My AF BMT experience: Pt. 1 | Elora Jean 

I think people get it messed up, it’s ok to cry at basic, it’s ok to be stressed and anxious and everyone around you is feeling the same. So it’s ok. Doesn’t make you any less of a soldier ;)

Regardless of the service you choose there are some universal truths anyone enlisting should adhere to. I would strongly suggest you be in shape before you go. You can look up the physical fitness tests/standards/scores for what ever service you're going into. There are TONS of videos here on RU-vid about the various services PT standards and how to improve on them. Test yourself (honestly) before you go...more than once. If you know you're going to join, or have talked to a recruiter start working out NOW....don't wait. If you're in high school and aren't an athlete go talk to your school's cross country coach....they can give you a running routine. Talk to your schools wrestling coach, they can give you body weight/weight lifting workouts. Also, before you take the ASVAB study....there are actual study guides you can buy at Barnes and Noble or online at Amazon. The better you score, the more choices/options you'll have. If you qualify for a job but it's not open, be willing to wait. Don't get sold on something you aren't interested in doing or you know you'll hate. Oh, and a recruiters job is to fill spots and meet quotas. The stuff that's been open the longest is what they want to fill....and it's probably open for a reason. The job probably sucks and people get out rather than staying in it. You are a number to them and little else. Yes, they will be friendly, and they will try to come across as your friend/buddy etc.... They are selling you on the service to fill the needs of that service...THAT is their job, realize this and never forget what THEIR motivation is. Use the time before you go to workout and learn some really basic things. Learn the ranks....you WILL be tested on them. Learn the general orders....and don't sort of know them, KNOW THEM. If you are carrying a few extra pounds, lose them BEFORE you go (see working out) life will be easier for you. Your recruiter can provide you with your general orders. If they haven't done so, ask for them or look them up. You can find military ranks online as well....study them. There is a lot of advice you'll get and hear from people...."back in MY day" etc.... But what I wrote above is universal and isn't going to change. One last thing to remember....YOU volunteered for this, things will suck from time to time just like it did in civilian life too, and it will suck for everyone. Complaining, won't make it better. Do what you need to do, then move on.

Maintaining your " Military Bearing ".... i still hear those words in my sleep. Basic was very stressful, besides the physical demands please talk about the sleep deprivation. Then, to make matters worst i was the " Chow Runner" omg!! What i can say is i made lifetime friends. BMT is definitely a mind game. The T.I's definitely want to break you down, so they can build you bk up to AF standards. Dont fight the process. Just go with the flow & your time there will be easier. Not easy just easier. You really wanna fly under the radar. Unfortunately, my T.I's knew me bcuz of the job they gave me..... freakin chow runner..... chow runner go and im off running. One advantage to that was i never had to make my bed. Lol

Watching this made me feel so much better about join the military. I always wanted to join and still do but the ONLY thing that scared me was basic. I always had in my head it would be like the movie major pain. So I put off joining and went to college first (currently). But now that I know it’s not just being physically all day and yelling 25/8 I am more confident in going once I graduate. So thanks for that

Your video was quite entertaining ma'am... I went through Lackland in 1997 and I just retired. Now, I'm a civilian working at Lackland LOL. So I get to see trainees every day. You are a good speaker and keep up the good work. MILITARY BEARING!!!

Your videos are very helpful because I'm really thinking about joining so I'm glad you're breaking everything down.

shipping out Feb 26, 2019

I’m not even going into the AF, I’m going Navy but my best friend is going AF and I’m literally so excited for her I’m doing all this research just so I know what she’s gonna go through.

Haha swamp ^** definitely if you don’t dress correctly. Like your professional approach. This is a great breakdown of BMT. I will be recommending this video to my Air Force Reserve members as part of their development and training before basic. #wellpreparedreservist

I'm legit scared because I'm a very sensitive person who has problems with anxiety. Will be joining in 2 years after graduation! I'm already so nervous.

Can you do a BMT how to fold clothes video/how to have your security drawer?

LMAO I'm a Flight Attendant, and the people fitting us for our uniforms wanted us to look like boxes as well!! All those try on uniforms during our fitting get stretched out over time.. luckily I was able to "size down" to my proper size because I wouldn't take no for an answer.

When I went through basic training, the first thing our drill instructor told us was how to leave the base undetected. He said, I'll show you the hole in the fence. If you can't take it, get out. Secondly, I couldn't believe how many in our squadron now had medical problems. Mainly Asama. In my first week, I wish I had something medical going on so I could get out too. But, my dad put in 26 years in the navy and I couldn't let him down. I stuck it out. It was a lot worse in the old days. Sometimes you feared for your life.

I got my job orders on Wednesday and I leave on Monday so I’m trying to jam everything in as fast as possible lol I wish I had more time to train before I leave but I hope I’m ok

Im leaving for bmt TOMORROW ! I’m having mixed emotions about it

I leave a week from today! I'm super excited and love watching your videos!! Thank you for these and sharing your experiences!

