what should I expect to experience in the air force basic training?\n1. what drills are there?\n2. is there a "hell week"\n3 what kind of foods are there to eat in Basic?\n4. any other things I should know?
209176
You get used to the food. Have to eat fast as you not have long, though you can always get more to eat if there is time. Up early and have a Bic Lighter to burn strings off your "Pickle Suit". Have to keep Everything in it's place for inspection. Hide the Shaving Razor you use and keep an unused one for inspection. Soap Dish clean so do not use soap and have Dry Clean Soap Dish, wash with your shampoo. Learn the little things/Short cuts to keep inspection cool. Pay Attention to how the Bed Made the First night as you will have to make it back the same tomorrow. "Woolly Boogers" have to be captured and disposed of. NEVER volunteer for anything and only talk if they ask, bring attention to yourself with little jokes and you will get their attention. LOL! Some is class room study, learning about chain of command, ranks who to Salute and How. Some Exercise, setups, push up that kind of stuff. Learn to shoot a gun, work as a team, sneak to the Bowling ally. Most everything you buy when you get there. The Bags we brought and clothes we wore went into a locked closet never to be seen again until we left for Training School. March everywhere. That some of it. Just make it through, be tough. You can do it and then the Tech School gets a little more slack and then when you get to your Permanent Base it get pretty fun. Like a regular job.
580804
Yes, Air Force is slowest of all.  But I still enjoyed it.  I had my own room, I had great training, I could go home every night.  I never had to sleep in a tent, nor carry a back pac.  Never carried or even shot a gun, and no one ever shot at me.  I did have to shovel the walk a couple of times, march in a parade or two, and there were a couple of room inspections.  It was brutal.  I may not have done much soldiering (thus the reason I went Air Force), but worked incredibly hard and came out of the service with a job offer of 3X's my military pay.  So fast promotion was not an issue with me.
644420
i am here now and i would suggest...lotion, your an extra unit patch for when you hit your mark youll look squared away cuz youll have yours, lots of white socks,extra shower shoes,yours will surely break after the first few months, you will have hot water...atleast 99% of the FOBs do now. Just to put it this way...your trip from the states to actual iraq will be a hurry and wait thing...youll be in kuwait for a good minute, not to mention going to other camps until you actually get to yours. Bring ear plugs( its part of your IBAS but bring an extra pair) make sure you have a flashlight for the power occasionally goes out. When you get over here you might have a chance to buy a phone like i did. Dont bother bringing phone cards because most of the places here require certain ones. DEET...yes bring some deet..flys out here are CRAZY. My room has a fridge,microwave, and tv but me and my roomy had to buy them, once you get settled in youll want to buy those things ...bring a power adapter and a power converter...if you have a playstation or things like that youll need to convert them from 220 - 110. I actually sent my DCU's home just because i dont wear them here...or the dark brown t-shirts. The laundry here usually takes 3 days turnaround..it sucks not to be able to do it on your own but you have to adjust right?Bring every pair of eye pro they have issued you because you WILL LOSE a pair or two. Body wash definatley makes life a little easier. 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner helps also. Make sure that in your pack..you pack all of your electronic gear and things youll need in a hurry ...eye pro..underware...so and and so forth..since youll be in kuwait a while you dont want to have to search through you A, B , and C bag for everything you need....Also if you can pack everything in zip lock baggies...it takes the air out and you can fit things more effectively in your duffle. you wont know your addy until about 4 weeks in. so make sure your family knows so. USO will give you gift bags while your at the air field with playing cards, beef jerkey, shit like that...and you have to take it so keep in mind that you will be gettting more things even when your bags are already full. There are also certain sizes that your carry on bag has to be so make sure that you dont pack it too full....good luck with your travel...its a long ride so get as much sleep as you can...i think youll be making a stop in ireland...get a smoke break and stretch out take a pee in an actuall latrine.....just be patient when you leave because itll be a long wait.....good luck!!! anymore questions contact me!!
370582
Don't let the fact that it's being hosted by the Air Force scare you...chances are the other "dates" there will dress just as they would for any other semi-formal party. Just dress nice and comfortably. He'll be in his blues, so he will look nice, I would dress accordingly. A nice simple dress would be fine, as would a dressy top and nice pants. I wouldn't recommend trashing it up, but that's just me. I've seen young women go to these events in little outfits and no one said anything. It all just comes down to your personal tastes.
