What should my daughter expect in boot camp and A school? She just joined Security Forces in the Air Force.

TSgt Joe Schock — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 12:04:13 -0400

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jun 10 at 2016 12:06 PM

SSG Pete Fleming — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 12:06:33 -0400

Congrats to you had her! best of luck in her career.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jun 10 at 2016 12:11 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 12:11:55 -0400

Can't tell her what to expect but congratulations to her on this special occasion. Am sure you and the entire family are extremely proud of her.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2016 12:54 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 12:54:39 -0400

Initial response removed...

Response by SPC David S. made Jun 10 at 2016 1:03 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 13:03:46 -0400

Here is a link to a lot of Q&A's about Air Force basic and what to expect - she might want to take a look at these videos. Congratulations -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAQClplbwMs

Air Force BMT - Cell Phone Policy

In this video I talk about cell phones. When you can use them, how long phone calls are and things like that! YES BRING YOUR CELL PHONE TO BMT! Facebook.com/...

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jun 10 at 2016 1:44 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 13:44:05 -0400

I joined the Army so Basic Training in 1985 was tough and I am so glad that I did it. My AIT (Advanced Individual Training) was in Signal and it was hands-on and challenging. Always do your best.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Jun 10 at 2016 2:27 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 14:27:29 -0400

I use to have the oath of enlistment memorized. Some of the words escape me now.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jun 10 at 2016 6:44 PM

SN Greg Wright — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 18:44:42 -0400

Congrats! What's she wanna do? I can't comment on Chair Force Boot, sorry. Navy wasn't bad.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jun 10 at 2016 6:48 PM

SPC Kirk Gilles — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 18:48:09 -0400

There are some good Youtubes out there and of course some bad ones. I provide pre basic instruction to recruits. I have had to research the branches and play catch up with the times.
The branches also have great Apps and publish the recruit manuals. I find, however, that I end up being the one showing them these aides and apps. The info is out there.

Response by MSgt Peter Vatistas made Jun 10 at 2016 10:45 PM

MSgt Peter Vatistas — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 22:45:51 -0400

It's basically all about PT and mind games. The SF Academy is actually a lot harder than boot camp, but you don't notice it much because you sort of have weekends off. I think she will look back on the experience as a sort of pleasant one.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2016 5:06 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 05:06:33 -0400

I would say work on her pt now; push ups, sit ups, and 1.5mile run. They PT everyday, alternating from strength day and run days. For run days they'll run a 1.5mile 12min pace group run then a self paced run for 15min then sprint intervals for 5min if I remember right. I would say for knowledge I would say to start memorizing the general chain of command; president, vp, secretary of defense and Air Force, etc. then memorize her reporting statement and if she can some marching because the MTI's like to "pick on" the people that aren't the greatest at marching since you March everywhere. I would say the greatest thing that helped me learn what to expect was when we went in the dfac and we finished eating I would always go in the bathroom and kind of ask the other trainees in weeks ahead of me. If she's trying to focus on getting through it, tell her to break it down by meals and it goes by pretty fast. What my MTI stressed was 90% appearance and 10% knowledge haha because most of the time if you look like you know what you're doing and present yourself properly they normally leave you alone. It seems like it goes by slow and sucks but when it's finished you look back and it's really not that bad. It's all about teamwork, my bmt flight we may have not all liked each other but we would always help each other and have each other's backs and that's how you get through. Some YouTube videos are very informational but you never know until you go through since everyone has their own experiences. I watched all the videos myself too and when I got there it seemed like it was completely different for me.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2016 5:17 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 05:17:58 -0400

Congratulations! Welcome her to the USAF family! If she ends up at Kunsan for her first assignment (many Security Forces airmen do) and arrives by April 2017, I will be her Squadron Chaplain. If she needs anything, just let me know!

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2016 3:20 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 15:20:36 -0400

A stress card, 3 square meals, bowling, smooth sailing...

Response by Sgt John Skibenes made Jun 16 at 2016 11:45 AM

Sgt John Skibenes — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 11:45:35 -0400

In the Air Force?...I don't know...a walk in the park? The ability to call your superiors by their first name? A silly-looking uniform? Casual Fridays? A bunch of ribbons for getting 10 out of 50 rounds on a piece of paper from an arm's distance away? Don't you guys have ice cream parties when someone is promoted or something? I'm just shooting from the hip here.

