Well, I have had a crazy couple of weeks!!
Let's start with my DEP call a few weeks ago. Well, I was driving there, when one of my friends called. We usually do our DEP calls at a local "park", with a 2.5 mile path around the lake in the center. Haha. Anyway, my recruiter had decided to do it at a local high school track, so we could do our PT test. So, my friend calls me and tells me there's a football game going on, and there was no way we'd be able to PT out there. She called our recruiter and let him know, so we had to re-route to the park. Bummer. We didn't get to do the PT test, but don't think for a second we got out of it that easy, lol! Our RAPper showed us a little bit of what it was like to PT at SF Tech School. No bueno. My quads were literally sore for 5 days from doing so much stuff. Mostly squats. Lawd. After alllllll that mess, we ran around the lake. It was awful. Yet, my time was somehow almost 10 minutes better than the last time I ran it! I was completely okay with that!
So, that was basically it for DEP call. On to other news.
I received a call yesterday from someone wanting to do my background investigation. I missed the call, but he left a voicemail. I posted about it in my November BMT group, and they all told me to be careful. Apparently, there is some sort of scam related to this going around. So I'm going to head to my recruiter's office in a little bit and discuss it. He was on vacation last week, which sucked. Every time I have something to talk to him about something, he's always on vacation it seems like! But, he'll still reply to my texts and whatnot when he's gone, which I appreciate! It just always seems to happen when I actually stop by his office haha! I had to have a promissory note sent to him for my student loans, and I'm going to head over there to make sure he got it.
Anyway, I feel so lonely these days! All of my September shippers will be gone as of tomorrow. It's weird. I've gotten a bit closer to my November shippers, which I'm very thankful for! Most of the ones I talk to , however, all leave after I do. =[ So if any of you lovelies are leaving Nov 6, please go join our group! Just login to Facebook and search for "USAF BMT November 2012". I would love to get to know anyone and everyone I could be shipping with, or even have in my flight!
I suppose that's all for today. I just feel like I've been running around like a crazy person! I've actually been working a lot! I've decided that my last day will be Oct. 20, and that just can't come fast enough! I officially have 42 days until I step off the bus onto Lackland AFB. It's weird. But, I am so ready for it. My PT was slacking last week, but I'm getting back into this week, I have no option. I'm not about to get there and not be able to run my 1.5 mile. I want to be able to run it in 10 minutes flat by the time I graduate. I definitely think I can manage that. =]
Have an awesome Air Force day, everyone!
24 September 2012
13 September 2012
DEP Call Anticipation.
Hey guys! Just doing a quick check in.
I have a DEP call in about 4 hours. And I'm not feeling too hot today. I've had a massive, pounding headache, and some nausea. It sucks! We have a RAPper in our DEP right now, and he's going to be at DEP call today. We're going to do a mock-PT test, then he's going to do a nice little PT session. By nice little PT session, I mean what the Security Forces Tech School PT was like. Fun stuff.
Anyway, I haven't heard from my friend that was supposed to call the other night! I've been told that if they don't call within the first 72 hours upon arrival at Lackland, you can call or email them (the personnel at Lackland) and you can get their address. However, I think you have to have like, their SSN, and a whole bunch of other specific information that I do not have. It'll be okay though! I know they're doing just fine. Those MTI's may be mean, but they're looking out for all the Trainees!
Well, I'll sign off for now. I'll update maybe tonight or tomorrow with my PT test results. Be prepared for awfulness. Haha! I don't think I'll do too bad. The push ups is what'll get me. Anyway, have a lovely afternoon! =]
I have a DEP call in about 4 hours. And I'm not feeling too hot today. I've had a massive, pounding headache, and some nausea. It sucks! We have a RAPper in our DEP right now, and he's going to be at DEP call today. We're going to do a mock-PT test, then he's going to do a nice little PT session. By nice little PT session, I mean what the Security Forces Tech School PT was like. Fun stuff.
Anyway, I haven't heard from my friend that was supposed to call the other night! I've been told that if they don't call within the first 72 hours upon arrival at Lackland, you can call or email them (the personnel at Lackland) and you can get their address. However, I think you have to have like, their SSN, and a whole bunch of other specific information that I do not have. It'll be okay though! I know they're doing just fine. Those MTI's may be mean, but they're looking out for all the Trainees!
