Tech School is where you go to basically learn your job. You gain many new freedoms and its a huge shift from BMT. This video lists pretty much everything there is to know about tech school.
Hi mate....I`m a viewer from the UK...Used to be in the RAF,,as an armourer.Have found your videos to be really interesting....and they must be a great source of help to young people joining the USAF.Wish there had been this kind of thing when i joined the RAF !! Recruit training was one BIG shock !!..Long time ago though..1982.All the best !!
I'm retired Air Force, my tech school was Chanute AFB, Il (closed now) in 1977. Just listening to you has brought back some good memories from my tech school days. Mine was 10 weeks. I had forgotten about the ropes, lol. We did not do PT in those days. Just the mile and half run was all that was required for fitness. Keep writing and producing videos, you're dong and outstanding job.
+msgtdel I went to Sheppard but visited Chanute last summer. Much of my supervison trained there(maintenance) they were going to be closing the base museum down because the town was going to charge utilities to keep it up. Most of the buildings were in a really sad state. I think they just tore White Hall down within the last month or two.
Hay, you did a perfect job explaining TECH SCHOOL you spat out all the facts with out a lot of talk about nothing. Thanks I enjoyed your RU-vid video. Keep on making videos you are good at it. Later Man :)
30 day Tech School? Wow! Mine was 8 months. Fast forward 9 years and they tagged me to be an instructor. Wasn't happy about that. ATC (now AETC) and I did NOT get along. Still have my Instructor Badge (Flying Ice Cream Cone) kicking around somewhere. Great videos - wish that this capability had existed in 1963. ;-)
my experience with tv was that when my roommate left he gave me his tv so i had mine for free but i was cool with my roomate ...we became so good friends in the short time we were together...he was also a green rope and got promoted to yellow...i had protection lol. he also gave me his alarm clock which was also a cd player which i still have now almost 14 years later...memories
I wish I could build a time machine and go back 20 years. I would have called back the Air Force recruiter that talked to my Mom and said I scored very high on the ASVAP and could offer any job the Air Force had. (Minus being a pilot of course.) Being a dumb 18 year old without a clue what to do I blew it off and then enlisted in the Army a few years later in an MOS that I didn't care for that didn't teach me squat for civilian life. (All it got me was probably an FBI 'watch list' profile since I was trained how to rig up and handle C4, TNT and landmines.) Yes, 12 Bravo...ugh. The recruiter doesn't tell you that you'll be pounding pickets and stringing up concertina wire most of the time with a life expectancy of 7 seconds in combat. Oddly enough, OSUT (one single 15 week training cycle) taught us the rudimentary basics but when I got to my unit we learned quite a bit of intricate stuff that required a lot of math. It's a thankless MOS yet one that's vitally important since 'We Clear The Way'. And if the infantry and armor doesn't show up you drop your tools and become infantry. (Hat's off to my infantry and armor brothers who respected us because they knew the dirty, dangerous job we did.) Sorry WildBlueYonder...I didn't mean to hijack your video. I watch your videos and it makes me wish that I could change some decisions I made in my youthful years. It's great stuff for anyone wanting to join. I'd say the Air Force is the way to go simply for the technical training they excel at. Keep up the great work and thanks for your service. (I'm drinking coffee and my high school typing class is paying off right now.)
ron bennett I agree with you about the 'gung ho' junk. To me the Army had it's gung ho crowd but it also had some very cool low-key officers and NCO's who just wanted to make sure you did your job without yelling or being a killing machine.
Went to Shepard in 73 . Basic was the fastest eight weeks of my life and the last day of tech school was the fastest day of my life . Take the test , then out process. then they hand you your ticket home for a weeks leave . You pass by people in your class in groups . I never saw them again , Bittersweet . Really glad for the experence , good luck !