This was really good :)

You remind me of Amanda Bynes in her prime 😂 too funny love your videos! Hubby is in the AF, been searching for a girls perspective for potential future plans 😉

This video is helpful! I’m planning on joining the Air Force thank you so much for doing a video like this and breaking it down as well! (:

My recruiter did me a super solid. He told me: if you play a musical instrument, volunteer for the BMTS drum and bugle corps. They'll ask you in the first few days. So for the entire 6 weeks, I missed out on all of the shitty details that they assign you because we spent all of that time rehearsing for Retreats, Parades, and other ceremonies. We still had to march and run and do PE, but none of the shit chores: bathrooms, laundry, kitchen, etc. It was ... without a doubt.... the funnest 6 weeks of my life.

Yes! Thank you so much for not rambling at all. 99% of the other female videos I cant watch because they are talking about idgaf. I love your content so far. Keep it up.

It's kind of fun watching this cus i get to compare how much I already know from civil air patrol (air force Auxiliary) to how much I can learn from the actual air force.

Just curious, How good at running were you before you went? I can run two miles currently but I definitely can’t run 30 mins straight like they make you do in basic. I’m going to Meps next week and hopefully shipping out in a couple months or less!

Im going to bmt soon and i lovee your videos thank you!!

Can you do a reaction video to other branches BMT training?

What if you're allergic to penicillin? Would you get a supplement for it?

girl, I also have the same problem every time a new job arrived, always in the first week or 2 they wanted to put me as an assistant or as a supervisor because they see that natural authority that stands out from me I am not to blame for being a Leo nor do I have the fault that I like to do things well or almost to perfection ... and for that reason some people around me did not like me ... well that was what it seemed ... but I survived all obstacles doing my things well and helping those who needed my help..It's always good to see you and making progress..best of luck and until the next work adventure 😊

And I think the saying that you couldn’t remember was you have to keep your military bearing.

Thank you for your input! Are you allowed to wake up a little earlier then everyone else to make sure you get ready properly for the morning lineup?

I follow the Navy so this might not be true with the Air Force. But what you spoke about, like the gas chamber things, I could relate to the Confidence Chamber. I assume they used CS gas? Targets moisture in the body quickly.

Are you yelled at a lot at BMT? Or do people get in your faces basically making you feel small?

Graduated boot camp September 25!! Right during covid season 😫 at tech school now :)

I leave April 10! this video was so helpful

Thank you for all your air force videos!!! They are so helpful!!!!!!!

Great video!! I will take my ASVAB on the 21st and I’m excited to get my journey started. My husband is Active Duty and we are currently stationed in Okinawa. I am looking forward to your other BMT/USAF videos. Please keep making more ☺️ Have a great weekend!

These videos have been so helpful to me :) Thank You! I am reading through the comments and wondering if some of these people even watched the video cause you address most of the questions in the video then people re-ask in the comments Lol It's funny (must also be kinda frustrating)

ive heard that you don't get the penicillin shot bc its an antibiotic and only given if your actually sick. but ive also heard a few people say you do get it and im so scared for that. Don't take this the wrong way but I hope your wrong!!! lol

In all honesty military women are some of the most beautiful loll

what happens after BMT? do you go to whatever base you’re assigned for your job, or do you stay at lackland for tech school? or do you go to whatever base you’re assigned for tech school? lol

Do ypu have to wear glasses? I technically have a prescription for being near sighted and far sighted, but I absolutely despise wearing glasses.

beautiful, strong minded, great sense of humor, hard worker,... you are awesome! good things are waiting for you ahead!

Can you wear leggings underneath the PT shorts in basic? I've heard they ride up REALLY bad!

Were you in Disneyland or Alcatraz?

I swore into DEP in March, and like a couple weeks later I got anxiety and cold feet. I've never been away from home and I'm scared but I don't want to quit.

What should females pack for BMT and how would it go when females have their monthly ???

How physically fit should you be before leaving? Like how far should I be able to run, and how many push ups/ sit ups should I be able to do in under a minute?

can you bring your own toilet paper??? or flushable wipes?

Nice video! I leave may 15th so definitely looking forward to bmt. I subscribed 😛

I'm just terrified of the shots. I absolutely HATE them 🙃

thank you this video was so helpful!! i ship out June 26th and I’m so nervous 🤣😬

24:38 *BEARING

This video was so helpful and you're so funny! Lol. I leave in two weeks, so I'm taking all of this in. I've been working out for a few months now in preparation for training, but there's no such thing as being over prepared right? 😉

I would like to know if there a fire department in every miltary and what going on and what is information.

I also wanted to kn what’s ur job in the Air Force. As in for the career.

The only thing I’m worried about is hand to hand combat at basics

This video is so interesting and helpful! I am considering joining after graduation.... but I would prefer to go to college and join Air Force ROTC before. I was wondering how to mentally and physically prepare for this? Thanks!!

