Chapter One: First Impressions 

The Air Force is pulling me. Ever get the feeling in your gut that this was the correct path you should have taken long ago?

My daughter just went through all of this and will be graduating next Thursday November 4th 2021. Yes Im a very proud father.

Good luck to all the future Airmen. I joined right out of high school in 1975. It was the best decision I ever made. There was no money for college and I couldn't continue living at home. The USAF gave me a job, housing, medical and educational benefits and an exciting career. After active duty I joined the Air National Guard and became a full time technician. I retired after 38.5 years of service.

Seeing that young married couple prepare for his departure for BMTS really hit home for me. That was me and my ex-wife thirty years ago. Married one week with a baby on the way and preparing to step foot on that bus to Lackland AFB. All the emotions, anxiety, and uncertainty were captured beautifully in this video. Going into the USAF was the single most important decision of my life and I wouldn’t be the person I am today had it not been for the education and experiences I gained in my seven years of service. Thank you, USAF Recruiting, for reminding me of where it all started.

I graduated from BMT last year. Joining the AF was the best decision I ever made. I have learned so much and have met so many great people in just one year. Thankful for this opportunity.

The Air Force at the time of life I went through was painful for me but made me a better person. I recommend it to anyone young looking for growth as a person and direction the greatest skill you will learn is teamwork which is important for any career you want to follow.

From a filmmaker's perspective, this is a good doc series. Keep it up Air Force!

Some great advice to the trainees. Don't volunteer for anything in basic and keep your mouth shut. Listen to the instructors, they want you to follow simple instructions and have attention to detail. That is huge in basic!

Really enjoyed the fact you took the time to introduce us to these soon-to-be Airmen! I also like that you selected a diverse range of candidates from both coasts and the center...plus an open-general candidate and a special forces candidate. WELL DONE! Looking forward to the next episodes. BTW...More than 31 years ago...I arrived at Lackland...and let me tell you as that bus pulled in...I GOT ALL THE FEELS!

Watching this gives me the flashback and feelings of leaving my fam and gf behind. The experience was definitely worth helping me grow as a person. Good luck to all the soon to Be new airman and ones going to basic training!

Already seeing a weeee bit of a difference from what I experienced in the mid-80s lol. Outstanding premise, USAF...and hats off to these young Airmen for taking part...looking forward to the next episode!

Air Force retired (27 years). 20 years Civil Engineer/RED HORSE, 7 years MTI. The trainees come from all walks of life. It was always excited to see them become a cohesive team over 6 weeks (now 8!). Cool to see the life of an Airman before BMT! Good luck to all Airmen/Guardians as they embark on their adventure!

I went through Basic at Lackland AFB, TX in 1984. We didn’t have these to watch before going to Basic. Needless to say, Basic has changed allot between when I went through land now! Retired in 2005…twenty one years…was a great time and my career went by fast!

I was in the USAF 2001-2005. When I got to SA airport, there was separate area for trainees to wait. Those benches were not comfortable. We got to Lackland in the dark and the driver purposely drove us in circles to get us confused. After that we pulled up to an old building and we were screamed at. A lot. That first night is a blur. Interesting first chapter. Can't wait to see the next.

I usually watch this series once a year. All the memories coming back from when I graduated in 2003.

I endured basic training at Sampson Air Base. Started 3 March,1953. The Air Force took this lovely Lake Geneva waterfront property over from the Navy. The weather was miserable, and the flu, affectionally known as Samsonitis), was rampant. The DI's never ending verbal assaults that 'Yes Sir, No Sir, keep your mouth shut and your eyes open' served well in my 23+ years of service.

Impressive. So inspiring seeing the new generation joining the military. Thank you USAF.

Y’all are so lucky! I went through in 2014 I wish everyday I could go back…so much fun looking back at it.

The military has changed a lot, since I joined in 1965. I was 17 years old when I started basic. Two tech. schools later, I was assigned to Vandenberg AFB as an Aerospace Medical Technician. At the time, that designation was used for medics who worked in the flight surgeons office. I stayed at Vandenberg for the rest of my 4-year enlistment. I used the GI Bill to get a BA and later an MBA. My 4-years in the USAF set me on course for the rest of my life.

Did my time at Lackland forty years ago. It will be interesting to follow this series and see how much things have changed. From what I've seen so far, there have been a lot of changes.

Just started some paperwork with an Air Force Reserves recruiter. The job opportunities in my trade are great, and I'll get some cool benefits. Seems like a good move despite the nonsense all government organizations come with. I already know there will be some of that, but that's everywhere.

Much nicer reception area than from what I remember. I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Been in the Air Force five years now. I still remember that first day getting to BMT. Hard to believe.

I leave November 29th for the hotel and arrive at Lackland the 30th! Im so excited, i'm gonna be a Air Transportation Specialist. I cannot express how excited and ready I am to go. I've wanted to join the Air Force for so long and I had to make alot of changes to even get the opportunity. I lost over 30 pounds over the span of 2 months and have been training really hard for BMT. I can't wait to begin my career!