Man, I just want to give you credit for a great video and all the videos you have done. You explained Tech School perfectly. I did my Tech School at Lowry AFB in Denver, CO which is now closed but it was scarily similar to what you described about Shepperd. Your vid actually brought back a bunch of memories. I remember on weekends at Lowry in our dorm, the local pizza place would bring stacks of boxed pizzas to the dorm entrance and sell them for 5 dollars each. And they always sold out. Cool. Keep up the good work.
well Airman I am glad you could show the beginning of your USAF career I spent 5 years in the "Force" as a weapons specialist. It's how much basic and tech school has changed. that said I have to say to you Fly, Fight, Win Go Air Fotce
+Breck Jackson Thought it would be fun to check out AF boot camp and see how much it has changed since the 80's when I enlisted. WOW!! you have no idea. Back then it was more like the Army/Marines boot camp. The video's I have watched on yt seems like a boy scout camp now. We had wooden barracks at Lackland. Lots of PT,etc. But overall I had a really good time for my 6 years and at times kind of sorry I got out. Just amazed how much it has changed
Gavin Miller thanks for the reply but I’ve been in 10 months now and graduated tech school about 4 months ago. You are definitely correct in saying it’s more like a trade school.
Thank you Wild Blue Yonder! You have been so helpful, and will utilize all the information you have provided!! Keep 'em coming! Looking forward to basic training and tech school :)
LMAO.."I love lightening".. Good to see things are basically the same. It was like I was back in 1991 again. Good job dude. You're going to look back at this in 30 years and love it.
+b Mixon Thanks for watching! Glad I could help. And your parents can visit you at tech school, but unless they have an on base hotel, they'll have to sleep off base. They can visit you on base during visiting hours though. And you'll also have to be back on base for your curfew every night. You can't spend the night off base.
Although I will admit that your tech school is much different than when I went to Sheppard in 1980, I would say if you have a way to get your car there, do it. I first informed my First Sergeant who simply told us to be careful and make sure we were back in time for school Monday morning. I flew back to Michigan, prepped my car, and a buddy and I drove back to Sheppard over a Friday night to Sunday night. I was able to explore the area in my off duty time and when I got my first assignment, i just drove it there. My first assignment, by the way was Luke AFB, Az.
In 77 we had a T38 and B52 engines plus Aux power units. When I was joining I was told that jets wore a waist of time. The wanted me to go to Nevada and go into there advanced traing since I had scored so high in electronic and computer sciences. I remember thinking how dumb others must be for my score to look that high. I would go into that program today if they would knock back my age 20 years are so. They would get a dedicated worker.
I was in my early 20s went I went through tech school. I was into the academic portion and kept at least a 96% average on all my tests and that was my focus. I had no interest in miscellaneous activities personally. On my off time I either studied or went to the theater. I was their for 4 months.
Thank you for all your videos. My son is in process to join the air force and all your videos are helping me to understand what he is about to venture off into. Thank you so much for them. Keep them going they are very helpful. Have a good day. I wish you the very best in the usaf.
my tech school was 14 months. ecm was 2 weeks longer. hated every minute of it. but in the end it all paid off. retired at 21 years, got my masters degree and landed a very good job.
Great video, I'm planning on talking to a recruiter after I finish community college, and Egress Systems is on my wish list! Thanks for explaining everything, I was so nervous about tech school/BMT before watching your videos.
My tech school at Sheppard was 6 weeks long and my wife's was only 4 weeks (accounting and finance ); mine was services (3m0x1). Wasn't worth buying a bunch of stuff until I went to F E Warren.
i must say i watched the video of bmt and was amazed. i went thru bmt way back in april65,and it was only 6-weeks long. we did not have to go thru a gas chamber. tech scholl to me seemed more learning about your job in classes and the rest of the time yours; then permanent party at some base to perform your job
You definitely inspired me to have a RU-vid channel for airmen who need advice and who I can reach a hand to and also a gaming channel just because I want to make money off of it. I hope I can be as good as you were bro
Ok. As hard as this is to believe, when I went through basic back in '85, our basic training was only only 6 weeks long. We ran P.T. Monday through Friday. When I was in Tech School (Lowery AFB which is now closed) our classes were from 6 AM till 12 noon and from 12 Noon till 6 PM. Those that went at 6 AM till 12 Noon were on what was called "A shift". Those that went from 12 Noon till 6 PM were on what was called "B shift". In basic, we did not do push ups if we got in trouble. Rather we carried two forms called a " 341" If we got into trouble, one of these forms were filled out and we talked to our MTI about the mistake we made. In Tech school we ran P.T. once a week. My AFSC was "461", (from what I heard it is no longer 461) Munitions Systems Specialist. When you made 5 level you were considered a "Journey Man". Now you are a Craftsman when you put on your 5 level. At our duty station (what you now call a "command") we didn't now run P.T. every day or every other day like you do. Back when I was in the Air Force, E-4 was divided up between Senior Airman and Buck Sergeant. You had to be a SRA for a year before you put on Buck Sergeant. Now there is no Buck Sergeant. You go from SRA to Staff Sergeant. I didn't stay in long enough to make Buck Sergeant. In basic, we didn't go through the gas chamber and we didn't go through the M16 like you did. We had "familiarization" with the M16 which was only an AR-15 that shot .22 caliber rounds. There was no "Beast" as you now have. When we went to the range to shoot the AR-15 we took a canteen and we were given MREs. Also the look of Master Sergeant through Chief Master Sergeant wer different looking. For a Master Sergeant the chevrons were what we called "3 up and 3 rockers" Now it is "3 up and 3 rockers with one that goes up in a triangle" . As you progress through higher into Senior Master Sergeant there is 2 that go up into triangles (for lack of a better term) and when you hit Chief Master Sergeant, you have 3 that go up into a triangle. If you have any more questions for me, just post them and I will be happy to answer them for you.