Hello. First and foremost thank you for these videos ! They’re a huge help. My question is regarding workout shoes. Will you be able to use the ones you bring since they may be different from everyone else’s? And they may want everyone to be the same.

Hey just curious. Im extremely good at cardio and running overall. But fail hard in push up. Will help me out with that?

Very helpful!!! ...still waiting for my BMT date , so nervous

Great video ! I leave basic in 4 weeks and totally feel stressed and overwhelmed... mostly because of pt. My 1.5 is averaging 19 mins. Overall how intense/stressful/difficult would you say BMT was ?? Did it go by quickly ? Do you know if people can use insoles in their running shoes and boots ? Also did you have any issues with shin splints ? Any advice would be great :) I’m also older at 36 lol.

so helpful and your skin always looks perfect!

Are you able to talk about vaccine exemptions ? How those work? And which vaccines are mandatory when you join?

So my boyfriend went to basic yesterday and I'm very stressed about girls and them trying to get with him do u think he will have the opportunity to do that.

I'm thinking about enlisting do you like your job as photojournalist

In regards to what happens afterwards, is it basically getting trained and doing your assigned job for the remainder of your contract?

Even if you’re going into the reserve are you still given the AF uniform?

Hey! I'm just curious about phone use in BMT ? Can you use a cell phone?

I found out this morning that im shipping out July 6th. Im so excited1

love your videos💛

during the two hour liberty, did you get your own phone back to use? or did you have to use the ones on base?

Can you wear all black workout pants there not yoga pants but they are tight?

Thanks for the vids girl! You got any workout tips before going to training?

What happens when you have to fix your teeth? Do they have to be perfect, and would you fall behind? Sorry for all the questions 😂

A natural instinct defense system is the only thing that could be more powerful than the airforce.

Did you buy your planner at basic or did you buy it somewhere prior?

The address my boyfriend gave me was wrong and I already sent him letters with the wrong address do you think he’ll still get the letters?

how many hours of sleep you have in a day? thanks

Id like to know if you knew any mil to mil with kids or know of any? How they managed. And also how was the EOC ?

Thank you for sharing this! My husband is at boot camp, and it is good to know a little bit of what he is going through. When do you guys get to write letters? I have been waiting for a letter from him for weeks, and I haven't heard anything. Also about phone calls- if he gets one call, and I miss it, that's it? Is there a higher chance he will call on certain days of the week over others?

hi! this video is pretty old so im not sure if you will see this but im hopefully enlisting soon and just realized i cant wear my contacts :( do you know if i can bring them and wear them for my blues picture? i love your videos ive been watching them for a few months now!

Joining when I'm 20, yay.

When did you join the Air Force?

How much could you have wasted on essentials that cost like $2 max?

Do you have to wear glasses for your picture & graduation? Or can you wear contacts for those?

do you think joining at 24 is too old? i am 23 now & want to take some time to lose weight & get physically fit but don’t know how common joining at 24 is?

My element leaders were trash the only one that was cool was the dorm chef. I also tossed my week one jeans into a dumpster at tech school

Do they let you drink coffee or caffeine in bmt? 😂

You should make a video about MOS's

Are you able to get your phone back in tech school? And should we pack an address book..?

what are the rules regarding medication? like, i have chronic migraines and need painkillers

You are the most beautiful soldier i have ever seen

Are you able to shave your legs and any other parts of your body in BMT?

When you took your shots, were you going through a line and they just stuck a needle in your arm? Also, why did you guys have two rounds of shots? Why didn’t they just give them all on the same day?

The Thing About Being Tall: People think you're stronger, more mature then your peers, more confident, older, intimidating... just more capable. The Thing About Being A Leader: People don't expect their bosses to be "nice", "laid back" or "chill". They want someone fair, honest, hard-working, and responsible. Someone they can both look up to, and see as a fellow human worth listening to. The worst thing you can do is go out of your way to "be nice" to people... It's just a shallow waste of time. Be responsible. Be dependable. Be diplomatic.

I love watching all of your videos and I notice you blink a lot and for some reason I find myself blinking a lot too 😂😂

I’ve read that if you’ve been diagnosed with conditions you can’t be in the military. I’m just almost 17. So I’m using my time to get in the shape I need to be in if I’m able to enlist. I’ve had ADHD since I was a kid. And I don’t have a very bad case but I was diagnosed with anxiety. There are ways to recover from it. Can I still enlist when I’m of age?

So I don't know if you still respond to old video comments but I keep hearing about assaults on females that happen during BMT and, being the type of person I am, I personally am not concerned about it. But is it something I need to look out for or has the Wingman policy basically stopped the assaults?

You’re gorgeous!! Lol I leave in 13 days. You said you wish you wore khakis or workout pants for your first few days there. I had no idea that we could wear workout pants, is that what some girls had on? Or did most people arrive in jeans? Also, when’s the first day of PT?

do the boys and girls do bmt together? since there's different standards and requirements the genders have to meet.

if you need glasses, after bmt, do you have the chance to go get contacts or more attractive glasses?