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NATO Air Policing operations — U.S. Air Force News

May 10, 2024
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
April 26, 2024
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Nov. 3, 2023
Around the Air Force: NJ Air National Guard in the Middle East, Sharing Flight Data, Gaming Tactics

In this week’s look around the Air Force, the 119th EFS is in the USCENTCOM AOR to help deter aggression in the region, AFWERX agrees to share flight test data with the FAA, and gamers are helping to develop combat tactics through a unique event. (Hosted by Staff Sgt. Stephani Barge)
Oct. 27, 2023
Around the Air Force: AFFORGEN Deployers, MQ-9s in Kadena, Ask an MTI

In this week’s look around the Air Force, units start deploying under the new Air Force Force Generation model, MQ-9 Reapers relocate to Kadena Air Base, Japan, and recruits can ask questions of Military Training Instructors online before attending basic training.
Oct. 19, 2023
'Ask an MTI' informs recruiters, helps bridge gap for recruits heading to BMT

Recruits heading to BMT can ask questions in a recruiter-facilitated web chat with an MTI, thanks to a 37th TRW initiative to better prepare the Air and Space Force’s next generation of trainees for the rigors of training.
April 27, 2023
BMT trainees become US citizens under new streamlined naturalization process

Fourteen Airmen from the 326th Training Squadron became the first U.S. citizens under the new streamlined naturalization process at BMT.
Jan. 27, 2023
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Nov. 16, 2022
Forging the next generation: BMT leads the way

Following a 16-year run, Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training, or BEAST, has come to an end and is being replaced with training exercise PACER FORGE, as part of Air Force basic military training.
Oct. 28, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
July 22, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
July 13, 2022
Air Force adds more jobs to initial enlistment bonus list

For some Air Force career fields, new opportunities for Airmen to receive bonuses upon entering active duty have begun in fiscal year 2022.
June 24, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Dec. 21, 2021
Uniform shortage to affect BMT graduates

This proactive measure will allow Airmen and Guardians to have, at minimum, one full set of service dress while Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support works with the manufacturer to restore full production.
Nov. 10, 2021
Beginning Nov. 11, ‘After Basic' social show offers live reaction, analysis to BMT docuseries

A live social media 'after' show focused on reflecting on and discussing the Air Force Recruiting Service’s new docuseries ‘Basic’ is set to debut on the Air Education and Training Command Facebook page Thursday, Nov. 11, at 7:45 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Dec. 19, 2020
Force generating military training leaders at Keesler AFB inspire future force

Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson, command chief of Air Education and Training Command visited the 81st Training Group Dec. 8 and 9 to see Keesler Air Force Base military training leaders in action and to visit the MTL technical training school.
Dec. 14, 2020
US Space Force makes history at basic military training

History was made at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Dec. 10 as the first seven people to enlist directly into the U.S. Space Force graduated from basic military training.
Nov. 21, 2020
MTI of the Year attributes win to coworkers, leadership

Master Sgt. Roslyn Ball, 319th Training Squadron, credits the mentorship and bonds she’s shared with her fellow Military Training Instructors in receiving the 2020 MTI of the Year award.
Nov. 16, 2020
JB San Antonio-Lackland constructs new training complex

Construction of the Basic Military Training West Campus at Joint Base San-Antonio-Lackland, Texas, is a multifaceted effort designed to replace decentralized, aged housing and training infrastructure with modern living and educational facilities.
Aug. 24, 2020
Air Force top officials visit JB San Antonio for first combined trip

Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett was accompanied by newly sworn in Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass to take a closer look at operations across JB San Antonio during the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 31, 2020
Around the Air Force: Skyborg Contracts Awarded, Tech Training Streamlined, Hurricane Hunters

Today’s look Around the Air Force highlights new contracts awarded to industry for the Skyborg Vanguard Program, a new program bypassing traditional tech school for technical training to take place at an Airman's first duty station and Hurricane Hunters track a storm in the Pacific. (Hosted by
July 10, 2020
Senior Air Force, Army officers outline practices protecting recruits from coronavirus

