"WELCOME TO LACKLAND AFB" 1971 U.S. AIR FORCE BASIC TRAINING & INDOCTRINATION FILM XD80855

[@SSGTStryker]

As a fairly recent retired USAF MTI and resident of Lackland AFB, I can’t thank you enough for posting this.

[@charleswheeler3689]

US Army BCT/AIT 1981.

[@KevinWindsor1971]

They made me a road guard. I had a bunch of 341's pulled on me too. No wonder I got recycled. 3708 BMTS 1989.

[@2dub2steady]

@@KevinWindsor1971 341's left pocket. Blast from the past.

[@SSGTStryker]

AETC FORM 341’s are still used to this day. I actually have one signed by “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. I was in my blues and we sat next to each other on a 3 hr flight to San Antonio. He asked if I had anything to sign, I reached into my inner pocket and all I had on me was three 341’s. 😂

[@SSGTStryker]

@@KevinWindsor1971 “ROAD GUARDS OUT!!!!” 😂 I never tired of yelling that out. Just like “Chow Runner Go!!!”

[@giancarlogarlaschi4388]

Spent three months at Language School , 1975. Lackland AFB was immaculately kept , recruits and Training Sargents looked Very Motivated ! I was a young 2lt , Chilean Air Force . Through my career as a Military Pilot and Airline Pilot , my Best Colleagues were former Air Force Gentlemen , whatever Air Force they may have come from. We shared the Same Codes. Honesty - Loyalty - Hardworking - Straightforward and being a Good Friend / Comrade. Kindest Regards to All of you Ladies and Gentlemen.

[@rocnnrollbus]

Passed thru there in December 1992, 331 BMTS. Best thing I ever did as a young man, straight off the south side of Chicago at 18 years old. Only wanted to do 4 years and ended up retiring out 20 years later. 👍

[@tualatindave3797]

It was 1974 for me. Lol, what a time. I couldn't run an 8 minute mile (overweight) so off to the motivational squadron for a time... It all worked out well in the end. As an adult I ran for 25 years averaging 6 miles a day, 6 days a week with 22 marathon's under my belt. Thanks Lackland!

[@garylawson5381]

My mother's first husband, (a fighter pilot who lost his life while on a night flight in Morocco) went to Lackland AFB in 1955. My eldest son went through Lackland AFB in 2006. Thanks for sharing this video!

[@emmgeevideo]

Wow... 1971. I graduated high school that spring. He could have been talking to me. I really liked his talk. Very fair and sincere. I like to think he spoke of the "American Way". I would love for this to be repeated in many parts of our country today.

[@surlyogre1476]

@williamgates4399 I graduated H.S. in 1972, same wooden barracks (you can see them in the background in some of these scenes). The MTI at 2:15 could have been my MTI, SSgt Freeman (that would be a year later, after he got promoted?) It'll be 51 years ago, next week for me. I don't remember seeing this film, but that may be because it was shown to newly-arrived recruits at about 0300 (3 a.m.) ... mostly, we all just wanted some breakfast (Hell's Kitchen) and some shut-eye. Thank you for your service, William, and have a happy Thanksgiving. Also, thanks to Periscope Films for posting this.👍

[@LB-ty6ks]

December 1962 I arrived at Lackland AFB. The USAF would be my home for the next five-and-ahalf years. How did it become the year 2023 so quickly? I have very positive memories of Lackland and the USAF.

[@MichaelAllen-r2d]

Went there in 1965. Spent 10 yrs as an enlisted man and then commissioned and retired as a LtCol I had a blessed Air Force career

[@daveb2280]

The civilian tailor at 1:54 was still there when I went through 3704 BMTS in 1987.

[@mikeschumacher9715]

General Carson would go on to earn a 3rd star before retiring. He had a very exciting career, stationed all over the world.

[@MrJohnnybe123]

This means that he lived for the company and was a company man ..

[@tdore5794]

March 1975 flight 7404. From jersey. Did my 20yrs. 5 months 16 hrs and 2 minutes. Never a job just an adventure. Around the world.

[@gusm2752]

Yo Jersey ! June 1976 here from Jersey City.

[@tdore5794]

@@gusm2752 good morning, from Marlboro

[@gusm2752]

@@tdore5794 3723 BMTS Flight 629 June 76 only did 4 years then moved to California from Jersey City.