Well, I'll sign off for now. I'll update maybe tonight or tomorrow with my PT test results. Be prepared for awfulness. Haha! I don't think I'll do too bad. The push ups is what'll get me. Anyway, have a lovely afternoon! =]
12 September 2012
Surrealism.
Well, today I saw (metaphorically) off some of my friends for BMT. It kinda sucks. Of course, they're all members of my BMT group on Facebook. I actually got to meet one of them, though! He lives about an hour away from me, and we did a public swear in together a few weeks ago at a baseball game. I was SO excited to get to meet him!
I feel like one of those creepers that you see in the movies. Haha! But these guys have become some of my best friends, even if it's just over Facebook. One day, we'll all meet up. I know it! The Air Force isn't that big. =]
All day long I was just a ball of nerves. I honestly felt like I was going to MEPS, swearing in, waiting around at the airport, riding the bus and everything. They kept me, and our group, updated throughout their whole day. I was even up at 4 this morning!! I'm so happy for them, and excited. I know at this exact moment they're having their "Holy shit, what did I just get myself into?!" moments, but that'll fade within the next few days/weeks. These people, they've got what it takes. I have no doubt about that.
Now, it's a little past midnight, and they're all probably still playing pick 'em ups, or hearing their MTI's running into their dorms screaming at them to wake up and stand at attention. I'm actually hoping to receive a phone call tonight, or whenever they're allowed to make that first phone call, from one of the people in the group! I was more than willing to be their support system. Nobody should have to go through something like BMT and not have anyone to share their experiences with, or their fears. They didn't really want to call their family because they're not all too close by any means. They wanted to act like it was no big deal, which was actually quite believable. However, I can read people quite well! The call could come in 5 seconds from now, or at 2 a.m., or tomorrow morning. Who knows? Hopefully, I'll be awake to answer it, or at least hear my phone ringing in my sleep.
I'm down to 1 person in the September group that is one of my close friends. And she's leaving next week! We actually don't live too awfully far from each other, and were able to meet up this past weekend at an Air Show at our closest AFB! It was awesome! I feel like these next 2 months are just going to drag by so slow. I'm down to 55 days (54 til MEPS!). I'll get to speak with my 4thers for a few days before I leave, but the 11thers will be graduating the week I arrive. =[ It sucks so bad! I won't even get to talk to them before I leave! Of course we still have letter-writing, but still. No more awkward ooVoo sessions, no more random, ADD posts, no more dimple, no more cats, no more Batman. Nothing.
This all seems so weird to me! I had a "Holy Shit!" moment earlier today. I think it was due to the fact that my friends were all experiencing their ship day, after talking about it for months and months. They were actually at MEPS. They actually swore into Active Duty. They actually flew to San Antonio. They actually loaded onto a bus, and drove onto Lackland AFB where they're currently flipping out. This will be me in less than 2 months.
I don't really know how to react to it, honestly. I'm still 100% positive this is what I want to do. I'm meant to do it. No questions there. But, can I do it? Do I actually have what it takes to become an American Airman? I've always known it would be hard. I've always known that I'm going to have so many struggles along the way, but they really got put into perspective for me today. I'm not worried about the PT portion of BMT too much. I can definitely run like no one's business right now, so with another 55 days of prep, I'll be good to go. Push ups...meh. I can do 12 now, though!! Graduating standards are only 18, so if I can't come up with 6 more in 4 months, something's wrong there. I can do 32 sit ups. The only reason they're that low is because the last time I timed myself, I got incredibly tired for some reason around 22ish, and slowed wayyyy down. All of that will be a breeze. But it's the mind games. Not the ones played by the MTI's. I know what they're trying to accomplish with those. They must break you down, to build you back up as an Airman. Someone worthy of defending our great country. Someone that will not falter, and will not fail. Failure has never been an option for me. Now more than ever, I want to succeed. I must succeed.
