Joining the Air Force

Articles Index

Preparing for Air Force Basic Training
Everyone in Air Force Basic Training fires the M-16 rifle on a standardized Air Force firing course. By "standardized," it means it qualifies as a regular Air Force qualification. That means (if you shoot good enough), you can qualify as an "expert," and be awarded the Air Force Small Arms Expert Ribbon.

Surviving Air Force Basic Training
Air Force Basic Training is now 8 1/2 weeks long. Here is the ultimate Air Force Basic Training Survival Guide. All about Air Force Basic Training. Includes a detailed description of what you can expect in Air Force Basic Military Training (AFBMT), advice on things you can do in advance to prepare, as well as a few tips to help you out while you're there.

Preparing for Air Force Basic Training
At various times throughout your Air Force career, you'll be required to "report" to a military superior. "Reporting" is a very old military custom. To be truthful, however, (with the exception of basic training), today's Air Force is a little more relaxed, and there are only certain instances when one is required to "report."

Preparing for Air Force Basic Training
Chain of Command that recruits must memorize in Air Force Basic Training.

Air Force Pararescue and Combat Controller PAST
Yep. They changed the PAST (again). There is now only one Physical Ability and Stamina Test for applicants applying for both Air Force Pararescue and Air Force Combat Controller duty.

Preparing for Air Force Basic Training
What to bring to Air Force Basic Military Training, and last minute preparation before shipping out to Air Force boot camp.

First Term Airman Center
FTAC is designed to aid all first-duty-stationed airmen with their transition from a systematic and regimented environment into a hands-on employment of the airmen's skills, knowledge and training gained from technical school. FTAC is a 'one-stop-shop-program' that greatly benefits the airmen and allows them to focus on their job without being tagged for various appointments.

Preparing for Air Force Basic Training
In basic training, you'll often perform a duty called "Dorm Guard." Every one in the military is responsible for the safety and security of equipment and people assigned to them. In order for you to become familiar with this responsibility and importance you will have to perform dorm guard duty during basic training. You will be responsible for the safety and security of the people and valuables in the dormitory.

Preparing for Air Force Basic Training
Multi-part online training course for preparing for Air Force Basic Military Training. In part 3 of enlisted history, the post-vietnam era.

Preparing for Air Force Basic Training
Part 2 of Air Force Enlisted History, a study program for Air Force Basic Training. In Part 2, The Vietnam-era.

Preparing for Air Force Basic Training
The history of our modern Air Force is a story of a proud heritage. It is an account of events, and jet fighters, but mostly it is a record of professionalism, duty, and honor. The history of the Air Force focuses on air power in times of war -- as it should. Whatever job you have after basic training and technical school, you will play a part in preparing the Air Force to support our national policy with all the air power at its disposal.

Preparing for Air Force Basic Training
The Air Force is in the business of responding to natural disasters and enemy attacks, so you're required to learn the alarm signals early on (by the end of the first week of training).

Preparing for Air Force Basic Training
Here is a workout schedule that will prepare you for the rigors of basic training and help you to get the most out of it.

Preparing for Air Force Basic Training
The physical conditioning (PC) program ensure you are physically capable of enduring the demands of military duty. Additionally, the Air Force (AF) is very concerned about keeping you healthy by ensuring you show and develop true fitness gains from the beginning to the end of Basic Military Training (BMT).

Preparing for Air Force Basic Training
Air Force Education and Training Command implemented even tougher standards for basic training and technical school, effective in October 2003. It is no longer advisable to show up at Air Force Basic Military Training out of shape, as recruits have only six weeks (including the inprocessing week) before they must be able to pass the new standards.

Combat Controller PAST
These are the PAST requirments for new accessions into the Air Force Combat Controller Career Field. The PAST consists of a 500 meter swim, chin-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run.

Air Force Pararescue Physical Ability and Stamina Test (PAST)
These are the PAST requirments for new accessions into the Air Force Pararescue Career Field. The PAST consists of an underwater swim, a 500 meter swim, chin-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, flutter kickes, and a 1.5 mile run.

Basic Training Sets New Fitness Standards
Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper announced July 30 (2003) the Air Force would be raising fitness standards in January. More rigorous basic military training graduation standards will take effect at Lackland Air Force Base on October 12.

Air Force Announces Details on Two Year Enlistment Option
As part of the FY 2003 Military Authorization Act, Congress mandated the services each implement a two-year enlistment option. For the Air Force, the two year option will be available to only one percent of new recruits, and is limited to 29 AFSCs (jobs). Additionally, some jobs will require previous civilian training (certificates) in order to obtain the AFSC under the program.

Air Force Announces OTS Board Requirements for 2004
The Air Force has announced Officer Training School (OTS) changes for fiscal year 2004. The information contains minimum qualifying GPAs, and announces limitations on pilot/nav, technical and non-technical boards.