Entry Controller

The Entry Controller (EC) is the trainee responsible for the safety and security of the dormitory. Two ECs are on duty around the clock; together they control who comes in and out, conduct hourly checks, document incidents, and run the response when something goes wrong (fire, gas leak, bomb threat, medical emergency, unauthorized entry).

This is one of the more procedurally heavy sections in this course because the role itself is procedural — the EC follows scripts and checklists exactly, and is graded against them.

Overview

Objective: Demonstrate and connect with members of the Air Force team through Basic Military Training indoctrination.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify the duties, responsibilities, and general rules of an Entry Controller (EC).
• Understand the uniform requirements and equipment needed to complete an EC shift.
• Define the role and responsibilities of the EC Monitor, plus the purpose of the EC schedule and documentation.
• Recall basic facts about general security, entry / exit procedures, and real-world emergencies.
• Explain the procedures for emergency evacuation drills, accidents, and sickness.
• Recognize the purpose of MTI checks and the checklist used.

Foundational Competencies

• Accountability — Accepts full responsibility for self and team; displays honesty and truthfulness.
• Communication — Clearly and effectively articulates and promotes ideas and issues across audiences, in both speech and writing.
• Decision Making — Makes well-informed, timely decisions; uses sound judgment to weigh constraints, risks, and rewards.

Summary

• Duties and Responsibilities
• General Rules
• Uniform Requirements
• Required Equipment
• EC Monitor
• EC Schedule
• Documentation
• General Security
• Entry and Exit Procedures
• Real-World Emergencies
• Emergency Evacuation Drills
• Serious Accident or Sickness
• MTI Checks

Duties and Responsibilities

An EC is responsible for everything that occurs within their designated area and must investigate any unusual or suspicious incident immediately. In BMT, that area is your dormitory.

The three core responsibilities:

• Safety — controlling access in and out of the dormitory.
• Security — running security checks and safeguarding resources.
• Conserving utilities — turn off lights when not in use (except stairwells), turn off all running water, and report leaks or running toilets to your MTI as soon as possible. If there's a major leak and your MTI isn't present, report it to CQ.

General Rules

• Two ECs on duty from 1600–0800 the next duty day in winter, or 1700–0900 in summer. This is required by the Wingman / Teammate Policy: no member is ever alone with an MTI or permanent party. During 0–1 WOT, additional ECs may perform on-the-job training.

• Interim ECs:

  • Any trainee in the dormitory 0800–1600 (winter) or 0900–1700 (summer) who can quickly respond to safety duties (entry / exit requests, real-world emergencies, gas / fire / bomb drill procedures).
  • Not scheduled.
  • Required to fill in for the original EC during meals, appointments, or other rare occasions.
  • Not intended to cover an entire shift or extend coverage into the next shift.
  • When the original returns before shift end, they resume duties.

• ECs may not sit, sleep, read letters, or write letters — focus stays on EC duties.

• Up until 3 WOT, only EC-related material (the EC binder or this section) may be read, to rapidly build EC knowledge and proficiency. Starting in 3 WOT, you may read any portion of the Cerego application to study for the EOC test.

• Write down any messages to be passed to the next EC or MTI.

• Answer the intercom using the script 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've followed the authority-to-enter procedures and the individual is authorized.

• Remain at the EC stand unless performing a check, responding to an emergency, investigating a suspicious incident, observing a visitor, or otherwise instructed.

Uniform Requirements

Required Equipment

Items you need on every EC shift:

• Trainer Weapon (during 1–7 WOT)
• Operational flashlight (during hours of darkness)
• iPad
• Blue or black ink pen
• Issued hydration source
• Leave your backpack stowed in your RLA — not at the EC stand

EC Monitor

The MTI delegates authority to the EC Monitor to establish and manage the EC schedule fairly. This includes annotating the schedule and any changes on the BMT Form 106, Entry Control Roster.

Treat the EC Monitor with respect. Do not challenge or argue with them about the schedule. If you believe the schedule is unfair, take the matter directly to your MTI.

EC Schedule

You'll be scheduled to perform EC throughout BMT. The four areas below cover shifts, schedule changes, medical issues, and temporary EC duty.