170470
I am prior Air Force and it was the best thing I ever did. I work along side people from other braches who would say to me they wish they had joined the Air Force. You get excellent training, you meet some of the best people, and unlike other branches, the Air Force really takes care of their people. Make sure you sign up for the G.I. Bill.
567210
There are multiple graduations at Ft Benning every friday (Basic, Airborne, Ranger, Pathfinder, etc.)  Because of this, there's a mess of hotels around the base.  You might want to look into it and make a reservation for a room and a car.
325148
a. Look at the checklist your recruiter gives you. I would not take much of anything above that. Hygene products can also be picked up during your first trip to the PX. Remember that you will get SMOKED when you first get to basic. The more you have, the more you will have to carry and gather up as they throw things all over to get into your head.\n\nb. Those pictures, when I went through, were taken in our 2nd week of basic.\n\nc. Dog tags should be given as you go through in-processing. Very first full day. You will get one set, with 2 tags. Also get a red tag if you have any alergies.\n\nd. AIT is still a drill seargent experience, but a bit more lax if you have a MOS that is more than just infantry or grunt work. It is a training environment to learn your job, not to break you down and build you back up in the model of a basic infantry soldier (again, unless you are signed up for infantry type job).\n\nHope that helps
356094
I was in the Air National Guard and I loved it.  I was also in the Air Force Reserve for a couple of years and didn't like it nearly as much.  My Guard unit was really close-knit and fun, we were like one big family.  We always did well on our inspections because we were such a cohesive unit.  For the people that were surprised the Guard would be activated overseas, I was told by my recruiter in the beginning that the Guard/Air Guard were usually the first to go because of greater mobility.  My unit was activated during Desert Storm, and I certainly wasn't surprised.  When people ask why you joined, just tell them with pride that it's something you love doing for yourself and for your country...and they should thank you for doing it, too.  It always blows my mind when people talk so harshly against military service while they enjoy the comforts of living in this country, and aren't willing to make any sacrifices for it themselves.  If you're not willing to serve in the military yourself, at least have some common sense and decency and don't patronize those of us who do.
321358
Just a question to the poster before me (teeney)...and of course this is just my opinion....\n\nWhat is the point of joining the military to "stay safe"? To me, it is dishonorable and disrespectful for a member of the military to join just for the "benefits" and label. If you are going to serve, you serve 100%. You serve your country and you do what is asked of you, no matter of the level of safety.\n\nFor the asker.....Hun, you join the branch that you feel is right for you. Join the branch which best suits your hobbies, interests, and career choices. Please do not join a branch because it was "safer" than another. Understand that being in the military is both an honor and a burden. If you can outweigh the burden with the honor you will gain....that's what has made the whole experience worth it.\n\nHonestly, as a footnote, I cannot believe the spouses and dependents out there that wear their red, white, and blue with presumed pride, but then complain when their loved ones are called into action. That's part of the job people. If you can't handle it, get off the proverbial porch! \n\n...stepping off the soapbox now\n\nGood luck in all of your future endeavors!\n\nLilD
677054
How can I express my opinion without insulting anyone?  I agree with the comment that it is a completely different mission.  The Corps trains its troops to be strong, fit and tough both mentally and physically.  They have to!  When you know that your primary job is that of a foot solider you have to be dependable.  Example- You are a 22 year old Sergeant (E5) a squad leader responsible for the lives of 12 Marines.  Your given orders to enter a town and a certain house.  Those Marines are depending on you to get them in and out safely.  Plus each of them is carrying 80 extra lbs of equipment on their bodies.  You have to be tough.  ( Most 22 year olds back home are doing what?????  Playing video games living with Mom and Dad and bitching because life sucks so much.  God I'm so PROUD of this new generation of warriors we have today!  These young men and women are trying to build something good out of something that their fathers screwed up decades ago...God love them and watch out over them).\n\nNow for the so called whimpy Air Force guys.  I'll use my background.  