May 21, 2009 
Part 2 of our series on Air Force Basic Military Training.
More than two months after trainees first report to Lackland, their families and friends are invited to join them for Graduation. Trainees receive their Airman Coin, marking the official transformation into Airmen, and participate in numerous ceremonies and parades, including the Pass and Review, that marks the completion of all military basic training. They’ll also receive their orders for Tech Training, which will let you know if their time at Tech School will be accompanied or unaccompanied. Accompanied duty means a service member can bring along their dependants, unaccompanied duty means dependants are not allowed. Most Tech Schools are unaccompanied, unless there are special circumstances. This is also the first chance the trainees have had to take liberty in weeks. “It was amazing,” remembers Brake. “To see all the guys in uniform and know that when they got there they were nothing like that is amazing.” Williams agrees, “It was a great moment that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
To make the most of the occasion, invest in a little research and advanced planning.
“Get to the graduation ceremony early, because you’ll want to get seats on the bleachers,” advises Williams. “I say this, because it gets hot sitting there, and the bleachers are covered and have fans.”
Brake advises packing comfortable shoes. “Do not take heels! You walk everywhere,” she recalls. “And don’t expect to hold his hand or kiss him when you want. You can’t. Well, he can’t.”
Winging It
But, while Graduation is an incredible experience, it can also be a stressful and emotional time, too. Keep in mind, that after weeks apart, you both will have changed, often in great ways.
“I was more aware of myself, my behavior, and how I presented myself to others,” recalls Master Sergeant Pope. Brake agrees, “Bryan matured a lot. He also realized that time was important and became very grateful for all the things he has.”
As hard as it is, try to keep your plans flexible and your expectations low. After weeks of separation, some quality alone time might be high on your agenda, but with his family anxiously waiting to see him, and all the activities planned, it might not happen the way you’ve imagined it.
“It was hard during graduation,” remembers Williams, “because we all wanted his attention.”
Also keep in mind, that after months of little freedom and being surrounded by other people 24/7, many trainees may want nothing more than a little sleep during their liberty.
“Don’t think he’ll be full of energy,” warns Brake. “He’s going to be really tired.”
While BMT is one of the biggest challenges Air Force couples face, in the end, most who make it through agree that it’s worth it.
“We definitely appreciated each other more,” says Williams. “We realized we took each other for granted, prior to him leaving.” Brake agrees saying “We became a lot stronger. We realized that we loved each other more than we thought before.”
Taking Flight
BMT might be over, but for newly minted Airmen, the journey is just beginning.
“Welcome to your new family,” says Master Sergeant Pope. “Now, no matter where you travel or what kind of service member you meet, you’ll instantly feel like you’ve known them your whole life!”
Most Airmen report to Technical Training late Sunday night or the Monday following Graduation weekend, where they’ll master the specialized skills they’ll need for their individual MOS.
All Tech Schools are comprised of three phases the Airman must complete, with new privileges earned along the way. Each school varies in length and few allow dependants to join them, so for most spouses, Tech School offers a chance for them to build upon the tools and skills they learned during their BMT to carry them through to this next separation.
“Military life is a whole new amazing adventure,” says Brake. “Enjoy it, don’t fear it!”
For more information, please visit websites:
Lackland Air Force Base (and information on BMT)
http://www.lackland.af.mil/units/737trg.asp
US Air Force Basic Training Information
http://www.baseops.net/basictraining/airforce.html
US Air Force Community Website
http://www.afcommunity.af.mil/
Military One Source
www.militaryonesource.com
My Pay
https://mypay.dfas.mil