WHAT TO BRING | WHAT NOT TO BRING | GETTING READY FOR BMT
PRE-BMT TRAINING PROGRAM | YOUR FIRST WEEK
IMPORTANT FIRST WEEK INFORMATION | A TYPICAL DAY IN BASIC
GRADUATION

Getting Ready for BMT
Many recruits have questions regarding what to do and how to prepare before they climb aboard the bus. This section will help get you in shape (both mentally and physically) before you attend Basic.

Your Military Bank Account
It is highly recommended that you set up either a checking or savings account before leaving for Lackland Air Force base. You will also want to set up a direct deposit option on your checking or savings account as the military requires you to do this.

The More You Know
Although you’ll learn everything you’ll need to know about the Air Force at Lackland, it never hurts to get a head start on memorizing some of the basics about BMT. Below, you will find a simple study guide to some of the fundamentals of BMT.

Before coming to Lackland, you might want to memorize:

• Air Force Ranks (both officer and enlisted)
• The Fundamentals of a Drill
• How to Perform the Military Salute
• The BMT Chain of Command
• The Air Force Song
• The Air Force Core Values
• The Airman's Creed
• How to Report

Getting in Shape
Just as getting a head start on studying and memorization will help you during your stint at BMT, so will getting a head start on your fitness and physical training. Click here to see our recommended 14-week pre-BMT training program.

It is recommended that recruits be able to meet the following minimum standards before reporting to basic training.

Push-Ups
The proper push-up can be completed by getting into the front leaning rest position with your arms about a shoulder’s width apart, your feet touching and your body forming a straight line. Remember to keep your head up. Lower your upper body until your upper arm is at least parallel to the floor (elbows bent at 90 degrees), then to the up position (arms fully extended). This is one repetition. Any resting must be done in the UP position.

Sit-Ups
Lay down with your feet together or up to 12 inches apart, your knees bent at 90-degree angle with a spotter holding your feet at the ankles. Place your arms crossed over your chest. Now, bring your upper body forward until your elbows touch the top of your knees. Lower yourself back to the ground and repeat. Any resting must be done in the UP position.

Running
If you’re new to running, it is recommended that you start out slow. Keep a steady pace for 15 or 20 minutes and continue to build your pace and time until you can run consistently for 30 to 40 minutes 3 times a week.