Looks like I was wrong on the chevron designation when it comes to Master Sergeant, Senior Master Sergeant and Chief Master Sergeant. Sorry about that.
Thanks for this! My son thinks that he will wind up at Sheppard AFB also. But since BMT now has Capstone week, parents are being told that we can't bring stuff for our kids due to storage limitations. We have to send it all to Tech School.
I went to Sheppard to. Heavy Airlift/Bombardment Aircraft Maintainence. It was so long ago, I don't remember how long it was. Pretty easy, 'cept for this guy in my class kept cuttin' these horrible farts. He cleared out the class like ten times !! When I was there, the dorm had soda machines...with beer !! I just played a lot of volley ball. Honestly, could be wrong, but I don't remember doing any P.T. That was a long time ago, though, things are probably different.
+8091pinewood Was your AFSC 431x1A (Now 2A5XX, I believe)? I was at Sheppard 1973-74 for fighter (1-2 engine) jets for an AFSC of 43131C upon graduation...the second "3" meant apprentice, and the "C" was for 1-2 engine aircraft.
i had a bunch of f-tards in basic man, you seem super chill. Im almost 30 and i gotta go back to tech after my miserable time in basic STREESSEEDD. I hope i get a roomate like you. haha
@Jack Celatka You receive the same exact training except you have marching band practice days and you'll be in a marching band flight during the Airman's Coin ceremony and BMT graduation. Is it worth it? I guess so, you don't get any rewards or ribbons or anything. So I guess that is up to how much you enjoy playing music.
WildBlueYonder I've been in marching band since middle school and throughout all of high school as a drummer and I've been really curious about this. I'm really glad i saw this comment. Thanks!!
WildBlueYonder Why do you say , "What's up my soldiers." When, Airman are in the Airforce . Soldiers are in the Army. I am just asking. Do they use both?
The word "soldier" does reference a ground based military unit (like the Army). But I'm referencing to my subscribers. Some people have a name for their subscribers or fans- I happen to call my viewers "soldiers". Doesn't mean we are necessarily in the Army- it just means you guys are an "army" of cool people, you know? Plus, no matter what branch you're in, you're still a soldier- you're fighting for your country
+obdiane FYI on the flight line, everyone was called troop. Airman sounds too "Ate Up" 😀 I.E. " I need two more troops to go get the truck and start de-icing on Tango 13."
I was in marching band all throughout high school career, I was the drum line section leader. Do you receive the same training as a basic training recruit if your in the band flight? Is it worth volunteering for?
heyy how r u? just wanted to say that i love your videos they are so helpful and also you make me feel more comfortable. Just wanted to ask what is your job in the air force.
WildBlueYonder Curious...do they still mention the F-111 capsule ejection system for background/historical purposes? I'm a former F-111D crew chief ('73-'79).
If you fail in your tech school, the Air Force will put you where ever they need you. You might end up being a cook, or security police, guarding a pile of snow in Alaska. So... keep up with your tech school.
Hey I'll be attending Sheppard AFB for my Tech-School too! Coming in as 2w1x1 (Aircraft armament system). Any thoughts about my AFSC? Also, after BMT, did you ride the bus or plane?