For the people making disparaging remarks about the wife, you certainly lack empathy. These people live in a very small, rural community with very little danger. Her husband is going a thousand miles away into the MILITARY. He wrote our nation a blank check good for his very life. Of course she is worried about him. Hopefully, as his training completes and she is able to join him, she will have the opportunity to grow and mature as much as he will. Exposure to different parts of our country and to even other countries will change her profoundly. I suspect she will be a much stronger person in ten years.

Thanks for this lil trip down memory lane. Me and this guy had quite a bit in common

Interesting to see. My dad joined the “newly formed Air Force” way back in the day, and served during Korea. Like one of the back stories, enlisting got him out of poverty with an opportunity for an education and living a middle class life.

This is a wonderful "real life" experience I'm sharing with my New Spouses! Thank you for doing this!

The air force is Excellent leadership and the young people when I was in boot camp I enjoyed my six weeks of training I wish I could go back but I pass that time I leave it to my grandchildren to carry on with the legacy. A1C SPRINGER.

BMT - May - July 2014 OTS - October - December 2019 This brings me back

46:03 - Wearing that shirt is a warning sign to MTI's that you need some special attention. When I joined the first words out of my Recruiter's mouth were don't be stupid and wear an Air Force shirt when you arrive at BMT.

I enlisted back in 1981 just before the recession of 1982-1985! College was a waste of my time and there were no jobs, so the Air Force was my last resort and the best decision I ever made. My 6.5 yrs were full of growth and excitement that can never be replaced. from 1981-1987.

46 yrs ago for me, Flt 0520/May-July 1975. Sure have been a lot of changes from the looks of it. Looking forward to the next episode.

Who couldn't stop watching this once they started?

Feels like it was yesterday!!! Can’t believe it’s been 5 years!!!

3:15 I’m from Waverly, Ohio, I leave for BMT October 3rd! It’s pretty cool to see someone from the same place go through this process!

Flight 481 from the 331st here! April 28- June 28 2019! TSgt Creedon and SSgt Fernandez were my MTIs. Most fun I never want to have again.

We're all (brothers & Sisters) part of the U.S. Air Force legacy...past and future!🇺🇸 Got to retire from my dream base at Hickam AFB, Hawai'i/O'ahu.🌺 Truly blessed and honored to serve our country by serving in the U.S. Air Force.

my dad stationed at LAFB we lived in SA for 8 years, besttime of my life at 6-14 yrs old, Bartons on military drive was my next of home ... miss it so much.

Been in 7 years.. this brings back some memories for sure.

My final out was last Friday. Something compelled me to watch this, and the memories are flooding back. DINSTAAR HUA!!

Whether you do an initial enlistment or make the Air Force a career, it will get you and your wife out of your town and will gain your independence. Joining the Air Force was the best I made….I wish you good luck with your Air Force journey 🇺🇸

I was in TSgt Rice's 1st flight that he pushed in 2018. Man is a legend, can't wait to see him in action again!

Wow BMT was 28 years ago for me those looks of "what did I get myself into" are priceless. I remember thinking that during the first night but it all turned out for the best 25 years of my life USAF Retired 2018.

22.5 years later, I still remember night 1.

Just graduated Aug 11, got honor grad and my flight got commanders excellence and academic excellence, being a dorm chief is the way to go. You need, we lead, RAIDERS

I'm pulling for this kid👍 good luck!

I was told this series includes film from my flight! Can't wait to see it lol it's been so long 🙂

Definitely worth taking a chance. I ship out on the 16 next month and I’m so excited

If you're wondering where 4:50 is, Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio. Happen to live in the southeast but want to visit a similar locale? Dismals Canyon, Alabama.

Im an Air Force Veteran. My job was as Air Force Police. It's been 37 years since I joined the Air Force. I joined to Serve my country first and to have a career. 46:15 I will never forget arriving at Lackland AFB at night for the first time!! I wish todays Airmen Gods Speed!

This bring back memories of the time I was in basic with graduating honor flight

I will be joining the air force pretty soon and I'm excited to join I can't wait to see what it has in store for me I always wanted to be in the AF since a kid I'm going to live out my dream

Much respect to these people I wouldn't make it through basic training.

I don't know how this came up in my feed for today, coincidental. It was 33 years ago today that my parents brought 18 year old me to the recruiters office in Framingham, Mass where I was brought to Boston to the MEPS and then to a HoJo hotel in beautiful Dorchester...with a commanding view of a filled in pool so I could get up early the next day, process through MEPS, swear in and fly down to Lackland where I would start what would be a 21+ year career in AD and reserves, the best thing I ever did in my life, no regrets.

Best job in the world is any job in the U.S. Air Force 🇺🇸. Do your best for four or twenty plus years (usually your choice 🧐) and you and your family will be taken care of for life 😎

I took asvab my mom always favord pilots... but I had looked into army... Mos was supposed to be infantry for special forces but my ex wasn't prepared to move at the time. He was an honorable discharge. 20 year vet desert storm.

10 Oct 2000....I can't believe it's been >20 years already...man I feel old. Hopefully this new generation of Airmen don't have to fight the wars we did.

