Social Security Number. If you're like my kids, and don't know your social security number by heart, memorize it. Your social security number becomes your "identification number" and you'll use it for almost everything (Privacy Act permitting).
Advanced Study. You can make your life easier by studying some Air Force Basic Training topics in advance. Memorize Air Force ranks (both officer and enlisted) before you leave. This will be one of the first things you'll be required to study, and knowing it in advance will allow you to use that time to study other things (time is always in short supply in Basic). It won't hurt at all to study and practice the fundamentals of drill. As a minimum, you should practice the military salute in front of a mirror until you can do it right without thinking about it. You'll also want to know your Basic Training chain of command. You should also memorize the first verse to the Air Force Song. The song is sung every morning after reville, and during the culmination of Warrior Week. You also need to know the Air Force Core Values, and how to report. For more detailed information on studying in advance, enroll in our FREE 21-Day Preparing for Air Force Basic Training "e-course."
Getting in Shape
The final fitness test is done during the 4th week of training. That's not much time to get into shape (even though you'll be working out six days per week), so the Air Force recommends that recruits be able to meet the following minimum standards before reporting to basic training (Note: This isn't mandatory, but it'll make you life much easier):
Males
2 mile run: 19:16
1.5 mile run: 13:45
Push-Ups: 34
Sit-Ups: 38
Females
2 mile run: 22:43
1.5 mile run: 16:01
Push-Ups: 16
Sit-Ups: 38
Remember, the above standards are the MINIMUM recommended for when you FIRST ARRIVE at basic training. They are not the graduation standards (which are much more restrictive). Graduation standards can be found in Part 4 of this article.
There are no "girl" push ups in basic training. In other words, you won't do push ups on your knees.
Push-ups and sit-ups must be performed with proper form. Those performed improperly will not count.
Push-Ups. To complete a push-up, assume the front leaning rest position with your arms shoulder width apart, feet together or up to 12 inches apart and body forming a generally straight line from your shoulders to your ankles. Keeping your head up, lower your body.
Sit-Ups. When practicing sit-ups, lay on your back with your feet together or up to 12 inches apart, knees bent at 90-degree angle with a spotter holding your feet at the ankles. Place your arms crossed over the chest with your hands at the shoulders or resting at the upper chest. Bring your upper body forward until your elbows touch your knees or upper thigh. Lower your back until your shoulder blades touch the ground.
Running. You can build up your running ability by starting out at a slow pace for 15 to 20 minutes. To ensure a smooth transition into the BMT fitness program, your goal should be a continuous 30 to 40 minute run 3-5 times a week. Consistency is the key. Make a schedule and stick to it.
To help get into shape, you may want to try the recommended 14-week Basic Training Preparation Program.
Emergencies. Before you leave home, tell your family that if an emergency arises (a real emergency, such as a death or serious illness in the immediate family) they should contact you through the Red Cross. Your family should know your full name, your social security number, and your flight address. Within a week or so of arriving, you'll be sending a "pre-printed" postcard home that has your flight address on it. You should also get a chance to call home sometime during your first *OFFICIAL* week of training. This doesn't include "Zero Week," (used for inprocessing), so make sure your family knows that you will not be calling home right away. More about this "first" phone call later.
Continued in Part 2