You have to be an expert in your profession, you have to know your job as well as some of the specialists primary job.  You have to work long hours when deployed and be able to do so in the heat and cold.  You are working on mult-million dollar aircraft and weapons systems designed to kill or blow things up.  One mistake can kill you and your crew.  One mistake can cause an airplane to crash and kill a pilot.  In some cases you have to endure Scud attacks, motor attacks and even sniper fire.  Your primary equipment is a primary target and so are you.  Your exposed on the flightline and hope that your security forces are doing their job as well as you.\n\nI was told once by an Army Vietnam Veteran (Silver Star, Couple of Bronze Stars, and three purple hearts) that I wasn't really in the military, I was in the AF.  I kinda laughed and said, "Yeah you're right.  But it sure felt good for you when the Air Force was there providing close air support for you wasn't it?"  He didn't have much to say after that either.  Different jobs, different missions, but the same fight!  Semper Fi and Aim High my friend!\n\nVr  RJ
475910
I assume that he's there for basic training.  I went to basic at Ft. Sill OK about 3 years ago now and I can tell you this.  SEND MANY MANY MANY LETTERS!!!!  My mom sent me at least a card or a note or something every single day.  I'm sure some other people that read this will make their comments about that, but I will tell you what, it is very very motivating and comforting to know that your family is thinking about you and cares for you.  Mail call was probably my favorite part of the day every single day.  You should hear from him soon.  maybe not by phone for awhile, but more than likely at least a letter with his address.  As I recall we didn't get phone privliges until about our 2nd or 3rd week.  He will also spend a few days at a reception battalion before he acctually starts basic.  he might get a few minutes to talk while there.  his phone calls will more than likely be very very short as there is normally very few phones for many many people to use.  God Bless your family and your son!  I hope this helps at least a little.  If you have any other quesions, feel free to e-mail me!
327908
I was on Camp Foster down the road from there Jan 2004-5.  Us Marines were jelous of the Air Force base.  They had better on base houseing.  (real houses, not the apartment towers) You didn't have to clear the table at the chow hall, you had a better PX or BX what ever the AF calls it.  Plus you had Chilis.  The only non-fast food American chain around.  Lucky.  It was nice.
319706
I WAS in the CAP, but it's been a loooooong time ago (1954), and yes, it's a good place to start learning what the Air Force is all about. Join if you can. You won't be sorry, I'm sure.\n\nRetired Air Force MSgt
111016
Breakfast is the typical variety, eggs, bacon and the like. Lunch and dinner vary a lot. There will normally be a meat dish and some sides, and normally there is plenty of fruit. Just be aware, you cant talk in the galley, and you have to eat very fast. You dont have much time at all. At least it is warming up, it is incredibly hard to have to wear all the winter gear and still hike the tray around. It will suck when you have service week there too. Hope you end up in a 900 division so you wont have to.
187389
quit smoking now.. you won't be allowed during Basic anyway.  Might as well get a jump on it.  As long as you can meet the minimum standards on the first day, you'll BE in shape by the time you are done.
196541
I joined the AF right after the start of Desert Storm. I din't join because of the war that's just when I went in and I loved it. Spent 7 yrs in before I was diagnoised with type 1 diabetes. I think it's a great chance for one to grow without just being dumped on your own right after high school. MOST AF people are behind the scenes We didn't go on on the front lines. Not to mention the AF treats their people really well. IF you do join, just remember boot camp is a mind game, the real AF is not like what you will endure in Boot camp. I say DO IT!!
620480
it's nice to hear the air force is treating you well ... I was a army wife and it was not" 90210 "like you explained ...{thanks for the dumpy comment }, My husband was a GRUNT in Bosnia and in Afghanistan ... It was sheer hell for me and our 2 boys .. Im thankful for Ft. knox they did all they could do to make it as easy as they could for us during my husbands deployment... No matter what branch all these men and women are HEROS ! I was not aware that there were people who did'nt support our troops ... I just thought it was Bush they did'nt support ! being a "army" wife is very hard!!{ there is no fun and games at war} maybe I should have had my husband Join the airforce so we could not appear to be so dumpy!!! My husband is a hell of a man and Im very proud of what he has done for our country.. HOOAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!