Response by Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. made Jun 16 at 2016 12:02 PM

Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 12:02:30 -0400

Joe, First - congrats on your daughter following in your footsteps.
2nd. As I told my youngest son when he went to training, we will talk after you graduate. There is nothing that benefits from trying to explain the stress or the mind games played out in training. I did tell him that your granddads and I did it, hundred of thousands of others did it, you can do it. Don't quit and privately keep up you relationship with the Lord.

Response by SrA Joe M made Jun 17 at 2016 1:52 AM

SrA Joe M — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 01:52:39 -0400

I was an Honorably discharged an Air Force Security Forces member from 94 to 99, my experience WAS NOT positive at all.

I was stationed in Kirtland AFB and routinely saw the senior ranking NCOs sexually harass and prey on the younger female cops. While I would like to believe it changed since I was out, I have friends who stayed in despite not really liking their Security Forces job, and they tell me many of the old atitudes exist, rampant sexual harassment, alcoholism, NCOs with a chip on their shoulders doing what they can to get you kicked out...

Response by SSgt Nicholas Merchant made Jun 17 at 2016 2:44 AM

SSgt Nicholas Merchant — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 02:44:07 -0400

Congrats..... that said, hands down pt pt pt, expect to be introduced to the greatest law enforcement accademy in the country. Its a combat minded position, she will learn base/ perimeter security and defense basic map reading and recon as well as land navigation. Discipline and integrity as well as a strong sense of tradition and pride will be instilled. Hand to hand defense and strike lots of weapon knowledge the m9 and m14 or m4. If she wants to work hard and is into the obsticle courses and experiencing a more traditional military job she should expect to feel pride and that shell have a blast.

Response by TSgt Stephen Crumb made Jun 17 at 2016 8:56 AM

TSgt Stephen Crumb — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 08:56:18 -0400

Why are you asking about "boot Camp" and "A
school"? Those are Navy terms. You mean Basic Training and Tech School. Surely a TSgt knows that.

Response by LTC Thomas Tennant made Jun 17 at 2016 9:14 AM

LTC Thomas Tennant — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 09:14:14 -0400

Tell her to treat it as an adventure, do her best and have fun along the way. Since she has joined the USAF in security she will bump into my crazy 2nd and 3rd cousins...watch out... ;-)
PS....The skills she learns are transferable as LEO, private security, and other related fields....but I think she already knows that.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2016 2:39 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 14:39:13 -0400

Not sure about Basic, but It cannot be anywhere as hard as the Navy's Basic. Security forces School can be a beast if the Flight does not conform as a Team. It became easier for our Pipe Liners when they started acting like a team and not a bunch of individuals. Tell her to wash her clothes (to include her Patrol Cap). Don't allow the opposite sex in her room (even if it's her roommate's boyfriend), even if it allowed. Carry a knife everywhere as well.

Response by SrA Amanda Snyder made Jun 25 at 2016 1:12 PM

SrA Amanda Snyder — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 13:12:21 -0400

I was there in Spring 2000. Focus on push ups, core strength. Make certain she can keep her hair tight. It's just a mind game. Even the mirrors are slightly bowed to make you appear fatter. In basic and tech. Keep focused. Study every free second. Toilet time is study time. She has to be better than the guys. Don't let them see you break. Never give up. Women washout constantly. Has the intestinal fortitude to be the one who actually helps some one after graduation. Congratulation. And, good luck. I'm short, you can do you anything they can do and most women can shoot better than men just focus, breathe, fake authority, put your big girl pants on and find your voice. I was 23 when I went through, never ever give up.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2016 11:45 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 23:45:10 -0400

Congratulations! I've been in Security Forces for over 16 yrs and can't imagine doing any other job. Best advice is for her to study hard and learn to master her job. Everything else will be easy.