Air Force Maj. Gen. Andrea D. Tullos, commander, Second Air Force, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, and Army Maj. Gen. Lonnie G. Hibbard told reporters during a virtual news conference from the Pentagon that training goals are being met and that, to date, only about 2% of the tens of thousands
June 17, 2020
SecDef witnesses transformation, protection of citizens becoming Airmen at BMT during COVID-19

Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper met with Air Education and Training Command leaders to see firsthand how Basic Military Training is fighting through COVID-19 with health protection measures in place and adapting operations to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidance.
May 29, 2020
Around the Air Force: Pilot Height, Fitness Tests Suspended and Keesler AFB Basic Training

Today’s look Around the Air Force highlights the historic SpaceX launch, as two American astronauts launched from U.S. soil for the first time in 10 years. Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi begins basic military training as a secondary location for COVID-19 surge operations, and the Air Force
May 26, 2020
Feasibility of secondary Air Force BMT location proven; COVID-19 surge operations to begin June 2

The decision to stand up BMT's initial operating capability, or IOC, at Keesler AFB under Detachment 5 of the 37th Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas comes after a successful proof-of-concept trial run at the base, which began April 7.
May 18, 2020
First Airmen graduate BMT proof of concept at Keesler AFB

Due to safety concerns stemming from COVID-19, the Air Force sent new recruits to Keesler Air Force Base to demonstrate a proof of concept to generate the force at multiple locations during contingencies.
May 8, 2020
CSAF visits BMT, thanks team for ‘fighting through’ COVID-19 response

Basic military training, in addition to technical and flying training, has been deemed mission essential and vital to readiness.
May 1, 2020
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
April 24, 2020
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
April 24, 2020
USecAF, CMSAF visit AETC to see adjusted training operations in response to COVID-19

The visits allowed senior leaders the opportunity to see first-hand how Air Education and Training Command has adjusted operations to mitigate and minimize COVID-19 impacts to the basic, technical and flying training pipelines, all of which have been deemed mission essential.
April 13, 2020
Agile recruiting methods required to get future Airmen to basic training

As the world is telling people to stay at home, the Air Force is finding new and diverse ways to ship applicants to basic military training.
April 9, 2020
BMT adapts to limit spread of COVID-19

The shift is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which will allow the training pipeline to continue and help ensure the health and safety of trainees and instructors while also providing relief to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland’s training infrastructure.
April 7, 2020
Update: Air Force BMT graduation and schedule

The revised schedule will allow BMT to restructure and enhance social-distancing requirements across the training campus to ensure the safety and security not just for the trainees, but for the Military Training Instructors, other active-duty members, civilians and contractors that support the
March 31, 2020
FAQ: COVID-19 impacts to BMT, technical training

This frequently-asked-questions acts as a resource for anyone who has questions or concerns about themselves or a loved one that is part of the 37th Training Wing, including basic military training at the 737th Training Group and technical training at the 37th Training Group.
March 30, 2020
BMT safety efforts protect trainers, pipeline

Specific mitigation measures that have been implemented across BMT include implementation of a 14-day restriction of movement upon arrival, as well as social distancing, symptom monitoring and increased sanitation.
March 26, 2020
Air Force BMT adjusts schedules, locations to sustain mission readiness

In order to ensure the health and safety of trainees and instructors and to preserve dorm capacity, new recruits will be brought in based on a four-week repeating cycle that includes stringent restricted movement guidelines, dedicated time for deep cleaning between rotations, resetting the
March 25, 2020
Air Force basic trainee tests positive for COVID-19

Air Force officials announced, March 25, a trainee in the Air Force’s basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland has tested positive for COVID-19.
March 19, 2020
AETC issues official COVID-19 mission essential training determination, authorizes travel

Per the memorandum, Webb stated AETC will continue to: "recruit and access Airmen; train candidates and enlistees in Officer Training School, ROTC and basic military training; develop Airmen in technical and flying training; and deliver advanced academic education such as the School of Advanced Air
March 19, 2020
Latest Air Force trainees continue BMT with enhanced mitigation efforts

During the ROM, trainees will prepare for full-scale training and complete administrative tasks and limited training objectives, while operating within the parameters of social distancing and small-group contact. Currently, there are no COVID-19 cases in BMT.
March 17, 2020
Air Force BMT, technical and flying training mission essential, to continue with mitigation