Hey wild blue, I'm going to the Air Force reserve and wanted to ask you some questions about tech school, Is the dorm and all bills payed for living there? How much free time do you have each day after class? And do I have to have a job during the time? Is food and groceries payed for as well? Please respond, I'd like to know! I also subscribed to you!
Hey, for tech school your dorms and food will be paid for. You'll have about five hours of "free" time after class, where you can move about and go where you'd like on base. You'll have a curfew, and will be required to be in your room at a certain time, but you can stay up as late as you want. You won't have a job. Groceries are not paid for, you will have access to a chow hall or dining facility though
great info @WildBlueYonder! just have a simple question, I wear contact lens. am i going to wear the BC glasses? Joining very soon, my BMT is in August. Signing in as Security Forces! Thanks for any help you can give.
Thank you! And if you wear eyeglasses be sure to bring them with you. Although you will be issued the mandatory generic glasses at basic, it will take a few days for them to be made. Therefore, in order to prevent being "set back"; you should bring your prescription eyeglasses. (If you wear contact lenses DO NOT bring them to basic training, wear your eyeglasses.)
Static Scotty Contact lenses are a safety issue at BMT and certain Tech schools where you will be required to wear BCG (safety glasses). At your regular AD base you may wear your contacts providing it isn't a safety issue for your duty assignment.
Did you have a new dorm at Sheppard or one of the old buildings? I always thought the Sheppard Shuffle was harder on my shins then just running. Back in 2008 i was part of the second wave of classes in my dorm so they were a little more strict on the cleaning then normal. On the weekends we just went to the movie theater on base then right down the street to the bowling alley. Made the 3 months at Sheppard go by and a lot cheaper then going into Wichita Falls
Chris Doughty dude! I forgot about the shepherd shuffle! Hahaha! Thanks for the good memory! I went through in June/July of 03. Good times. Was that off base barber shop still there? Hair force?
Is it worth letting them know you play an instrument? I've gotten mixed signals from a few people... I play the trumpet and was on my high school drum line. Thanks!
Hey my man I have been Following this Channel since i discovered it about 2 months ago. Currently my Ship date is Jan 2nd, I got 2A33 Tact Aircraft Maintenance App. And will be going to Shepard after BMT. Any tips for shepp? Also do you have any knowledge of how long Tech school will be for me roughly?
I know rules probably changed, but do NOT wear your blues off base at Shepard!! I got here yesterday and a guy got blown up because he asked about that
Been there feom August 14 to the 21 of jan 2017-2018 im a A-10 crew chief 362 crew dawgs we pt at 04300 to 0530 took a shower ate chow and formes for super flight at 0630 and did not go to class if you have questions about night/day shift just ask ive been on both
Wow, you did Egress.... my son got sent into open mechanical. How is the Egress area? He never planned to be mechanical as all his other aptitudes were higher. But we were considering this option for him. What can you advise about this skill?
+Jackson Lacey Not in tech school. In tech school you won't be able to get a second job. And there is no band while active duty, however you will be able to get a second job while active duty
Awesome videos man. Who chooses the student leaders? And if you get chosen can you decline? Also, is there any place where you can practice instruments during tech school?
***** Student Leaders are 100% manned by volunteers. So, you'll never be faced with the circumstance to decline. :) And yes, you can practice.. anywhere lol. There's usually a community club where there are empty rooms to practice in, outside, or just in your room.
Thanks for the answers. Yeah I'm thinking about joining but idk if I could be a leader so that's good to know. Does the cac or rec center have drum sets?
Hey have you made a video about how to pack for tech school , well more specific question is , what can you pack for tech school and have your parents bring to graduation for you?
Brandon Rowe Anything you can fit in a bag really- except drugs, alcohol, weapons, etc. However, I think they have changed that. I've heard that you can no longer have your parents bring bags to tech school because there is not enough storage space-- I'm not for certain, I'd ask your recruiter
About band flight if you weren't in band class but you play guitar. But your not good and can't read music do you tell them you play an instrument? PLEASE RESPOND
I hate to be that guy but when we were in that building where you make your dream sheet I looked into it and aerial gunner has a 14 day tech school I wish it was that short mine was 5 months and I couldn't reply to the guy that asked about band flight I was in it it was awesome same training + doing rehearsals usually they ask if you've played so if they ask do it but they do it every other flight a band flight so depends when you go
