During the past seven-weeks you have learned the basics of being in the World’s Greatest Air Force (AF). Town pass is a way for you to exercise and display the Core Values you have learned.
This is the first chance you have as an Airman in the AF to interact with the public and let them see what a great Airman you have become.
Hours
Town pass is an earned privilege. There is no guarantee that you will receive town pass while in Basic Military Training (BMT). Any restrictions to town pass will be in accordance with (IAW) 737 TRG Operating Instruction 36-3, Basic Military Training.
Town pass is from to hours (hrs) on Friday and from to hrs on Saturday in the 8 week of training (WOT). The MTI may recommend an additional town pass for “Excellence” to individuals or the entire flight on Sunday of the 8 WOT from to .
The additional town pass must be endorsed by the Flight Commander or Instructor Supervisor, and approved by the Commander.
Also, the Sunday Town Pass is awarded to Airmen who achieve Warhawk Fitness standard, Top Male and Top Female Physical Training (PT) individual performers, Top Male and Top Female PT Flights, flights that earn Top Academic status, and Honor Graduate recipients.
For Sunday’s special town pass or base liberty, early departure will be authorized for church services.
Visitors
The Pfingston Reception Center, BLDG 6330, is the designated location for visitors to obtain information and contact Airmen. Visitors are prohibited from entering the squadron area except during Open House and inclement weather conditions for shelter.
Open House provides a means of sharing the BMT experience with friends and family members. Airmen will brief their family members to leave the squadron area immediately following Open House.
Visitors (8 WOT only) are allowed to drop you off at the designated squadron drop off location (RH&Ts) or the Pfingston Reception Center (ATCs) at the end of town pass.
REMEMBER: you WILL BE HELD accountable if your family or visitors break the law (e.g., loitering, playing loud music or disrupting squadron operations). Furthermore, you will be held accountable if your family or visitors provide you with illegal drugs, over the counter medications, prescription medication, alcohol or tobacco products. You are prohibited from consuming any of these types of products and/or bringing any back to the dormitory!
Uniforms
While staying in compliance with AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, you are authorized to wear any service uniform combination with all authorized accouterments (e.g., ribbons, tie tack or clasp). However, you are authorized to wear only issued glasses, unless you have a waiver.
You may not wear civilian clothing, unless otherwise directed, or use unauthorized items (e.g., sunglasses, cell phones, bluetooth ear pieces or headphones).
Sign In and Out Procedures
Before leaving for town pass, you will sign out on a roster using your payroll signature. You will also provide a contact phone number so your squadron can reach you in case of real-world emergencies and/or recalls.
You must return to the squadron and initial by your name no later than (NLT) hrs on Friday and Saturday.
On Sunday, you must return to the squadron and initial by your name NLT hrs.
Rules
There are numerous rules you must adhere to while on town pass. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- You may visit all JBSA-Lackland facilities, food venues, and off-base attractions
- All food and beverages must be consumed on location (e.g., no food or beverages are allowed in the squadron area)
- DO NOT purchase/consume any alcoholic beverages
- Conduct yourself in a manner that presents a professional image and brings credit to the AF
- Comply with the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), Trainee Rules of Conduct and AF Core Values
- Do not become involved with prostitutes
- Do not get tattoos, brands, or body piercings
- Do not dye your hair except as permitted and outlined in AFI 36-2903
- Do not participate in public demonstrations
- Do not become involved in confrontations with the local populace
- Do not become involved with illegal drugs
- Obey all traffic signals, use crosswalks on and off base, and do not jaywalk
- Airmen must have a wingman, unless accompanied by their family members. Opposite gender, one-on-one, situations with other Airmen are prohibited
- Avoid “off-limit” establishments as determined by the base commander. Read the Off-Limits Areas and Establishments letter posted on the dormitory bulletin board
- Other squadron patios are off limits, unless prior approval is received from squadron leadership
- The Inns of Lackland and base housing are off-limits unless family members are lodged or reside in these accommodations. Airmen must have squadron leadership approval to visit these areas.
- If you get lost, ask a police officer, bus driver or other reliable source for directions
- Do not accept rides from anyone
- Carry your Military ID card. Do not misplace or lose your ID card, as it may delay your departure from BMT
- During the hours of darkness, you must carry an operational flashlight and wear a reflective belt. Take your flashlight and reflective belt even if you do not plan on returning to the squadron after the hours of darkness
- If you choose to utilize the Chaparral fitness center or golf course while on town pass, you must carry your PT uniform with you and change at the facility; DO NOT wear the service uniform while participating in athletic activities at the fitness center or playing golf
- If you receive or purchase a mobile/cell phone during graduation week (Thu-Sun), you must immediately turn it into the CQ. Failure to do so, or taking the phone into the dormitory, will result in disciplinary action. You will receive your phone during graduation week, prior to shipping
- All other electronic devices (e.g. laptops, iPad, etc.), purchased or received as gifts must be taken home by family members, or mailed to your tech training location. Bringing the device(s) into the squadron or dormitory will result in disciplinary action. The Air Force and BMT cannot be held liable for the loss or damage of items; nor transportation baggage restrictions
- Do not give your dog tags to family or friends; you must take them with you to tech school and your first duty station
- Do not have any unauthorized contact with any MTI or permanent party personnel. If unauthorized contact occurs, you have an obligation to report this misconduct
Transportation
The mode of transportation most trainees use to get downtown is the San Antonio public bus system, VIA. The express bus is the fastest way to get downtown, but does not return to JBSA-Lackland.
You must pay the exact fare of $ . Buses leave from the front of the Pfingston Reception Center, BLDG 6330, approximately every 20 minutes starting at 0920 hrs on Saturdays.
The bus drops you off at the corner of 420 East Commerce Street, behind the United Services Organization (USO). The address for the USO is 203 West Market Street.
The regular bus leaves from the Luke East gate on both Saturday and Sunday. Buses returning to JBSA-Lackland depart every 20 minutes in front of the USO with the last bus departing at 1840 hrs.
Buses also depart from the corner of Saint Mary’s and East Commerce approximately every 25 minutes. Bus schedules are available at either the Pfingston Reception Center or the USO to help ensure you return to the base on time. If you miss the bus, taxicabs are available, but are very expensive.
You may ride in a privately owned vehicle (POV), but you are prohibited from driving a vehicle. You, and all individuals in the POV, must wear seat belts.
Do not leave the San Antonio metropolitan area. You may visit Sea World, Fiesta Texas and family members near local military installations, to include JBSA-Randolph.
Money and Money List
Take only the money you think you will need and a current money list with you on town pass. Be aware of unscrupulous merchants as they may try to sell you poor quality or stolen goods. Due to luggage limitations, wait until you arrive at technical training to make large purchases.
Shipping Luggage
You are only authorized to take three pieces of luggage to Technical Training; your AF duffle bag and the bag/suitcase you brought to BMT.
Do not have visiting family members bring luggage, clothing items, electronics, etc from home. If you have more than the authorized amount of luggage, it may delay or even prevent you from departing.
United Services Organization (USO)
The USO provides information, recreation facilities, or a safe place to rest and visit with your family and friends. It offers a variety of services that include vending machines, ping pong and pool tables, movies, a lounge and a family room.
Visitor Information Center
The Visitor Information Center is across the street from the Alamo. It is a good place to find brochures, maps, and tourist information about San Antonio.
Summary
Town Pass is a time for you to go out and enjoy the sights of San Antonio with family members and friends. The information you learned today in this class should be your foundation for when you are out in the public eye.
Build on this and at all times project a professional image to the public. During town pass remember you are always representing the AF so incorporate your AF Core Values in everything you do.