[@johndonlon1611]

I miss these people terribly as I made many many friends in my Air Force days. I also made sure I had my "unofficial photo" taken in my 1505s just so I could prove "I'd been around." Today, people ask me what uniform that is and what branch of service I was in--maybe that wasn't such a good idea in retrospect. Lackland's WW2 barracks will live in my mind forever and they are all gone now. Terrific old film and glad Periscope posted it.

[@nan16cd]

I was there in 1969. The pith helmets, web belts and canteens caught me by surprise. My TI was Tech. Sgt. Folton. He was tough but fair. I love the USAF and I am proud to have been a member.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

@nan16cd We didn't have them is 67

[@nan16cd]

@@stevenwiederholt7000 I was down there in June and it was very hot. We had several guys pass out during drill. Turns out the pith helmet did offer better protection from the sun although we probably looked more like NVA recruits than American airmen. When we went into an air conditioned building we could not drink from the water fountains so the water from our canteens came in mighty handy.

[@LA_Commander]

I really like how they issued the pith helmets to the troops to protect them from the hot sun all day outside. Good move. Wish they still did that. The modern soft cap only protects the brow, not the sides and back.

[@WootTootZoot]

They were only loaned out during BMT. When I got there in August 1971, we wore them for about a week, then they came and gathered them all up and burned them out at Medina. The fabric covers were worn, stained and torn, and the helmets stunk like the last 100 sweaty heads that wore them. I didn't miss it.

[@LA_Commander]

@@WootTootZoot That's a shame. They should have issued new ones to the troops. I wish we had been able to wear those in the Army while training. They wouldn't even let us wear the sun hats aka "boonie hats" like you saw in Vietnam movies.

[@US_ARMY_25_INF._DIV.]

I'm actually at lackland Air Force base right now. Got here the 1st of August staying in the RV park. Unless it's really cool out, you don't see any of those kids out in the sun ever during the day. Always underneath the huge gigantic new barracks they built for them.... Some of the old barracks are still around in this video that were obviously not the old World War 2 barracks, but the newer concrete barracks. they're in the process of building another giant complex of the new bohemith barracks. And i'm sure eventually all the old ones will be torn down

[@motorTranz]

Seemed like a great man. Pith helmets. Didn't know that! You learn something new everyday. USMC here ; 1972-'76.

[@director2bob]

I was there in 1988. Hardest past of basic training was folding my underwear in perfect squares. It was a joke back then. Shot a M16 once. Never had to drop and do pushups. I still respect all Airmen who serve.

[@chris7077]

I was there in 1991. Nobody joins the Air Force to drop and do pushups, thats what the Army and USMC are for. Do you somehow think your life would be vastly different now had you only done more pushups in 1988??

[@director2bob]

@@chris7077 hell yeah. Be in much better physical shape now.

[@RVA1954]

I was there in March of 1976. It’s all a flash in my memory. Made good friends when I was there and often wonder about their life after boot camp. Only served four years of regular duty then served two years in the Indiana Air National Guard.

[@gusm2752]

June 1976 here. 3723 rd Flight 629. I still have the social security card where they wrote it on the back in red ink. I always liked the khaki uniforms but they were gone by then. After basic it was Security Police for me. 🇺🇸

[@RichardPolhamus]

August 1981, left college after two years because tuition was creating too much debt but went into the USAF feeling lower than dirt because jobs were hard to find during the first Reagan recession. Got through basic and went on to be Junior NCO of the year at my permanent duty station, got a BS In Engineering and held leadership positions all in my first and only four year enlistment. It was a great kickoff to a 38+ year career in the Civil Commercial aerospace industry. I’m a couple of years away from retirement and am proud to say that I have contributed by leading engineers and operations for the past 30 years to innovate and deliver critical products for the aviation industry. Most of my short USAF enlistment prepared me and laid the foundation for my success.

[@colleenwelch2330]

The recession was because of Carter

[@maxon-m3c]

Summer of '73 for me. New film, no pith helmets, got assigned to the old WWII dorms. Many memories here! Funny how it's all so serious when you're going through it, but today I laugh about it! 50 years ago, I just turned 70! where does it all go??

[@RichardBarnett-p7b]

Same here bro but I was in the newer barracks. Flight 910 for me. TSGT Hill was my TI. One tough MTI but proud of the lessons learned.