Response by SrA Mandy Snyder made Jul 1 at 2016 9:40 AM

SrA Mandy Snyder — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 09:40:11 -0400

Good old Boy system was still alive and well 99-2003. NEVER GIVE UP. The Guys that were my team, My brothers, were amazing. SFS Academy was worth it. Every volunteered deployment was worth it. A Lot has changed in the sexual trauma and sexual harassment protocols. Stand up for yourself, make certain you are heard. don't be a b1tc# but do not accept disrespect. Set the limits at day one, maintain them. You lax those limits its on you just as much as them. Do not blame others for mutual misconduct. Maintain dignity, self regulation. You only get one chance to present yourself as how you want to be treated, do not be a door mat. The repercussions are lasting. You are not there to make people happy, you are there to keep people safe, you safe. ( I couldn't get Noel Hollingsworth Verified, so I used my FB profile. Finally worked.)

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Sep 12 at 2016 12:06 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 00:06:47 -0400

TSgt Shock ,My advice would be just to give it Her best effort, at time thing seems dark experiencing things She never has before but it does serve a purpose. once the initial training is over the what seems perhaps difficult will be behind Her but it will help he in any career, Military or beyond in the civilian world. Once She falls into her job in Her first PCS things will fall into place although the training never stops but keeping up to date on a job or advancing is far different from initial intake training. My Air Force Police experience did lead into another career as a civilian Police Officer and sure helped Me not only get that job but insight and a better resume to start. Her confidence will build the more experience She gains and that will open doors!

Response by SrA Jeffrey Nichols made Oct 10 at 2016 7:48 PM

SrA Jeffrey Nichols — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 19:48:05 -0400

She should expect to go through basic twice. Make sure she stays active and got for a long career and tell her to have fun. HUA

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2017 8:11 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:11:32 -0500

The most fun I never want to have again.

Response by SSgt John Carter made May 18 at 2017 1:10 PM

SSgt John Carter — Thu, 18 May 2017 13:10:31 -0400

SF was interesting work. Lots of teamwork, problem solving, it's one of the few combat arms fields in the Air Force, so there's a lot of physical work involved. Good luck to her

Response by Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. made May 21 at 2017 7:06 PM

Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. — Sun, 21 May 2017 19:06:11 -0400

It will be a whole lo Easier than when you and I went through Basic Training. My advice to everyone who have asked me this same question. Tell your son or daughter, we made it through and we will talk about it when you finish. Then you will have not only pride at her accomplishments but she should appreciate the experience more.

Before I left for basic training, I was 19, my father (a WWII vet) gave me one piece of advice. He said, if your TI asks if anyone can type, say you do. I could NOT type well (had to hunt and peck) but he was right. On several occasions, I wound up typing up his reports while others were outside on other details. At Amarillo, Texas in mid summer, we had no air conditioning in our barracks but the TI's office had a window air conditioner.

Response by Maj John Bell made Feb 9 at 2020 2:42 PM

Maj John Bell — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:42:45 -0500

Well it is the Air Force!

Oh come on now....! You had to expect a little BS from the Marines. Good luck to your daughter.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Feb 9 at 2020 7:16 PM

TSgt Melissa Post — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 19:16:59 -0500

I’ll give you some helpful tips that my parents did for me and some that I myself had to learn.
1. Be able to pass the PT requirements before shipping out. She will probably be sick and/or sleep deprived on top of stressed out which will all affect her ability to pass so get the head start jump.
2. Learn the Air Force song and the Airman’s creed.
3. Learn the ranks and insignias.
4. Practice drill moves and facing movements.
5. Realize that you will be yelled at. Leave the attitude at the door of your house because you won’t need it there.
6. Don’t listen (or rather take to heart) the tone of the TI. Listen to the words they are telling you. That’s the important part.
7. If you have guns, practice shooting. While it will be a different gun she shoots in BMT at least she gets target practice.
8. If she takes forever in the shower, start shaving off those minutes now.
9. Practice putting your hair in regulation style. (Believe me as a newb it took many of us a good long time to figure it out. Especially with curly hair.)
10. Realize early you have two hands to eat with. When drinking water during your BMT meals take small sips between bites. If you don’t it is likely you will throw up. Ask me how I know...lol.

I hope this helps. Feel free to DM me if you or your daughter have any specific questions.