Shifts

• Annotated on BMT Form 106.
• Broken into 2-hour increments.
• No one pulls two consecutive shifts or two night shifts on the same night.
• Two shift types:
  • Day shift — 0600–2000
  • Night shift — 2000–0600
• If you're scheduled for EC after lights out:
  • Don't make your bed between lights out and first call.
  • Carry an operational flashlight.

If you aren't relieved at shift end

Stay at your post. Don't just leave.

• If the flight is in the dormitory, check the EC schedule and notify the trainee scheduled for duty. If unavailable, notify the EC Monitor; if the EC Monitor isn't available, notify the Dorm Chief (DC) or MTI.
• If the flight is not in the dormitory, notify the MTI. If the MTI isn't available and ECs are the only personnel in the dormitory, use the intercom to notify CQ if you aren't relieved within 10 minutes into the next shift.

Schedule Changes

The schedule allows trainees to handle personal and mission needs (medical appointments, processing appointments, last-minute issues). Only the MTI and EC Monitor can make changes — any other trainee who alters the schedule is subject to disciplinary action.

If you have an appointment that conflicts with your shift, notify the EC Monitor immediately. Don't wait until the last minute. If the EC Monitor can't resolve the conflict, escalate to your EL or DC, then the MTI.

Medical Concerns

If you return from a medical appointment with medicine that may cause drowsiness or with a waiver, notify your chain of command (EC Monitor, EL, DC, MTI) before your EC shift begins. These situations don't automatically exempt you from EC duty unless the waiver specifically states so. Direct waiver questions to your MTI and ask for explanations of anything you don't understand.

Temporary EC

You may have to fill in for the scheduled EC during meals, appointments, or other rare occasions. As temporary EC:

• You only complete part of, or the remaining portion of, the original EC's shift — never the entire shift.
• No second or subsequent shifts are allowed.
• If you aren't properly relieved, notify the EC Monitor, EL, DC, or MTI.
• When the original EC returns before shift end, they resume their duty.

Documentation

EC Log

The EC log is where you document every unusual or suspicious incident during your shift. Make entries regardless of where you're performing EC duty. Failing to properly report and document incidents can result in disciplinary action. Make verbal reports to the next EC, your flight, MTI, and CQ.

Standard log entries:

• Hourly accountability checks — number of trainees assigned, present, and missing, including the reason each missing trainee is missing.
• All intercom messages pertaining to your dormitory, flight, or MTI.
• Dormitory temperature checks — time and temperature.
• Serious accident or sickness of a trainee — time, name, accident or sickness, and actions taken.
• Fire, gas leak, or bomb threat — actual or drill.
• Unsecured security drawer:
  • If you can't lock the drawer, leave it closed, notify an MTI (safety first), brief the oncoming EC, and annotate the EC log.
  • If you find unsecured valuables (money, jewelry), notify an MTI (safety first). If your MTI isn't present, put the valuables in a secure location (flight office or your personal security drawer) and annotate the EC log.

BMT Form 106 — Entry Control Roster

The roster is the master schedule, broken down by day of the week and 2-hour shifts.

BMT Form 118 — Entry Controller Checklist

The EC Checklist lists times to check the dormitory and documents security, fire prevention, and conservation checks.

• Annotate the BMT Form 118 for 6 consecutive days.
• Keep two BMT Form 118s (each form is double-sided — front and back) on the EC stand or in the EC binder.
• When assuming duty, both ECs print first-name initial + entire last name in the name block, in blue or black ink, no punctuation.
• Temporary ECs print the same way under the original ECs' names in the appropriate "Name" block.
• If an original EC leaves and returns before shift end, print under the temporary EC name and complete the shift.
• For each completed hourly security check, print the initials in the security check block.
• For latrine checks and dormitory locked checks, place an "X" in the appropriate block when complete.
• Keep all writing inside the appropriate block, no punctuation, no stray marks.

General Security

ECs provide security through dormitory checks and accountability checks every hour, every day.