[@jimmartin1803]

Went to lackland in 1972. Missed this film.recognized my old barracks.

[@josephstevens9888]

No pith helmets when I went through Basic Training at Lackland in 1981 - seems like a good idea to keep the hot south Texas sun from baking one's brains! I started BMIT in late August and I never experienced such heat (from Michigan). Even the rain seemed hot when it started to fall. I wish they kept those khaki service uniforms. Those were phased out sometime in the late 70's, and from I understand, they were very popular for the comfort and ease of maintenance. I laughed when the narrator stated that your training instructor will be your best friend. My TI hated me; the night before graduation she told me - in front of several other airmen - that I wouldn't last six months. I wasn't even allowed to the graduation ceremony. Instead, I was kept back as dorm guard for a flight that arrived the night before. I was handed my graduation certificate from the flight's student leader. I retired as a CMSgt after 33 years of service in both the active and Air National Guard components in 2015. I discovered later my TI was discharged for regulation violations sometime in the early 90's.

[@stevenlarkin1706]

Your TI was right. You did not last 6 months. You lasted 33 years!

[@josephstevens9888]

I never thought of it in those terms, but you're absolutely correct. Thanks!

[@frankez99]

1993 graduate here ❤ retired as a CMSgt…..damn time flies

[@dennissvitak148]

Sure you did, buddy. Most vets I run across were either Chiefs, or former pilots.

[@samsquach3799]

1968. August is the hottest month down there. Pith helmets were needed to save you from sunburn and heat-stroke.

[@Radiocommtech]

1976. August. Only ball caps. I guess they replaced Pith helmets with red flag days (minimal formations in the sun, no PT, rout step only in lieu of marching, etc.)

[@Ryan_Christopher]

@@RadiocommtechI did our hike back from FTX during Black Flag, going into Summer of 1999. We had no such restrictions during Red Flag days either. I would later know what the flags meant when I went into Bio had had to take the WBGT Readings myself and call them to the CP.

[@fyrdawg533]

30 July 1971, Friday night arrival. Flt 1203, 3703 BMTS. Getting there after hours on Friday night was a curse, as we had to be taunted all weekend because of our "civvies" and "no haircut". For me, it was a "most life-changing experience".

[@GregSr]

Graduated January 20th, 1976. Squadron 3708, Flight 0401. TSgt Koenig, SSgt Scoggins and Sgt Stillabower (female). Honorably discharged four years later - as an E5. No regrets. Great experience.

[@mdmarko]

The pith helmets and yellow PT shirts were gone in June 74 when I went through basic training, Flight 702, 3707 BMTS. We lived in the old WWII barracks, no air conditioning, but the fans weren't bad. For some reason those who lived in the new, air-conditioned complexes were always having colds. In 87 returned to San Antonio as a young captain, stationed at HQ Air Training Command at Randolph. Wore the instructor cookie myself, instructor in previous assignment. At that time at the headquarters if you worked in training support you could keep wearing the cookie. Wore it until leaving Randolph in 92. Went back to Lackland, wanted to show my dad where I went through basic training. Amazingly, those old barracks were still there, but slated for demolition. TIs were TSgt David Lovelace and SSgt Nelson Koon. Learned a lot from them. SSgt Koon has passed away, hope TSgt Lovelace is still around and enjoying retirement.

[@Semiam1]

I went through BMTS in June/July 1980. Stayed in those old barracks too.

[@trob0914]

By August 1978, 3707, which was also my BMTS, we’re in the newer MOD dorms!!

[@warped-sliderule]

Also there June 74, but in the new dorms, and yes you called it. Going from humid "black flag" weather to ice cold AC gave everybody colds. Was "casual" for a few days in the old Lackland barracks. Those buildings had character. Finally recovered from cold the moment I stepped onto the base at Lowry and that cool dry Colorado air. We had the opposite problem there. The 3441 Student Squadron was housed in WW2 barracks. We froze over the winter in those barracks, and marched to school in thigh deep snow. On the plus side, had some good snowball fights with the Marines also in the WW2 barracks area...

[@Redemmer1175]

Damn that’s weird, just went through basic in January this year in the new, new buildings and half of us were still sick the entire process. Got pneumonia in the 5th week which frickin sucked, but other than that not too bad.