I have a tendency to over think and over analyze everything. I'm also OCD. Not like, not able to function properly, but things must be a certain way. I must do them a certain way. It's weird. I've always been a very logical person, and I like to think I have more common sense than the average person. So, when I combine those two things, it gets bad. Well, in regards to BMT.
This is how I see it: A 22 year old, 5'2", 135 pound, Southern girl with no college education, got married at 19, has never been independent her whole adult life, is about to embark upon the toughest journey less than 1% of Americans take. Of that 1%, only .01% are Air Force (at least, so I've been told). She has 3 years worth of management experience under her belt, has dealt with enough stupid people to last anyone a lifetime, and has handled the stresses of young marriage, crazy work schedules, stalkers, debt, poverty, growing up without a father, being a full time student and employee at the same time, being the perfect housewife and all. So how does that relate to the Air Force? These things are definitely a symbol of an overcomer, but, can she overcome Basic Military Training? Where MTI's don't care who you are, who your parents are, what your feelings are, if you're tired, scared, have the sniffles, anything. Can she do it?
I guess that's my food for thought. It's probably what every DEPper has felt at some time or another, but it's still tough to deal with. I want this more than anything, and I hope that that kind of determination I have will be my light when it all seems so dark. It will guide me home.
"And the only solution was to stand and fight.
And my body was loose and I was set alight.
But, she came over me like some holy rite.
And although I was burning, you're the only light,
Only if for a night."
-Florence + The Machine "Only If For A Night"
I feel like one of those creepers that you see in the movies. Haha! But these guys have become some of my best friends, even if it's just over Facebook. One day, we'll all meet up. I know it! The Air Force isn't that big. =]
All day long I was just a ball of nerves. I honestly felt like I was going to MEPS, swearing in, waiting around at the airport, riding the bus and everything. They kept me, and our group, updated throughout their whole day. I was even up at 4 this morning!! I'm so happy for them, and excited. I know at this exact moment they're having their "Holy shit, what did I just get myself into?!" moments, but that'll fade within the next few days/weeks. These people, they've got what it takes. I have no doubt about that.
Now, it's a little past midnight, and they're all probably still playing pick 'em ups, or hearing their MTI's running into their dorms screaming at them to wake up and stand at attention. I'm actually hoping to receive a phone call tonight, or whenever they're allowed to make that first phone call, from one of the people in the group! I was more than willing to be their support system. Nobody should have to go through something like BMT and not have anyone to share their experiences with, or their fears. They didn't really want to call their family because they're not all too close by any means. They wanted to act like it was no big deal, which was actually quite believable. However, I can read people quite well! The call could come in 5 seconds from now, or at 2 a.m., or tomorrow morning. Who knows? Hopefully, I'll be awake to answer it, or at least hear my phone ringing in my sleep.
I'm down to 1 person in the September group that is one of my close friends. And she's leaving next week! We actually don't live too awfully far from each other, and were able to meet up this past weekend at an Air Show at our closest AFB! It was awesome! I feel like these next 2 months are just going to drag by so slow. I'm down to 55 days (54 til MEPS!). I'll get to speak with my 4thers for a few days before I leave, but the 11thers will be graduating the week I arrive. =[ It sucks so bad! I won't even get to talk to them before I leave! Of course we still have letter-writing, but still. No more awkward ooVoo sessions, no more random, ADD posts, no more dimple, no more cats, no more Batman. Nothing.
This all seems so weird to me! I had a "Holy Shit!" moment earlier today. I think it was due to the fact that my friends were all experiencing their ship day, after talking about it for months and months. They were actually at MEPS. They actually swore into Active Duty. They actually flew to San Antonio. They actually loaded onto a bus, and drove onto Lackland AFB where they're currently flipping out. This will be me in less than 2 months.
I don't really know how to react to it, honestly. I'm still 100% positive this is what I want to do. I'm meant to do it. No questions there. But, can I do it? Do I actually have what it takes to become an American Airman? I've always known it would be hard. I've always known that I'm going to have so many struggles along the way, but they really got put into perspective for me today. I'm not worried about the PT portion of BMT too much. I can definitely run like no one's business right now, so with another 55 days of prep, I'll be good to go. Push ups...meh. I can do 12 now, though!! Graduating standards are only 18, so if I can't come up with 6 more in 4 months, something's wrong there. I can do 32 sit ups. The only reason they're that low is because the last time I timed myself, I got incredibly tired for some reason around 22ish, and slowed wayyyy down. All of that will be a breeze. But it's the mind games. Not the ones played by the MTI's. I know what they're trying to accomplish with those. They must break you down, to build you back up as an Airman. Someone worthy of defending our great country. Someone that will not falter, and will not fail. Failure has never been an option for me. Now more than ever, I want to succeed. I must succeed.