Dormitory Checks

Done upon assuming duty, every hour on the top of the hour, when the flight leaves the dormitory, and when relieved. Each check covers:

• Lockers secured
• Fire / safety hazards
• Conservation of utilities
• Civilian luggage room secured
• Window screens secured
• Front exit secured
• Flight office
• Dayroom
• Utility room
• Fire exits
• Interconnecting door (RH&T only)
• Exterior latrine door (ATC only)

Accountability Checks

For trainee safety and security:

• Upon assuming duty, know the number of trainees assigned — including any temporarily assigned trainees. Ask the flight MTI if you aren't sure.
• Hourly: count all trainees in the dormitory, including temporarily assigned or housed trainees (e.g., holdover trainees). Annotate assigned, present, and missing in the EC log, plus the reason each trainee is missing.
• Latrine check every 15 minutes. Visually check the shower area, drying area, and stalls in case a trainee is sick or hurt and needs help. Latrine checks are not reported to CQ unless there's an emergency.
• If a trainee is missing or someone violates a safety policy, report immediately to your MTI or supervisory personnel in the dormitory. If they aren't available, report to CQ.

Window Cover / Shield

The EC ensures the sliding window cover (shield) and any hinged covers that can be secured open stay open at all times, with these exceptions when the cover must be closed:

• During showering
• During changing clothes
• During lights out
• When the dormitory is unoccupied

Hinged window covers that can't be secured in the open position must remain closed unless in use.

If the EC needs to open the window cover while a trainee is showering or changing:

• Ensure both the hallway and latrines are secure before opening.
• Loudly shout: "CLEAR THE HALL. SECURE THE LATRINE!"
• Other trainees in the dormitory echo the statement so everyone hears it.
• The second EC stands by the latrine door and ensures no trainee exits without being fully dressed while the cover is open.
• Trainees do not echo directions during lights out, except in an emergency.

Entry and Exit Procedures

You follow established entry and exit procedures at all times. During normal entry and exit, only the EC, MTI, or supervisory personnel may open or close the door. The only exception is during a drill or actual emergency (fire, gas, or bomb threat — actual or drill), when anyone may open or close the door.

The Authority to Enter Dormitory Board has the step-by-step script you follow. When using it:

• Verbally ask: "Sir / Ma'am, may I help you?"
• You may answer questions without opening the door.
• If they request entry, ask: "May I see your authority to enter?"
• Complete the remaining steps in order. You do not need to read them aloud.
• Review Special Instructions before opening the door and make any required announcements.
• Do not memorize the steps — use the posted Authority to Enter Dormitory Board.

Authority to Enter

During 1–4 WOT, you must verify all authority to enter. Two documents are used:

• Common Access Card (CAC) — the military ID card issued to Active Duty members, civil service employees, and contractors. The CAC is the only ID valid for entry. All other IDs are unacceptable.
• Entry Authority List (EAL) — the list of personnel authorized to enter the dormitory. In BMT this means a flight roster and the posted instructor listing for MTIs and staff.

Verifying Authority to Enter

Compare the picture on the CAC to the individual requesting entry — the picture should reasonably resemble the person. If the name on the CAC matches the name on the posted Instructor EAL, the individual is authorized.

• If authorized, one individual (MTI, permanent party, or trainee) may escort an entire group or flight. You don't need to ask if they vouch for their companions — it's assumed if the escort is authorized.
• Before trainees are issued a CAC, if the name and roster number they verbally provide both match the EAL, they're authorized to enter. Trainees aren't required to display an AETC Form 341.
• After trainees are issued a CAC, they must use it for entry — unless personal recognition is used.

Personal Recognition

Beginning in 5 WOT, the flight MTI authorizes the EC to use personal recognition to allow entry to anyone on the Instructor EAL — without additional verification steps. If you recognize the person, open the door.

ECs may begin using personal recognition for their own flight members as soon as they recognize them — no need to wait for 5 WOT. This applies only when the EC is in their assigned dormitory with members of their own flight; otherwise the flight EAL is used.

Opposite-sex and officer procedures still apply during personal recognition.

If the name doesn't match the EAL

Do not allow entry.

• If MTI / supervisory personnel are in the dormitory, refer the individual at the door to them.
• If they aren't, refer the individual to CQ — direct them to the CQ area or use the intercom to notify CQ of the situation.

Opposite Sex Procedures

If the person requesting entry is of the opposite sex, before allowing entry:

• If they're authorized, verify the flight is dressed.
• Before opening the door, loudly shout: "LADY / GENTLEMAN ENTERING THE DORMITORY!"
• Trainees inside echo the statement.
• The second EC echoes in the latrine and stands by the latrine door to ensure no trainee exits without being fully dressed.
• When the last opposite-sex individual exits, loudly shout: "LADY / GENTLEMAN LEAVING THE DORMITORY!" Trainees inside echo.
• Don't make the announcement if another opposite-sex individual is already in the dormitory at entry, or if one is still in the dormitory at exit.
• If the EC fails to make either announcement, any trainee may make it upon noticing entry or exit.