Air Force basic military training, technical training and flying training has been deemed mission essential and will continue operations with mitigation, Air Education and Training Command announced March 17, 2020.
March 12, 2020
BMT graduation parade canceled

The 37th Training Wing canceled the Air Force Basic Military Training graduation parade scheduled for March 13 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland’s parade grounds out of concern for the safety of the newly accessioned Airmen and their family members due to the coronavirus.
March 11, 2020
Military health officials begin screening Air Force basic trainees for COVID-19

Each trainee is screened by qualified medical professionals upon arrival at the BMT reception center and anyone identified as a potential infected person would then be isolated from the rest of the population and provided treatment. During screening, all appropriate Centers for Disease Control
March 10, 2020
Joint Base San Antonio suspends public attendance for non-mission essential mass gatherings, to include BMT graduation

JBSA officials will continue to monitor and discuss the situation with medical experts to determine when guest attendance at graduation events will resume.
March 2, 2020
Air Force BMT integrates tactical combat casualty care course for all Airmen

During the tactical combat casual care course, service members learn lifesaving skills to render basic medical aid to a trauma casualty.
Jan. 17, 2020
Around the Air Force: Spark Tank, Adaptive Learning Software, Air Force Connect

Today's look Around the Air Force features this year's six Spark Tank winners, a transition from textbooks to tablets in Basic Military Training and some information on Air Force Connect. (Hosted by Senior Airman Angelo Rosario)
Jan. 14, 2020
Air Force beta-tests adaptive learning platform in basic military training

On Dec. 11, 2019, about 110 trainees with the 321st Training Squadron received the computers as part of a six-month Cooperative Research and Development Agreement beta test designed to test adaptive and personalized learning in the basic military training setting.
Nov. 12, 2019
Air Force civic leaders experience AETC mission to recruit, train and educate exceptional Airmen

The goal of the visit was to enable a better understanding of AETC and the Air Force mission. The civic leaders from around the country gained knowledge that enables them to better advocate for the service in multiple areas.
Oct. 7, 2019
Air Force on schedule with new uniform issue timeline

When Air Force officials announced last year they were adopting the Army OCP as the official utility uniform, they developed a three-year rollout timeline across the force for the entire changeover. Last week put them on target for issue to new recruits entering BMT.
July 10, 2019
First BMT trainees experience M-4 training, qualification

Basic Military Training trainees were the first to experience M-4 carbine weapons familiarization course at the range, which closed in November 2018, due to improper rainwater drainage. Since then the range has undergone refurbishing efforts to divert water runoff.
Jan. 2, 2019
Like daughter, like mother: Recruiter helps family join USAF

No one expected the mother to sign up for service while gathering information for her daughter at the Air Force recruiting office in her Rhode Island hometown.
Dec. 21, 2018
From start to finish: Air Force Reserve MTI's lead BMT total force flights

Ten Air Force Reserve 433rd Training Squadron military training instructors guided four total force basic military training flights through eight and a half weeks of training and education in preparation for their Dec. 14 BMT graduation at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. It was the first
Nov. 9, 2018
Around the Air Force: BMT Curriculum / Cyber Security

On this look Around the Air Force, Basic Military Training has an updated curriculum, and the Air Force is working with hackers to improve cyber security. Hosted by Airman 1st Class Angelo Rosario.
Nov. 5, 2018
BMT curriculum changes focused on inspiring, developing Airmen

After listening to feedback from the field, a few changes to the Air Force Basic Military Training curriculum will transform trainees into more combat ready Airmen.
Aug. 13, 2018
BLUE: Episode 26 Life cycle of an Airman

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) – Recruiting, developing and retaining a high-quality workforce of effective leaders is essential for war fighting success. The Air Force’s ability to respond faster than our adversaries relies on the talent and leadership of Airmen.This episode of BLUE outlines the
July 16, 2018
Yesterday’s Air Force: BMT

Tomorrow's Airmen all get their start at Lackland Air Force Base where citizens have been transforming into Airmen since 1942. It makes no difference whether you were a pickle or faced the B.E.A.S.T., Basic Military Training is the one thing that all enlisted Airmen have in common.
June 28, 2018
Battlefield Airmen Prep Course improves attrition rates, builds more resilient candidate