I have a tendency to over think and over analyze everything. I'm also OCD. Not like, not able to function properly, but things must be a certain way. I must do them a certain way. It's weird. I've always been a very logical person, and I like to think I have more common sense than the average person. So, when I combine those two things, it gets bad. Well, in regards to BMT.
This is how I see it: A 22 year old, 5'2", 135 pound, Southern girl with no college education, got married at 19, has never been independent her whole adult life, is about to embark upon the toughest journey less than 1% of Americans take. Of that 1%, only .01% are Air Force (at least, so I've been told). She has 3 years worth of management experience under her belt, has dealt with enough stupid people to last anyone a lifetime, and has handled the stresses of young marriage, crazy work schedules, stalkers, debt, poverty, growing up without a father, being a full time student and employee at the same time, being the perfect housewife and all. So how does that relate to the Air Force? These things are definitely a symbol of an overcomer, but, can she overcome Basic Military Training? Where MTI's don't care who you are, who your parents are, what your feelings are, if you're tired, scared, have the sniffles, anything. Can she do it?
I guess that's my food for thought. It's probably what every DEPper has felt at some time or another, but it's still tough to deal with. I want this more than anything, and I hope that that kind of determination I have will be my light when it all seems so dark. It will guide me home.
"And the only solution was to stand and fight.
And my body was loose and I was set alight.
But, she came over me like some holy rite.
And although I was burning, you're the only light,
Only if for a night."
-Florence + The Machine "Only If For A Night"
10 September 2012
September to Remember
This post is going to be dedicated to all of my September 11 Shippers. =]
Guys, I already posted in the group about how much I'll miss y'all, but figured I'd take the time to make a blog post just for y'all!!!
Brandon: I've already told you how you're my favorite and all, but for reals. You are my fave!! You're tons of fun, and don't take anything too seriously. We have the same attitude about mostly everything (especially creepers!), and I'm still going to send you letters written on pink, glittery paper =]
Brittany: Girl, you are my soul mate foreva. We've had some awesome laughs, and we know what's up when it comes to guys! Boobs > anything! I still wish I could sneak in your bag and camp out under your bunk for the next 55 days!!
Callie: I've loved getting to know you the past several months, and am happy to have found another Southerner like myself!! You're going to kick BMT's ass! Don't ever let anyone hold you back!
Chris: Dimple. That's all that really needs to be said, but I'll say more =] I know you've worked incredibly hard to get to the point where you are now, and couldn't be any happier for you! The next 2 years are going to be the toughest you'll have to face, but you can make it through! You're a boss. I'm always going to be pulling for you!
Dari: Dear, sweet, Dari. I will miss your clever humor oh so much. You always get the group in a fantastic mood, and cheer everyone up when they're feeling down. I'm still going to creep your videos, also. =]
Jake: You're the Batman to my Catwoman. What else needs to be said?! =]
Matt: I've enjoyed getting to know you, and was pleasantly surprised by how much we have in common! It was nice having someone else who was married to talk to about it all! Just stay tough, and you'll be back home with the wifey soon!! =]
Michael: I'm so excited that we got to meet!! And angry that I somehow was deaf enough to not hear you yelling at me to take a picture!! We gotta represent for the Memphis area! Go in there, and show those MTI's what's up! Just be yourself: a badass.