Officer Procedures

When an officer requests entry:

• If authorized, complete any opposite-sex procedures and announcements before opening the door.
• As the officer crosses the doorway, give the command: "DORMITORY ATTENTION!"
• The officer typically responds: "CARRY ON" — and the EC echoes: "CARRY ON".
• Do not call the dormitory to attention if:
  • Classes are in session inside the dormitory (including evening briefings).
  • Trainees are asleep or it is after lights out.
  • An officer of equal or higher rank is already present.
• On exit, if no officer of equal or higher rank remains in the dormitory: as the officer passes through the doorway, give "DORMITORY ATTENTION!" and any required opposite-sex announcement.
  • If the officer responds "CARRY ON", the EC echoes.
  • If the officer doesn't respond, the EC gives "CARRY ON" after the officer exits.
• If the EC fails to give the required commands, any trainee may give them upon noticing entry or exit.

Personnel With a Key

You may assume that anyone using a key has authority to enter — but don't open the door because they show you a key through the window. If someone uses a key for entry, make all appropriate announcements (opposite sex, officer) and annotate the EC log.

Emergency Personnel

During an actual emergency, allow any emergency personnel into the dormitory without verifying authority — including MTIs. Brief the next EC on any ongoing emergency at shift change.

Unauthorized Entry

An unauthorized entry occurs when someone enters without appropriate authority.

• MTI / supervisory personnel in the dormitory: notify them if someone attempts entry or actually gains entry without authorization.
• No MTI / supervisory personnel in the dormitory:
  • If the individual attempts entry without authority and fails, use the intercom to notify CQ, record the incident in the EC log (date, time, description), and report to the MTI on return.
  • If the individual actually gains entry with other trainees in the dormitory, send a runner with a wingman / teammate to CQ through an alternate exit.
    • Do not physically confront the individual or block their entrance.
    • If the individual has a weapon or is physically threatening, evacuate everyone through an alternate exit away from them, and report to CQ.
  • If the ECs are the only individuals in the dormitory and someone gains entry without authority, evacuate through an alternate exit and report to CQ.
• If anyone unauthorized attempts entry after lights out or before first call, use the intercom to notify CQ.

Real-World Emergencies

Fire Procedures

If an actual fire breaks out, the EC takes control:

• Loudly shout "FIRE, FIRE, FIRE" to alert others, then activate the fire alarm only if the fire originated in your dormitory.
• If trainees are undressed, ensure they wrap themselves in a blanket and put on any pair of hard-sole shoes — not shower shoes.
• If trainees are working on their security drawer, don't take time to lock or carry the drawers — evacuate quickly and orderly.
• Tell the first available evacuating trainee: "Report an actual fire in dormitory ___, to the CQ."
• Do not hold the door or allow other trainees to hold it.
• The flight proceeds in an orderly manner to the pre-designated area. No running or talking.
• Assemble in flight formation at the evacuation point and wait for further instructions.
• Physically check (in any order) the bays, dayroom, utility room, latrine, hallways, and flight office for complete evacuation.
• After checking, take the EAL, evacuate, and start accountability.
• If alone, evacuate and report to the CQ area immediately.
  • If the alarm did not originate in your dormitory, evacuate but don't report to CQ.
• Initiate an EC log entry when emergency personnel sound "ALL CLEAR" and you return.

Gas Leak Procedures

If an actual gas leak occurs (detected by odor):

• Loudly shout "GAS, GAS, GAS" to alert others.
• Never activate the fire alarm or operate any electrical device (light switches, etc.) — safety reason.
• Evacuate the dormitory the same way as an actual fire.
• Tell the first available evacuating trainee: "Report an actual gas leak in dormitory ___, to the CQ."
• Physically check the bays, dayroom, utility room, latrine, hallways, and flight office for complete evacuation.
• After checking, take the EAL, evacuate, and start accountability.
• If alone, evacuate and report to CQ immediately.
• Log the event after "ALL CLEAR" and return.