[@dennisdunton6530]

It snowed the day I arrived in Feb 1966. Lackland had a Meningitis outbreak, as a result every other set of windows were open for ventilation in our WWII barracks. When the temp dropped into the 20's at night we froze. They gave us no additional blankets and would not permit wearing extra clothing to bed. This persisted till the weather warmed up some. By then the entire Flight was sick with several cases of pneumonia.

[@strumminandwrenchin9162]

And what happened next?

[@jasonpeters9295]

I can tell by the recruits marching with their fatigue shirts untucked that it was probably summer or around that time. I arrived there September 9, 1970 and it was hot as all hell. On hot days we marched with our shirts untucked, just like in this video, but on days when it became dangerously hot, they would hoist a red flag (banner) on base which was a signal for all to march at ease when we were in formation. Toward the end of my stay there when there were some chilly mornings, we would march with our shirts tucked in, which was how you were suppose to dress normally. If it got really chilly we would wear our field jackets. Went into town (San Antonio) only once with a couple of buddies. When my six weeks of basic was completed, I remained at Lackland for about 10 days before I got my orders to go to tech school at Chanute AFB in Illinois to train for aircraft maintenance on multi-engine aircraft. We trained on a B-52. From Chanute AFB in Illinois I got shipped to Charleston AFB in South Carolina where I was stationed for about a year working on C-5's and C-141's, and then I got orders for RAF Mildenhall, England where I finished up my four year enlistment. It was a dynamite assignment.. Overall I had a great experience and enjoyed my time, but four years was enough for me . I did not care for military life and reenlisting was out of the question. I loved the English girls and I loved to party, but I missed the US and I wanted to go home. A lot was happening in the 70's. Thank you USAF!

[@Suncast45]

How about July 13, 1967? Yeah it was hot ! But Viet Nam was hotter, 1969/70! 377th Security Police Sq.

[@Suncast45]

I'll never forget SSGT Cooksey arriving at 3:30 AM drunk as hell and demanding to be let in while I was on Dorm Guard duty. I was scared poopless! Until SSGT Maxey came down from his quarters and let him in! I was a basket case!

[@sjp35productions6]

3706 BMTS, Flt 435, Oct to Dec 80. Love the old 1505 tan uniforms which had been phased out by my time. There was also the dark blue uniform shirt that was phased out by 83/84. The pickle suit was mercifully phased out in 88 in favor of woodland camo. I was the first in my squadron to begin wearing the camo as I’d gone TDY to Honduras and had gone to an Army base and bought everything I needed and wanted. Went to Chanute AFB for tech school (57110, Fire Protection Specialist). Miss those days and would love to repeat each one.

[@briangulley6027]

I loved the pickle suit, of course I was a skinny young guy at that time. Forgot about the dark blue shirt but I liked it. Being in aircraft maintenance I can count the number of times I wore blues on 1 hand not counting PME classes.

[@mplsgordon2]

Your path was similar to mine, but I got there in May 1980 in time for that brutal summer. Chanute in the fall was okay, but I hear the winters were awful. I was Weather. A couple of years later I was working inside the command post at RAF Alconbury. We were all wearing our MOPP (chem warfare) suits. They told us to put a piece of yelllow masking tape with our name and rank on the left side. I used markers to make mine dark green with blue letters, just like the fatigue name tapes. The wing CC walked by me, did a double take, and asked what the hell I was doing. I told him that it made no sense to be wearing green for camo while giving a sniper a bright stripe to aim at. He blinked, said "You have a point." and moved on.

[@saltyassassin]

This was made the year I was born. 19 years later (1990), I reported to Basic Training in the same buildings shown here. Aim High!

[@olliemck60]

lol, it was shot shortly after I finished basic. Aim High, indeed!

[@dancoffey6303]

Same here. I reported to the 3708 BMTS in May of 91. Though at that moment I hated it, but today I look back on my service with pride.

[@dvsteve71]

what a small world i was 3708 in May of 90@@dancoffey6303

[@carlo1132]

I was there in 1990 as well, was a rough time, we had some attempted suicides and TI's losing it, crazy stuff and I got in alot of trouble myself, never forget that Irish TI he was nuts!

[@jamesrogers47]

I went in January '82. If I'm not mistaken, I sat through this very film at the induction station before taking my oath of induction. (There were a dozen or so AF recruits and we received a talk before our swearing in by an AF Captain.