For those I missed, I did not do it intentionally! I just read the names off the doc in the group, and spoke from my heart! I know I've gotten to know the other 11thers pretty well, and wish them all the best throughout their BMT/Tech School and Operational journey!! Always remember in your toughest, darkest times that what you're doing is so much greater than yourself. Think about everything you've sacrificed to get to the point that you're at, and use that as fuel. You only go through BMT once, so make it worth it!! When you're feeling down, remember that hundreds upon hundreds of trainees graduate every week, and if some of those dummies can do, y'all will have a walk in the park! Tonight and tomorrow are the last times we'll really get to speak (aside from letters, of course!). It's sad to think about, but I'll be there in 55 days, y'all!! Hopefully in the few days y'all will have left while I'm there, we'll spot each other! I absolutely cannot wait to serve our country alongside each and every one of you. You will all become great Airmen, and I'll see you on the other side of the Blue!
01 September 2012
Counting Down
Okay everyone, I feel so bad for just leaving y'all hanging with my post about my ship date! It's time for me to elaborate a bit more haha!
So on 19 Aug I had something crazy happen to me, which I'll explain later, just know it was pretty life-altering. Well, that was a Sunday night, around 10 p.m. and the first thing I did on that Monday, 20 Aug, was go to my recruiter. I explained my situation to him, and that I would be ready to go at a moment's notice if he could get me a date to leave. I've been hardcore working out! I'm running 2+ miles a day, 6 days a week. I even got my 1.5 mile time down to 10:12!! It's crazy! I can even do 11 push ups now! It just kind of happened one day. I went from being able to do next to none, to 5, to 11 withing a few days time. I've also dropped a tremendous amount of weight, putting me way below my max! My sit ups are fine, I can 34, and the minimum to graduate is 38. I told my recruiter all of this, and he said he would be more than willing to make me his number one priority. He could see all of my hard work and dedication, so he wanted to help me out.
Well, that next day, Tuesday, he got the call from his boss that there was a slot available for Open General (I think the higher one) leaving 6 Nov. He almost flipped. He was so surprised since I had just come in asking for something! Well, of course he couldn't call and let me know right then. He needed to make sure paperwork went through, and that it was actually available rather than calling me and getting my hopes up, in case it fell through. On Wednesday, I was working a 9-5 shift. I had to go run a few errands on my lunch break, and then stopped at Sonic just to get a drink. I pulled back up to the mall parking lot, received a text and was replying to it while I was getting out of my car to head back in. I was mid-text when my phone rang and I saw my recruiter's name. I kind of had a "Holy crap, this is it" moment, then decided to not get my hopes up and just figured he was calling to check in. I had been keeping my phone on me at all times at work just in case he called to tell me I would be leaving soon, and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to say "Yes"! But, as my recruiter informed me, if it were that, and I wasn't answering my phone, he would just come over to my work (His office is literally right across the street).
So, I answer my phone, and he asks me how I was doing, where I was at with weight and everything then my heart skipped a few beats. I stopped dead in my tracks in the middle of the parking lot and had such a major girly moment of OMG's and doing a happy dance. It was almost embarrassing. But not quite =] He said, "Starr, I have some news. I got you a date for Basic Training." I barely heard anything he said after that for a few minutes. So he had to tell me again =] I'm leaving in 65 days (64 for MEPS)!!!
My life just feels so...right...now!! I cannot believe it. I lucked out getting to leave so soon, however, I wish it would've been with my September shippers (Preferably the 11th =])!! The 11thers will graduate TWO WHOLE DAYS after I get there. It sucks, but they're all excited for me. And we're all excited to catch up in Tech School. Since I have a General Aptitude, I have no idea what job I'll get, or even where I'll be going for Tech School! I'm pretty much okay with that, though. I got a ship date, so I can deal with the unknown =]
I've become more active in the November shippers page, but it's just not the same as September. I've known these guys since April, when I first went and met with my recruiter and started the whole process. I've had 5 months of getting to know them, and developing a bond. I know that sounds almost creepy and strange since it's online, but you can always tell when you've made [a] friend(s) for life. I'm hoping to develop a relationship close to this with some of my fellow November shippers! BMT is one of the toughest things you'll ever go through, and having a good wingman or two will make that process a bit easier. And if I can get to start those friendships sooner rather than later, it'll make a world of difference! I'm just happy to have people, regardless of what month they're shipping, that can understand how I feel. Sure, you can explain to it civilians, but they'll never truly understand why you do what you do. An Airman always will.