Bomb Threat Procedures

If an actual bomb threat occurs:

• The EC has authority to evacuate the dormitory for any type of bomb threat.
• Three methods of receiving a bomb threat:
  • Verbal (someone speaking through the door window)
  • Written (a note or sign)
  • Visual (a package or briefcase left in the stairwell)
• Loudly shout "BOMB THREAT, EVACUATE THE DORMITORY!" and direct everyone away from the threat.
• Evacuate the dormitory the same way as a fire or gas leak.
• Tell the first available trainee: "Report an actual bomb threat in the dormitory to the CQ."
• If you see a suspicious package or device, or someone placing one in your immediate area:
  • Remember as much as you can about the person and situation.
  • Don't touch any suspected package or device, and don't activate any electrical devices.
  • Send a runner with a wingman / teammate to CQ to report the package — do not use the intercom.
  • If the initial evacuation did not originate in your dormitory, and a runner or supervisory personnel tells you to evacuate, do not send a runner to CQ.
• Physically check the bays, dayroom, utility room, latrine, hallways, and flight office for complete evacuation.
• After checking, take the EAL, evacuate, and start accountability.
• If alone, evacuate and report to CQ immediately.
• Log the event after "ALL CLEAR" and return.

Emergency Evacuation Drills

For a drill — fire, gas leak, or bomb threat — use the same procedures as the actual event, except do not activate the fire alarm. Tell the first available evacuating trainee:

"Report a Fire / Gas Leak / Bomb Threat DRILL in dormitory ___, to the CQ."

Serious Accident or Sickness

In case of a serious accident or sickness:

• Notify an MTI (safety first) or CQ using the intercom, or send a runner with a wingman / teammate to CQ.
• If you're alone and the intercom doesn't work, leave your post and report to the CQ area immediately.
• Initiate an EC log entry when the situation is resolved.

MTI Checks

MTIs check your adherence to EC duties using a checklist organized across five areas.

1. Window Cover

• Was the sliding window cover (flap) open — except when the flight is showering, changing, during lights out, or if the cover can't be secured open?
• If the flight was showering, changing, or it was 2100–0545, was the window cover closed?
• If the cover was closed for showering or changing, did the EC announce "CLEAR THE HALL; SECURE THE LATRINE" before opening it?

2. Entry Procedures

• Did the EC ask "Sir / Ma'am, may I help you?"
• Did the EC ask "May I see your authority to enter?"
• When presented with a CAC, did the EC ensure the photo and name matched the person presenting it (face and name tape)?
• Did the name on the CAC match the EAL posted on the Authority to Enter Board, and was entry allowed?
• If the name didn't match, was entry denied?
• If MTI / supervisory personnel were in the dormitory, did the EC refer the individual at the door to them?
• If MTI / supervisory personnel were not in the dormitory, did the EC refer the individual to CQ?

3. Announcements

• For opposite-sex entry, did the EC ensure all in the dorm were dressed and announce "LADY / GENTLEMAN entering the dormitory" before opening the door?
• For an officer, did the EC give "DORMITORY ATTENTION" as the officer entered (or recognize the exceptions)? Did the EC echo "CARRY ON" or give the command after the officer exited?

4. Accountability, Documentation, and Other Responsibilities

• Did the EC provide 100% accountability of all trainees assigned to the flight and total in the dormitory (including temporarily housed trainees, e.g., holdover trainees)?
• Was the EC log up to date — hourly accountability checks, intercom messages, dormitory temperature checks, serious accident / sickness, fire / gas / bomb threat (actual or drill), unsecured valuables?
• Did the EC remain at the EC stand unless performing a check, observing visitors, conducting accountability, or performing other tasks assigned by the MTI?

5. Uniform and Required Equipment

• Were ECs in the appropriate uniform for the time and shift (UOD 0600–2000 all WOT unless otherwise instructed; PTU 2000–0600 all WOT, with PTU continuing until the flight has showered)?
• Did ECs have the required equipment — trainer weapon (1–7 WOT), iPad, blue or black pen, operational flashlight during hours of darkness, hydration source?

Summary

The EC role is particularly important in BMT, but safety and security show up in nearly every Air Force role. The key points in this section were the EC's duties and responsibilities, documentation, security and entry procedures, and the emergency response scripts. Stay vigilant on duty — you never know what could happen.