[@lifeofmighty7676]

I went through my Basic training and Tech school at LAFB. Then I was stationed at LAFB in 2007 37th Security Forces. Great memories.

[@n.v.1258]

I was there in 1985 and definitely dont remembered watching any video like this. I do remember making my bed and still make it the same way.😅

[@daveb2280]

I remember watching these old cheesy outdated videos when I came in August, 1987. Various videos were shown to me at my recruiter's office.

[@woodwaker1]

This brought back memoires, started basic Aug 6, 1969 left in September 1970. After basic ended I got orders to tech school which happened to be at Lackland for another 48 weeks. Got to know the base very well. The good part was at the end of basic you get your first stripe and I got my second while still there, so outranked 95% of everyone at the base.

[@erics362]

It took you 13 months to complete basic?

[@rockyzrockyx917]

@@erics362 No. Basic training plus the 48 weeks tech school = 13 months.

[@woodwaker1]

@@erics362 6 weeks - then 48 week tech school - I had to wait for my security clearance before starting tech school. so about 13+ months

[@briangulley6027]

I enlisted in 1977 retired in 1999, returned to active duty after 9/11 and served from 02-04. A lot changed from this film was produced to when I joined. I was in the 4704 Sqd, flight 420, with TSgt Morlatt and SSgt Martin as the MTI's. When I came in the 1505 khaki uniform was almost phased out phased out, thank God the pith helmets were also gone. We had to do PT in chucka boots that should have been a crime to make us do that. My dad was AF in the 50's and he really wanted to see me in 1505's and was very sad to find out they were gone.

[@danodamano2581]

My time there was an excellent experience. It didn't always seem so at the time, but it was and I stayed in for 31 years. It wasn't always fun and two wars should be enough for anyone. If you do it for family and country, its worth the effort. If it's just all about you, do everyone else a favor and go do something else.

[@larrybaker5316]

Jan 26, 1968 I arrived at Lackland AFB late on a Friday night. Tech Sgt. Rousch, and Ssgt Martinez were our TI's and as a 19 year old they definately got my attention. If you are thinking of going Air Force, do it, I got to see Alaska, Viet Nam (not os much fun) and Thailand which I never would have otherwise, I copied morse code, 292x1 Morse Intercept Operator.."ditty bop" and as an added bonus I can still "bop" out the alphabet in no time flat 56 years later.

[@Rampant_Colt]

2:08 sweet A1! (note the hard chromed BCG)

[@frankhott179]

Graduated April 1971, Sqdn 3702, Flt 405. Dorm Chief for SSgt Freeman.

[@geraldwestphipps764]

I'm a Marine and while stationed in Okinawa, Japan in the 70's I had a Lieutenant Fulton from Waycross, Georgia tell me when I made Corporal E-4, that if it was up to HIM, none of us (meaning people who looked like me) would be in Marine Corps leadership anywhere. So this Air Force General's speech was certainly a far cry from what I got.

[@davidpuissegur1263]

Great timing. Fifty years ago this year. Seems like it was yesterday. Bldg. 5559 the old wooden barracks. 3701st BMTS, Flt. 1081, August 13,1973. Shoe aligner. Still have my 2 ATC Form 341. Did anyone actually have a 341 pulled during basic ? The start of a great adventure !

[@briangulley6027]

Only 1 I moved my eyes while at attention, TI pulled it but never filled it out. I was watching another guy get roasted by a horde of TI's. Somethings you never forget that was in Oct 77.

[@davidpuissegur1263]

Can you imagine we had to do PT in those new combat boots. They get tennis shoes issued in basic now.

[@marksmith6393]

One time when changing the milk bladder out in the aerospace ding facility. When I cut the hose it shot milk on a TI…LOL not funny at the time…

[@RichardBarnett-p7b]

Same year went in on July 3, so suffered with the rainbow uniforms and long hair. TSGT Hill was my MTI. One real tough MTI but grateful for the lessons learned. I had 3 341's pulled and I guarantee you that was not fun. Would do it again if I had too in that stage of life. Retired law enforcement.

[@jacksnyder7318]

341 pulled (loaned out guard duty) when I forced a TI to show his ID after the barracks door shut behind the new flight and before the TI could enter the dorm. They made me an SP after basic. 3706 BMTS, Flt 375, March 77 :)

[@davesskillet9235]

Hello to all my USAF Veteran friends 1974.