With that, I'm signing off. I've gotta get up and get ready for work, and do a little more BMT shopping! Yay for coupons! Everyone have an awesome Air Force Day!!
So on 19 Aug I had something crazy happen to me, which I'll explain later, just know it was pretty life-altering. Well, that was a Sunday night, around 10 p.m. and the first thing I did on that Monday, 20 Aug, was go to my recruiter. I explained my situation to him, and that I would be ready to go at a moment's notice if he could get me a date to leave. I've been hardcore working out! I'm running 2+ miles a day, 6 days a week. I even got my 1.5 mile time down to 10:12!! It's crazy! I can even do 11 push ups now! It just kind of happened one day. I went from being able to do next to none, to 5, to 11 withing a few days time. I've also dropped a tremendous amount of weight, putting me way below my max! My sit ups are fine, I can 34, and the minimum to graduate is 38. I told my recruiter all of this, and he said he would be more than willing to make me his number one priority. He could see all of my hard work and dedication, so he wanted to help me out.
Well, that next day, Tuesday, he got the call from his boss that there was a slot available for Open General (I think the higher one) leaving 6 Nov. He almost flipped. He was so surprised since I had just come in asking for something! Well, of course he couldn't call and let me know right then. He needed to make sure paperwork went through, and that it was actually available rather than calling me and getting my hopes up, in case it fell through. On Wednesday, I was working a 9-5 shift. I had to go run a few errands on my lunch break, and then stopped at Sonic just to get a drink. I pulled back up to the mall parking lot, received a text and was replying to it while I was getting out of my car to head back in. I was mid-text when my phone rang and I saw my recruiter's name. I kind of had a "Holy crap, this is it" moment, then decided to not get my hopes up and just figured he was calling to check in. I had been keeping my phone on me at all times at work just in case he called to tell me I would be leaving soon, and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to say "Yes"! But, as my recruiter informed me, if it were that, and I wasn't answering my phone, he would just come over to my work (His office is literally right across the street).
So, I answer my phone, and he asks me how I was doing, where I was at with weight and everything then my heart skipped a few beats. I stopped dead in my tracks in the middle of the parking lot and had such a major girly moment of OMG's and doing a happy dance. It was almost embarrassing. But not quite =] He said, "Starr, I have some news. I got you a date for Basic Training." I barely heard anything he said after that for a few minutes. So he had to tell me again =] I'm leaving in 65 days (64 for MEPS)!!!
My life just feels so...right...now!! I cannot believe it. I lucked out getting to leave so soon, however, I wish it would've been with my September shippers (Preferably the 11th =])!! The 11thers will graduate TWO WHOLE DAYS after I get there. It sucks, but they're all excited for me. And we're all excited to catch up in Tech School. Since I have a General Aptitude, I have no idea what job I'll get, or even where I'll be going for Tech School! I'm pretty much okay with that, though. I got a ship date, so I can deal with the unknown =]
I've become more active in the November shippers page, but it's just not the same as September. I've known these guys since April, when I first went and met with my recruiter and started the whole process. I've had 5 months of getting to know them, and developing a bond. I know that sounds almost creepy and strange since it's online, but you can always tell when you've made [a] friend(s) for life. I'm hoping to develop a relationship close to this with some of my fellow November shippers! BMT is one of the toughest things you'll ever go through, and having a good wingman or two will make that process a bit easier. And if I can get to start those friendships sooner rather than later, it'll make a world of difference! I'm just happy to have people, regardless of what month they're shipping, that can understand how I feel. Sure, you can explain to it civilians, but they'll never truly understand why you do what you do. An Airman always will.
With that, I'm signing off. I've gotta get up and get ready for work, and do a little more BMT shopping! Yay for coupons! Everyone have an awesome Air Force Day!!
Interview With An Airman: Round Two!
Hello again, everyone! Today is my second interview with an Airman!! I met this awesome guy through the September shippers Facebook page! He's been a GREAT help to all of us, and we appreciate him a lot! He has very valuable information, so if you're looking for any answers, this guy can most likely tell you! He has a Weapons job, so if you're interested in that area, he can tell you about that also! You should be able to find him in all of the BMT shippers pages on Facebook, but if you can't, feel free to comment, and I'll make sure he gets it! Thanks for reading!
