BMT curriculum changes target readiness, core values

Air Force officials announced recent changes to the Basic Military Training (BMT) curriculum focus on readiness and lethality, Airmanship, fitness, and the warrior ethos.

The modifications, which began Sept. 4, will transform trainees into more “combat ready Airmen.”

“The future of BMT focuses on creating disciplined, warrior Airmen who are ready to support our joint partners in conflicts around the globe,” Col. Jason Corrothers, 737th Training Group and BMT commander, said. “These changes to refine the basic training experience are about increasing our readiness and lethality while simultaneously instilling Airmanship and core values from the very beginning.”

Restoring readiness is one of the Air Force’s top priorities, officials said. The changes address readiness through a revamped skills and weapons training curriculum. The curriculum alterations stem from listening to feedback from the field.

Under the new process, Basic Expeditionary Airmen Skills Training, which previously took place in week five of training, is re-sequenced to the final training week as the culminating event of BMT.

Air Force recruits will also experience a strengthened Self-Aid/Buddy Care regimen, called the Tactical Combat Casualty Course.

“We need highly trained and ready Airmen,” Surita said. “Readiness is the central theme across the BMT curriculum as we deliver trained and committed Airmen capable of delivering 21st Century airpower.”

BMT will also see a bump up in the overall number of fitness sessions, increasing from 31 to 44 periods throughout training, with workouts being a mix of cardio, strength and interval training.

“Physical fitness is a critical component of readiness,” Master Sgt. Andrea Jefferson, military training instructor, said. “By increasing the number of physical training sessions, we build fitness habits that will help recruits perform both in the military environment and in their personal lives.”

The new curriculum also introduces the “Creating Leaders, Airmen, Warriors” course, which teaches recruits about Air Force heroes.

The 737th TRG, headquartered in at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, is the Air Force’s largest training group, comprised of nine squadrons and more than 900 permanent party personnel.