Veterans- What is Basic Military Training like?

Hello, I am 19 years old, and have been considering joinging the Air Force for the past 6 month. BMT really scares me and am really interested in what veterans have to say about their expierences in BMT and the military overall. Please specify which branch you were in, thanks.

I was in the US Army, and I have to tell you that Basic Training is both tough and rewarding. The way the training works, is to break you down, then build you back up. Enjoy the pleasantness of your recruiter, because when you get off that bus at your reception batallion, you start to hear the yelling by seargents. After reception, which introduces you to basic military protocol, the standard haircut, immunizations, tons of paperwork, and getting issued your training gear, you then get the sudden shock of getting to meet your Drill Seargent. At this point, on a forced march to boot camp, I seriously thought I was going to die from the stress and had to second guess my decision to join.

BT starts out with tough discipline and as you get closer to completion, they intentionally lighten up on you to build back your self-esteem and you then start to feel like you have accomplished something. The experiences you will have you will remember for a lifetime as well as the comradery with the guys or gals in your unit. Remember, they will all be going through it just like you.

The toughest part of BT varies for the person. Some people struggle with marksmanship, some PT, some cannot remember their general orders. The important thing is to stick with it and make sure you have a good support system from family, friends, or a significant other, to call home or write. Getting mail from home is a big boost for morale.

Good luck, hope this give you some idea of what to look forward to.

hes right. it is the toughest and most rewarding expierence.

i went but i was medically discharged.


and its good your joining the AF. but dont let them kick you out. they are down sizing by 24,000 so pass your pt testes if you wanna stay in after basic.

It makes a lasting impression, you never forget your Drill Instructors nor your experiences. I spent 6 years in the Army and I wouldn't trade it for anything, just wish I had stayed the other 14 till retirement.