Q: What is your AFSC?
2W1X1-Armament Systems Technician.
Q: RES/ANG/AD?
Active Duty
Q: When did you go through BMT/Tech School?
BMT: November 2008-January 2009
Tech School: January 2009-June 2009
Q: What was your dorm duty?
Fire crew-Took trash out.
House Mouse-Organized, cleaned, and took care of the MTI's office. I also fixed his cabinets once he found out I had worked at a cabinet factory previous to joining.
Road Guard-Stopped traffic for the formation to cross roads. If you need help on running, or like to run, do this.
Q: Compared to the list on this blog, what would you recommend/not recommend packing for BMT?
Look for red "suggestions"
-Glasses Prescription/Contact Lenses Prescription Don't bother even bringing contacts. Get some glasses before hand to get used to them, and save some hassle.
Clothing
-3 Days of Civilian Clothing (Ex: 2 pairs of jeans, 3 T-Shirts, 3 pairs of socks, 3 pairs of underwear for men, since you are issued yours.)* For clothing, try, and bring crew neck shirts, and long shorts or pants. For various reasons tight fitting clothing or any v-necks should be discouraged especially for women. You will be tucking in your shirts also.
-Shower Shoes (Cheap Plain black rubber/plastic, no cloth/leather flip flops from Wal-Mart, Target, or Old Navy will suffice)
-Running Shoes (Wear these down there, your MTI may let you keep them) Depends entirely on your TI. You can always use them after BMT.
-Watch I suggest a cheap watch. It will get abused, and you don't want to risk it disappearing.
-Toothbrush holder Square tube style, not the one that fits on the end.
-Q Tips Can buy them there so not too big of a worry.
-Brush/Comb Guys, don't worry about this one, you won't need it.
Q: What did you do to prepare yourself for BMT?
I really didn't do much. I made sure my finances were in order, and that all my stuff was taken care of. Other than making sure you are in okay shape, they will teach you everything you need to know at BMT. It is designed so that you can come in, and not know a thing, yet succeed.
Q: What's your name and rank?
Name: L. Smith
Rank: Senior Airman selected for Staff Sgt.
Q: What's operational life like compared to the world of BMT?
It's much different. It's much more laid back as long as you remember your customs, and courtesies. You are treated like an adult for the most part. If you do get in trouble though, some supervision does make your life (in my opinion) more miserable than you will ever be in BMT. They can do it a variety of ways such as you having an escort at all times, a check in schedule, random blues inspections, ect.
Q: Did you ever have a 341 pulled? If so, for what?
Yes, one. I honestly don't remember. I think I was in the DFAC, and said the wrong thing. It ended up getting trashed by my TI.
Q: What is PT like at BMT?
It wasn't that bad. The hardest part was the pyramid pushups. I will say that since I've been in the requirements have changed. Not sure if they are harder or not.
Q: What was the best thing/experience that happened to you while there?
The best part(s) were completing the Obstacle Course, which is also called the confidence course for a reason. Don't chicken out, try your hardest, and don't take the easy wall, and graduation. Knowing that I managed to make it that far through everything, and getting to experience what I did was worth it.
Q: What was the worst thing/experience that happened to you while there?
The worst part was getting sick. I ended up with a nasty flu, and tested positive for the adenovirus. While I was there, the norwalk virus ended up spreading like wild-fire. There is nothing you can really do to prepare yourself, just make sure to hydrate, and stay healthy. If you are really sick, then say something. It's not worth risking pneumonia like one guy in my flight or worse.
Q: What is the best advice you could give to any future trainee to survive BMT?
They will yell, and scream, but don't take it personal. Do as you are told with a sense of urgency.
Tell us a little about yourself (why you joined, etc.)
I'm 26, joined when I was 23, which was an experience, but was worth the wait. I'm the 4th in my family to spend time in the Air Force, and hope to make it a career. So far, I've deployed to Guam which was fun, and participated in weapons loading operations for Operation Odyssey Dawn.
Thanks again for reading, everyone! Remember, any questions at all, feel free to comment! He's here to help you through the process!!! =]
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