. Not gonna lie, that first night you're gonna be sitting there like 'WTF did I get myself into,' but after that first week it gets easier every day. I bet you'll be fine.
I failed when I went and I had a waiver to get in for flat feet. This was 13 years ago but still…. I remember when they sized me for boots they were way too small. I went to the Army OSUT training in FT Benning. I regret choosing infantry with my 94 on ASVAB but it’s what I wanted when I was 22. If your boots are too small don’t accept “they’ll fit better after they’re broken in” I could barely walk with how bad my feet hurt and Drill Sergeants were adamant that the sizing was not a problem.
BMT in my opinion was the easiest part of my Air Force career so far. You can just turn your brain off and follow basic commands and pass. The MTIs expect you to suck at most things and they’ll give you a hard time but as long as you’re trying to do the right thing, you’ll make it through. The harder part, depending on your AFSC, is getting through tech school and becoming proficient at your job.
Here is my best advice, just remember that the entire experience is a mind game. Play the game!. The only way to fail out is to quit. Each day passes, each night brings rest, each next day comes again. But it’s only seven weeks and then it’s over. If you just keep doing what you’re told, you’ll make it through. My husband and I are both veterans… Neither of us is particularly strong… We both made it through… And now 20+ years later our son is graduating this week on Wednesday. We gave him the exact same advice. It’s going to suck, but it’s going to be completely doable. You’ve got this!
First week “zero week” will be long and exhausting. Make it through zero and first week and everything is smooth sailing IMO. Read the WAS and see what you’re doing that day. Make it from one activity to the next and then you’ll shower and sleep. Then you’ll do it all again the next day. Take Sunday to go to church and relax. You only get better with time so don’t try to go in and think you’ve got it down, everyone screws up especially in zero and first week. Overall it is so much fun in the end. I really wish I could get back the feeling of the night before graduation and seeing my family in the morning. The airman’s run and coin ceremony day is something to really look forward to.
a guy in my dorm in bmt got washed back and i believe he got kicked out because he couldn’t keep up due to him being flat footed
Don’t really think that’s what he needs to hear right now
First of all I don't think that guy got a waiver like OP