Trainees learn attention to detail through 'warrior' mindset

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Candace Romano
  • 37th Training Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  You won't find today's basic trainees hunched over brown T-shirts, tugging at them with tweezers to make perfect 6-inch squares.

Instead, you will soon find Airmen who have mastered the M-16 rifle, can identify its components, field-strip and clean it, and reassemble it without the slightest hesitation.

Recent changes to basic military training have resulted in better trained and more focused Airmen. From day one, trainees have a warrior mindset, preparing them for the air expeditionary force deployment cycle and success.

"The changes in basic training result from the need to meet current and future operational Air Force requirements," Col. Gina Grosso, 737th Training Group commander said. "Each service prepares its recruits to be successful in their respective services. The Air Force is producing expeditionary Airmen who can be successful in the current threat environment."

Refocusing basic military training to more of a "warrior first" mentality means more than an attitude adjustment. It will benefit the Air Force as a whole.

The new training is designed to mirror the air expeditionary force cycle of pre-deployment, deployment and reconstitution. The deployment phase is represented through field training, now the fourth week of BMT.

"The changes instill the 'warrior ethos' in Airmen," Tech. Sgt. Tim Bruton, 321st Training Squadron military training instructor said. "Down the road, commanders in the field will see a visible difference in the training and readiness of these Airmen."

The M-16 initiative is one change, which goes hand-in-hand with the warrior mentality. Military training instructors have been trained on the M-16 replica and will train recruits once they receive the weapons.

"We have trained the (military training instructors) on all the initial issues," Master Sgt. Janice Allen, 321st TRS section superintendent said. "All of the MTIs currently have one M-16 in each dorm room. This way they will be able to practice what they've learned."

According to Sergeant Allen, every basic trainee will be issued an M-16 on the first day of training by November.

The training rifle is an exact replica of an M-16, with all the same working parts. The only difference is that it won't fire any rounds. To distinguish it as a training weapon, the stock is blue.

Trainees attend a combat arms training and maintenance class during Field Training Week, which teaches them breakdown and reassembly of the M-16, and initial manual of arms.

Another change which has been made includes the MTIs going to Field Training Week alongside their trainees.

"We are there from the beginning as role models and to provide training for the trainees in all aspects," Tech. Sgt. Shae Alamo, MTI with the 321st Training Squadron said. "Now we will be participating in all aspects of their training, whether it is learning to march or participating in a field training exercise."

Trainees will receive enhanced classes in self-aid/buddy care and basic field tactics in addition to marksmanship skills on the M-16. The skills they learn will benefit them and the Air Force when they deploy for the first time.

"The better (basic military training) instills an expeditionary foundation in every Airman, the easier it is for the operational Air Force to deploy these Airmen," Colonel Grosso said. "In addition, better-prepared Airmen significantly reduce the training burden for the operational Air Force, and when Airmen do deploy to a hostile environment they will be more effective."

But what about the famous 6-inch T-shirt? MTIs say they have started rolling T-shirts and underwear, a technique the Navy has used for years. The time saved is redirected to time spent on developing warrior skills.

"We are seeing Airmen with a better skill set and capacity to deploy," Sergeant Allen said. "We are teaching them to roll their T-shirts and underwear, teaching them expeditious, space-saving skills they can use when packing their mobility bags. The way we see it, we are still teaching them attention to detail while teaching them one more warrior skill."

At the end of the sixth week of training, the instructors have been seeing a change in the Airmen who emerge.

"The biggest change I see now is the confidence level of the graduating Airmen," Sergeant Allen said. "The basic trainees are taught the overall mission of the Air Force and become 'ready-to-go' Airmen. They learn the combat skills necessary to deploy and become the warriors we've expected them to be all along."

The success of the warrior mindset initiative has MBT leaders talking about adding a seventh week to basic training.

"We are all in favor of adding the five additional days of training," Sergeant Alamo said. "It can only enhance the level of training they receive."

All in all, the recent changes to BMT have developed into positive results, giving Airmen who graduate from basic training the warrior mentality they need to be successful at their first duty stations and throughout their careers.

"Airmen who graduate from basic training today will be better prepared and educated, and know what to expect," Sergeant Bruton said. "When they report to their first duty station and deploy, they won't be lost. They'll be in familiar territory."