When preparing for Air Force basic training, you won’t have to worry about packing too much. This is because many of the bare essentials are provided for you by the military, and many personal items are considered contraband and therefore forbidden.
When you initially arrive at Air Force basic training, you’ll be issued a backpack stuffed full of the essentials you’ll need. But don’t be fooled— technically, these aren’t “freebies.”
To cover the cost of the backpack and the items inside, a couple of hundred dollars will be deducted from your paycheck.
Here’s what you’ll find in your backpack:
- A laundry bag
- 4 mesh bags
- Padlock
- 2 writing pens
- 2 black permanent markers
- Two silver permanent markers
- 4 brown towels
- 4 blousing straps
- ID card holder
- Ruler
- Highlighter
- Notepad
- Book of stamps
- Box of envelopes
- 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner
- Shower shoes
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toothbrush case
- Dental floss
- Foot powder
- Deodorant (this is a generic male brand, so female Airpersons are encouraged to bring their favorite deodorant from home)
- Laundry pods
- Box of trash bags
- Nail-trimming kit
- 2 shirt garters
- Storage container
- 2 white towels
- Financial management book
What is a decoration in the Air Force?
A decoration is often a medal made up of a ribbon and a medallion, They’re used in the military and forces as a mark of honor for heroism or outstanding service. These are not to be confused with awards; which are given to a unit rather than an individual.
US Air Force decorations intend to promptly and publicly recognize a member for acts of valor, exceptional service or achievement, and acts of heroism not involving actual combat.
Here’s a list of all of the Air Force decorations:
Air Force Cross
- Awarded to any person who distinguishes themselves by extraordinary heroism, that doesn’t justify the award of a Medal of Honor.
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
- Awarded to recognize distinguished and exceptionally meritorious service while serving in duty or position of great responsibility.
Airman’s Medal
- Awarded for acts of heroism involving voluntary risk of their life not involving actual combat with an armed enemy.
Aerial Achievement Medal
- Given to recognize the contributions of aircrew members who don’t qualify for the Air Medal.
Air Force Commendation Medal
- A mid-level US military decoration awarded for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.
Air Force Achievement Medal
- Awarded to recognize the contributions of military personnel who were not eligible to receive the higher Commendation Medal or the Meritorious Service Medal.
What ribbons do you get after Air Force basic training?
Upon completion of Air Force basic training, you’ll automatically receive the National Defense Service Medal and the Air Force Training Ribbon. However, you must graduate training and meet the standards.
National Defense Service Medal
As long as you meet the standards, you’ll receive the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) upon completion of Air Force basic training.
It’s awarded to all military members who show honorable active duty service. It’s also eligible for those who serve honorably during a period of national emergency or war.
Air Force Training Ribbon
You’ll automatically be awarded the Air Force Training Ribbon upon graduation from Air Force basic training. You’ll be expected to meet the same criteria and standards as required for the NDSM.
In addition to these “automatic” awards, there are 2 more ribbons up for grabs during Air Force basic training. However, you’ll need to stand out from the crowd to earn these.
Basic Training Honor Graduate Ribbon
You’ll only receive this if you are chosen to be the honor graduate. This is the airman that has performed exceptionally well in all aspects of academic and military training.
Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon
This ribbon is only awarded to those who score “expert” using an M-4 carbine rifle on the firing range. Alternatively, you can achieve this award by completing the Air Force Combat Rifle Program.
Do you have to wear all your USAF ribbons?
No. Wearing any USAF ribbons is completely optional. However, many choose to wear them as a way of portraying their rank and achievements. If you do choose to wear them, there are a few things you’ll have to keep in mind.
Firstly, you’re permitted to wear both regular-size and miniature ribbons. However, you can’t wear a combination of both. Secondly, you can only wear up to a maximum of 4 earned badges on all blue service uniforms. Additionally, aeronautical badges should always be worn above occupational and miscellaneous badges.
The US lapel insignia consists of a name tag, ribbons, chevrons, and aeronautical badges and is required. Other badges are optional and cufflinks are optional.
AFI 36-2903, DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF AIR FORCE PERSONNEL
10.1.1. Wear regular or miniature size medals and ribbons, except for the Medal of Honor (neck decoration).
10.1.2. Do not mix sizes.
10.1.3. Do not wear medals and ribbons on outer garments such as the pullover sweater, the cardigan sweater, the light-weight blue jacket, the leather A-2 flying jacket, the topcoat or the all-weather coat.
10.1.4. Wear only authorized awards and devices, when wearing medals and ribbons.
10.1.5. The lapel of the service coat may cover a portion of the ribbons. Figure 10.1 shows examples of arrangement of ribbons when the lapel of the service dress coat does and does not cover portions of ribbons, other variations are authorized as needed.
What is the highest medal in the Air Force?
The Air Force Medal of Honor is the highest honor for heroism. It is only awarded in instances of exceptional service and acts of valor. It’s usually awarded by the President of the United States, and is sometimes referred to as the “Congressional Medal of Honor.”
According to the Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States, there have been 3,526 Medals of Honor awarded to 3,507 individuals since the decoration's creation, with over 40% awarded for actions during the American Civil War.
The medal itself is a gold five-pointed star, one point down, inside a green laurel wreath. Each point of the gold star features trefoil tips with a background of laurel and oak. At the center of the gold star is an annulet made up of 34 stars. The medal also features the inscription “VALOR” just above the USAF coat of arms.