Safety and security are enormous concerns in today’s highly unstable world, and it is every Airman’s responsibility to do their part. Throughout the Air Force, the Entry Controller (EC) plays a critical role in protecting lives and resources.
This duty must be taken very seriously, with the utmost vigilance, commitment and adherence to AF core values.
Duties and Responsibilities
An EC is someone (one or more persons) responsible for everything that occurs within limits of a designated area and must immediately investigate unusual or suspicious incidents. In BMT, your immediate area of responsibility is the dormitory. Safety, security, and conservation of utilities are the primary responsibilities of an EC.
Safety involves controlling access in and out of the dormitory, security involves conducting security checks and safeguarding resources, and conserving utilities involves turning off lights when not in use (except stairwells), turning off all running water, and reporting leaks or running toilets to your MTI, as soon as possible -- and if your MTI is not present -- and you notice a major leak -- reporting it to CQ.
General Rules
- Two ECs are required on duty at all times; consistent with BMT Wingman policy where no trainee will ever be alone with an MTI or permanent party personnel. During 0-1 WOT, additional ECs may perform on-the-job training
- ECs are not allowed to sit, sleep, or read and write letters – this is to maintain focus on EC duties
- Up until the 3 WOT only EC-related material (e.g the EC binder or this Chapter) may be read – this is to rapidly increase your knowledge of and proficiency in EC procedures. Beginning in the 3 WOT, you may read any portion of the BMTSG to study for your End of Course Test
- Write down any messages that are to be passed on to the next EC or MTI
- Answer the intercom following procedures on the Authority to Enter Dormitory training aid (“Sir/Ma’am, Entry Controller, Dorm _______, May I help you?”)
- DO NOT open the door to answer questions unless you have followed the authority to enter procedures and the individual is authorized to enter
- Remain at the EC stand unless you are performing a check, responding to an emergency, investigating an unusual or suspicious incident, observing a visitor or otherwise instructed
Uniform Requirements
Week of Training 1-8 (0600-2000)
Uniform of the Day (UOD) with OCP or Flight Cap and appropriate footwear (unless otherwise instructed)
Week of Training 0-8 (2000-0600)
Physical Training Uniform (PTU); Entry Controllers may remain in the PTU until the flight has showered following PT
Required Equipment
While performing EC, you will need to have the following items:
- M16 Trainer Weapon from the 1 WOT through 7 WOT
- Operational flashlight during hours of darkness
- Optional items: BMTSG and blue or black ink pen (leave backpack stowed in RLA) and Water bottle
EC Monitor
The MTI delegates authority to the EC Monitor to establish and manage the EC schedule in a fair and equitable manner. This includes annotating the schedule and any changes on the BMT Form 106.
Flight members are to treat the EC Monitor with respect and not challenge or argue with them regarding the schedule. If you believe the schedule is unfair, you should address the matter directly with your MTI.
EC Schedule
You will be scheduled to perform EC throughout your time at BMT. The following four areas present guidance on: shifts of an EC, how to initiate changes to an EC schedule, proper notification when medical issues impose duty limitations and performing EC temporarily (e.g., chow relief or appointment).
BMT Form 106 Entry Controller Roster
Shifts
- Annotated on the BMT Form 106, Entry Controller Roster
- Broken down in 2-hour increments
- No one is allowed to pull two consecutive shifts or two night shifts during the same night
- Two types of shifts: Day shift is from 0600 - 2000 hours and Night shift is from 2000 - 0600 hours
If you are scheduled for EC after lights out, you must take these actions:
- Do not make your bed between lights out and first call
- Carry an operational flashlight
- Set up your night display before and after EC duty
- During your shift, leave your correctly filled out AETC Form 341, Excellence/Discrepancy Report, centered and flushed with rear of the chair seat printed side facing up so it is viewable
- Leave an empty hanger on your wall locker where the night display would normally hang
If an EC is not relieved at the end of the scheduled shift, stay at your post. DO NOT just leave. If the flight is in the dormitory, check the EC schedule and notify the trainee scheduled for duty. If the trainee is not available, notify the EC Monitor to schedule a trainee for duty. If the EC Monitor is unavailable, you may then notify the Dorm Chief or MTI.
If the flight is not in the dormitory, notify the MTI. If the MTI is not available, and ECs are the only personnel in the dormitory, use the intercom to notify the CQ if not relieved within 10 minutes into the next shift.
EC Schedule Changes
Making a change to the schedule allows individuals the ability to accomplish personal and mission-related needs (e.g., medical appointments, personnel processing appointments, and any other last minute personal issues). The MTI and EC Monitor are the only personnel authorized to make changes to the schedule.
If a trainee other than the EC Monitor changes the schedule, they will be subject to disciplinary action. If you have an appointment that conflicts with the schedule, notify the EC Monitor immediately to resolve the issue.
DO NOT wait until the last minute to be rescheduled. If the EC Monitor cannot resolve the conflict, notify your element leader or dorm chief before notifying the MTI.
Medical Concerns
If you return from a medical appointment with medicine that may cause drowsiness or a waiver, you must notify your chain of command (e.g., EC Monitor, Element Leader, Dorm Chief and MTI) before your EC shift begins.
These situations do not exempt you from performing EC unless the medical waiver specifically states you are exempt. Direct all questions about the waiver to your MTI. Ask your MTI to explain items on the waiver that you do not understand.
Temporary EC
You may have to fill-in for the scheduled EC during meals, appointments or other rare occasions. As the temporary EC, you will only complete part of or the remaining portion of the original EC’s shift; not the entire shift.
Pulling a second or subsequent shift is not allowed. If you are not properly relieved, make notifications to your EC monitor, element leader, dorm chief or MTI. Should the original EC return from their appointment before the shift is over, they will resume their duty.