Do your 20 or Res/Grd to get your time for retirement, don't quit. Also, pick a career that can easily transition to civil once your done. 68thAES/452AES 90-97.

Encouraging part of this video from a marine corps veteran perspective is seeing them do pull-ups the same way we do. Discouraging part was when he told the kid to flood his mask and he responded no sir and then proceeded to question the instruction 😂 cool video though.

Dude I am from Minford OH just about 30 minutes from Beaver and have eaten many fishtail sandwiches from the Dairy Bar there! Rock on!! 22 Years retired AF.

322 TRS FLTS 295 & 296 TSGT MINARD SSGT EASTON SSGT AGUILERA SRA KEARNEY Chip A Tooth 322 05 MAY 00 It was an experience I will never forget. Im not going to be one of those crazies that say I would do it all over again but Im glad I had the opportunity to be there.

Air Force training led to a forty year carrier with the same company. Hope it works out for you!

I joined the Air Force in 1988. I was going down a bad road and needed to get away from all the bad decisions I was making at the time so the Air Force saved my life. If I can tell any new recruit it would be this. BMT is a 8 week long evaluation to see who can follow instruction. Who can handle stress. The yelling the drill instructors do to each recruit, the impossible tasks they give recruits is for a reason. Everything the drill instructors do is for a reason. So do this. Keep your mouth shut. Listen to what the instructors are saying. Don not volunteer for anything. You are not there to socialize. You are there to learn. Don't think for one second they are picking on you because they are not. Listen listen listen. Do what they say. The inpossible tasks I mentioned are to promote team building because there is no I in team. If you are considering joining any branch of the military and are hesitant of basic training, this applies to all of you. Being a part of something bigger than you is something you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Embrace the horror because what awaits you on the other side is worth every miserable second. Once you complete basic military training, things get alot different and once you complete technical training and enter in to the real Air Force, things will be completely different as far as how you are treated. Remember, it's a game. Basic military training is the first step. Every journey begins with the first step. If I had it to do all over again, I'd do it all over again. You get out of it what you put in to it.

I haven’t been able to picture myself doing anything in life but I can see myself in the armed forces. I have this feeling that this is what I’m supposed to do. I’ve prayed long and hard for the lord to show me a sign and I think this is it. Right now, I have to pick between which branch and it’s between the Airforce and army marines is very enticing tho. I made an 87 on my practice asvab too!

I can't wait to join in a few years

I swore in before Christmas and I’m shipping out in a little over a week. I’m pretty nervous but also very excited.

58 years ago next month entered the Air Force looking forward to see just how much it has changed

The bus ride to Lackland. How people got quieter and quieter the closer to base. Dead quiet past the gate.

Iconic😂 Filmed the day I got to basic. Flight 064 where y’all at?

So far… promising. Looking forward to BMT.

I ship out Monday, wanted to watch this whole thing one last time 🥹

i’m thinking of joining soon and im honestly really scared but i also feel like i’ll regret not experiencing it. Im 18 and want to join up after I get my associates degree. I hope this series helps me get a look at what i’ll be getting into

30:06 A GOOD ADVISE for teenager or people who are finishing the high school. (the contract time will fly a that age- beside you will have money for the rest of your life even is it a little)

January 25th I ship out and I’m a wee bit excited

Huge decision, but one that will change your life forever.

There is a flashback! Miss all you guys from 064 - 068, but 065 is still the best!

This is so powerful!

SHOUT OUT TO ALL SINGLE MOTHERS OUT THERE! You raised a strong a child or children. The U.S. Air Force will make these kids future leaders of America, if they choose the right path.

Would be nice to see a field training one

"Bury people standing up." great idea.

Space saving! That's an oddly clever idea

my cousin just left for boot camp yesterday and i pray he makes it through

hell yeah 075 still top flight of this week group

A week away and my stomach is in knots but I'm so excited

Fascinating.

I can’t believe it’s been nearly 20 years since I went through!

Jeez. Everything wrong with the military nowadays is embodied by this first guy.

We have been fighting this same war from when I first joined.

being a free diver I could hold my breath for 5 min. I was a CCT for 12 years.

I’m about to talk to a recruiter to Join the air force, I am very excited and nervous. I want to make this my career, I am joining right after high school. I am a little nervous but mostly excited. This is something I really want to do. These videos are very helpful as to what to expect!

watching this cause i’m planning on joining the air force next year and this is really hyping me up.

awesome. I wish often

I ship out in one month so this is cool to watch

i feel like adventure is in my blood and the air force is calling me

I need like 5 waivers to join, and I’m going to need letters of recommendation and proof that I’m in shape to join, but my recruiter is working with me, and I can’t wait to go to basic. I’m kinda a beast irl and I’m going to smash the PT.

Really wish I had gone in at 18 and made it a career, I really miss my Air Force days I'd go back if I could.

Can’t wait to watch

I’m still waiting to go in I can’t wait! 2022 I will be an Airmen

I fly out on the 24th of April. Pretty excited 🤙