As with most organizations, the first day on the job usually includes an orientation; this is true with Basic Military Training (BMT) as well.
This briefing is your orientation to BMT and is designed to familiarize you with policies and procedures as they apply to the Air Force (AF) and BMT.
Following and learning to live by these policies and procedures now will help you adapt to AF life and succeed in your daily tasks during BMT.
Military Training Instructor Role
Your Military Training Instructor’s (MTI) role is to train, lead, coach and challenge you each and every day. Their primary responsibility and concern is your morale, welfare and safety as they train you to be successful in the world’s greatest AF, but they cannot help you if they are not aware of problems.
If you need your MTI’s assistance in any matter that affects your safety or well-being, you must see your MTI or someone else in the chain of command (e.g., instructor supervisor, first sergeant, squadron superintendent or commander) immediately!
Trainee Role
You have an important role to play as a trainee. You can expect to be held accountable for your actions, be placed in stressful situations and conditions and exposed to high demands physically, emotionally and mentally.
Keep in mind that millions of Airmen just like you have made it through BMT by keeping a positive outlook, helping each other and never giving up. Teamwork is an essential element to the success of our AF in training, on the job and in battle. AF members take care of each other and depend on each other.
General Policies and Procedures
RESPECT FOR INDIVIDUALS
Act in a respectful, polite and professional manner at all times. This will help the AF function more smoothly. Appropriate behavior must be demonstrated at all times throughout your entire AF career.
The AF conducts its affairs free from unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment. It also provides equal opportunity and treatment for all members. It is a requirement for your supervisory staff to explain the Department of Defense’s sexual assault policies within 14-days upon your arrival.
Your supervisory staff must educate you to ensure you understand our military culture will not tolerate sexual assault. AF Personnel must inform new servicemembers on what you can do in the event of an offense.
No one has the right to make physical or verbal sexual advances. If they do, take immediate action by running or calling for help. Report discrimination or sexual advances to your MTI or other authority (reference LAFB Visual Aid 90-14, Sexual Assault Poster, on the dormitory bulletin board).
With the approval of the Squadron Commander or a designative representative, Trainees in some circumstances may ride in a POV with a wingman.
In AETC victims of sexual harassment and/or sexual assault in training environments are provided confidential access to victim support services. Victims will be afforded the necessary time for recovery and opportunity to make up training missed during the recovery period.
Training may be made up through either special individualized assistance (SIA) or washback/ recycle. How training will be made up will be determined by the instructor supervisor with the best interests of the student in mind and based on the amount of training that has been missed, complexity of the training, and other relevant factors.
TRAINEE HEALTH AND SAFETY TOPICS
- Always wear some type of footwear (boots, low quarters, running shoes or shower shoes); however, shower shoes will ONLY be worn to and from the shower or while using the latrine after lights out.
- Do not run inside the dormitory
- Stay out of fan, boiler and circuit breaker rooms in all buildings
- Do not handle stray animals ( if an animal bites you, seek medical treatment immediately)
- Remove your contact lenses every night as it could result in severe eye damage. DO NOT SLEEP WITH LENSES IN!
- If you do not have civilian prescription glasses, continue to wear your contacts until you receive your issued glasses
- Blisters on your feet can be a severe problem when wearing newly issued footwear. Should blisters form, report them to your MTI so you can receive immediate treatment (e.g. blister pack from the dispensary). Waiting may make the blister worse and cause more serious conditions to develop
- Female related health issues
- Menstrual changes may occur during BMT due to additional stressors; you may want to carry sanitary items for unexpected situations
- Do not pull hair up too tight when it is wet; as it will become too tight as it dries and cause pain, and may result in skin conditions requiring medical attention