After Air Force Basic Training: Where Do You Go?
When Air Force recruits complete their basic military training (BMT), the journey to becoming a full-fledged Air Force member is just beginning. Most commonly, BMT graduates do not go home immediately. Instead, they face a new phase often characterized by attending technical training school (Tech School) to learn specific skills related to their assigned Air Force job. The path varies depending on the career field and the specific needs of the Air Force.
Do You Go Home After BMT?
Short answer: No, you typically do not go home after Air Force basic training. The initial period is mostly dedicated to preparing you for your future role in the military. You will almost certainly proceed to Tech School, where the focus will be on honing the skills necessary for your career field within the Air Force.
The duration and location of Tech School depend on your job specialty. This phase of training is critical for your preparation and success in your career within the Air Force.
Reasons and Scenarios for Home Leave After Basic Training
While most BMT graduates attend Tech School right after completing basic training, there are exceptions where you may have the opportunity to go home.
1. Order to a Different Air Force Base: If your career field requires training at a different air force base, you will receive orders directing you to that location. For example, if your job is related to a specific aircraft, you might be sent to a base that specializes in that aircraft.
2. In-Base Tech School: In some cases, if the required training is primarily on-the-job, you may be given orders to report to your assigned base without direct guidance to a Tech School. As an example, if you are assigned to an aircraft like the B-52, you might receive orders to report to a specific base where training for that aircraft is conducted.
3. Accrued Leave Balance: You may have accrued leave from your BMT experience, and with permission, you can use this leave to visit home before proceeding to your Tech School or first duty station. However, note that this will likely consume a portion of your accrued leave balance.
Personal Experiences and Insights
My own experience after BMT illustrates this process. I completed my BMT at Lackland AFB, TX and was subsequently assigned to Sheppard AFB, TX for Tech School. Following Tech School, I had to attend the Field Training Detachment at Barksdale AFB, LA to receive specialized B-52 training. After six months of this intensive training, I was granted the opportunity to take a leave and visit home before reporting to my first duty station at Andersen AFB, Guam.
Another Air Force veteran shared a similar path:
John, who graduated from BMT in 1984, went through the same process. After completing BMT at Lackland AFB, TX, he was bussed to Sheppard AFB, TX for Tech School. Following Tech School, he had to report to the Field Training Detachment at Barksdale AFB, LA for B-52 training. After six months of specialized training, he was able to take a leave to visit home before his first duty station assignment at Andersen AFB, Guam.
Conclusion
The path after Air Force basic training can be quite varied, but the most common scenario involves a direct transition to Tech School, followed by specialized training, and then potentially a leave of absence before reporting to your first duty station. Whether you go home or not depends on your specific career field and the requirements of your Air Force assignment.
Remember, the Air Force is committed to preparing you for a successful career, and the path you take will be tailored to your specific needs and role within the organization.
Keywords: Air Force basic training, technical training school, Air Force career path