The 350th Battlefield Airmen Training Squadron has implemented a nine-week preparatory course for all Battlefield Airmen candidates. Battlefield Airmen graduating from Basic Military Training will have to complete the course before transitioning into the initial entry course.
May 14, 2018
Air Force transitions to a single combat uniform

Air Force leaders announced the service will move to a single combat utility uniform, adopting the Operational Camouflage Pattern, or OCP, already in use by the Army and Airmen in combat zones and in certain jobs across the Air Force.
April 18, 2018
‘Troops for Teens’ links Airmen mentors, local youth to shape futures

The Troops for Teens program is a joint South San Antonio High School and AFCYBER volunteer program that links Airmen mentors with at-risk teens.
Jan. 5, 2018
Basic Training to Al Udeid: Two Air Force careers reunited after 21 years

It all started in 1996. One kid from Prattville, Alabama, and another from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, took a bus to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. They were both a little scared and excited to become the U.S. Air Force’s newest Airmen. Though they grew up about 400 miles apart and spent six weeks
May 25, 2017
BLUE: Recruit, train, educate

Recruit, Train and Educate. That's the motto of Air Education and Training Command. In this episode we show the Instructors training the next generation of Airmen for today's battlefield.
April 25, 2017
Molding yesterday’s trainees into tomorrow’s Airmen

For Staff Sgt. Jessica Fairchild, a former MTI at JB San Antonio-Lackland, those long hours were worth it.Six years into her career, Fairchild applied to be an MTI. She had dreams to be a teacher and chose to focus that drive into shaping the next generation of Airmen.
March 15, 2017
AETC reflects on the value of duty within the First Command

The Profession of Arms Center of Excellence unveiled the newest Heritage Today video March 7, 2017, during the Air Education and Training Command’s Senior Leadership Conference at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.
Sept. 16, 2016
New faces of the Air Force

As the Air Force turns a year older Sept. 18, some of the newest members of the service were asked earlier this month on their basic training graduation day why they decided to be part of the world’s greatest airpower team. Here’s what they had to say.
June 20, 2016
Former basic training instructor fulfills dream to practice law

For Senior Master Sgt. Alex Brown, a 20-year Air Force veteran and Arizona Air National Guard member, a lifelong calling to practice law set him upon an arduous journey to fulfill a dream. That dream recently became reality when he passed the Arizona bar exam.
March 29, 2016
James announces Office of Energy Assurance

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James announced the establishment of the Air Force Office of Energy Assurance and conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland March 22.
June 17, 2015
Airmen’s Week: Transition from trainee to Airman

Capstone Week officially changed its name to Airmen’s Week May 11, to better reflect the training and trainee mindset expected of the week following basic military training.
May 18, 2015
Increased mission requirements open doors for continued service

The Air Force is introducing several personnel and manpower initiatives to meet increased mission requirements outlined in the fiscal year 2016 President’s Budget. The Air Force is undergoing a concerted effort to stabilize and grow the force by fiscal 2017, to include addressing key gaps in the
April 5, 2015
Father, daughter NCOs share passion for mentorship as MTIs

The morning of March 27, at the parade grounds on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, two Airmen became the first father and daughter duo to serve together as military training instructors (MTI).
Jan. 23, 2015
Air Force BMT introduces innovative Capstone Week

Air Force basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph-Lackland will soon restructure its current eight-and-a-half-week course to make room for a new five-day program called Capstone Week, beginning Jan. 27 with trainees entering BMT.
Oct. 12, 2014
BMT trainees complete last run on closing obstacle course

Air Force basic military trainees completed the last runs on the obstacle course at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland before it closed Sept. 24.
March 27, 2014
Standing tall for her country

The auditorium was filled to capacity; more than 500 people, all wearing the same camouflage-patterned uniform. It was easy to blend in with the masses, which was her strategy to survive Basic Military Training. A tiny spec in a sea of green, she thought she was undetectable.
Aug. 20, 2013
New ASVAB pretest available for applicants

Applicants who hope to join the Air Force can now take the Armed Services Aptitude Battery pretest from any computer with internet access thanks to a new program.

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