[@surlyogre1476]

Hello back at'cha!

[@westernjeep4015]

Lackland (Medina) was my first permanent duty station....USN. We were housed (berthed) adjacent AIA, Security Hill, in the sunset days of KAFB. USAF was the "Cadillac" of host service elements.

[@gregorycasey5486]

I spent three months at LAFB in 1968 after graduating from college and entering into USAF OTS. I was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant just before Christmas.

[@dennissvitak148]

Flight 1141, 3308th BMTS, from 8 Oct 74 to 30 November 74. Make A1C on 28 November 74 (six year enlistee) I was in the old 50 man, open bay barracks, where the TLQ is now.

[@badgumby9544]

I enlisted in 1978. We didn't wear the pith jungle helmets. I don't ever remember doing any obstacle course. Our final PT certification was done under the canopy of the barracks, because it was raining that day. We ran in place instead of what ever the distance would of been running outside. 1.5 miles I think. Firearms certification was a M16 rechambered in .22lr. I received a ribbon for Marksmanship. And a S&W Model 10, .38special revolver. Several of the recruits in my flight were people that were criminals and given a choice of jail or the military. Never been surrounded by so many morons in one place. Back then we had Iranian trainees on base as well. Our TI told us to stay away from them. Obviously, I didn't get along in the Military too well. Couldn't stand working with a bunch of idiots. I was let out, Honorably, after just 2 years of my 4 year contract.

[@WootTootZoot]

My TI was an Army reject that couldn't make rank past E5 after 15 years they put him out, USAF had a home for those guys as TI's or Tech School instructors. My TI had such poor communication skills, I couldn't understand half of what he said, and it took me almost half of my time at BMT to finally figure out what he was saying. Needless to say, I was in the shit most of the time, graduated last in my Flight.

[@garyjones2582]

I got there in late October of 70... I was chow runner, flt 1218... brings back many memories...

[@helimech0]

Went into basic in 1972. Never saw that film. No pith helmets or T shirts. Had a miserable TI for 2 0r 3 weeks. He got relieved after driving 2 people crazy. The next guy was much easier to get along with. Get your work done, then no problems. The first guy turned beds over, for some infraction or another, the second guy didn't.

[@williammooney8499]

Yea , I had a knob that flipped beds too. He insulted us until the day we left lol.

[@stevechiffriller874]

I also went to basic in July of 1972. I remember I had trouble with my TI keeping my clothes the right way in the locker and they set me back. Got me out of the hot barracks and into the air conditioned dorm and I did much better with my new TI. Graduated from basic and went to Keesler for tech school then Homestead AFB for the balance of my time.

[@MikeDial]

I went through basic tranining in Nov - Dec 1972. I probably saw this when I first got to Lackland, but was too anxious to really listen. I did, however, make the most of my 8 years in the Air Force, and it set me up for my subsequent career in civilian life.

[@ericoverton5039]

I joined the Airforce under the delayed enlistment program while still in highschool, entered basic training in july 78 and stayed in the Airforce till feb 88.

[@davidlj53]

Was there in July 72, it was great! Made me grow up!

[@charlesburke2379]

I arrived on Parris Island during the Tet offensive. The first week was dedicated mostly to just cussing everybody out. Anybody that stepped out of line was bound for Portsmouth Naval Prison.

[@oliversmith9200]

LOL! What a surprise seeing old Lackland AFB like I haven't seen it since Basic in 1974!

[@wlanman99]

I went through in 83. We still had the OD Fatigues but no Pith helmets. Fun times ;)

[@pgh45rpms]

I think that the pith helmets were summer gear.

[@Paddydhistorian]

Rainbow, rainbow don't be blue. (X) more weeks and you'll be through. I enlisted in Aug 1972 and was assigned to the, if memory serves me right, 3728th Squadron, Flight 1071. Went through the Green Monster. Not a bad time altogether.

[@MilitarySummaryUs]

Watching 'WELCOME TO LACKLAND AFB' 1971 U.S. AIR FORCE BASIC TRAINING & INDOCTRINATION FILM XD80855 is a nostalgic journey into the heart of U.S. military history. The film provides a fascinating glimpse into the rigorous training and indoctrination process at Lackland Air Force Base in 1971, showcasing the dedication and discipline of the U.S. Air Force. A valuable piece of Americana that captures the essence of military training during that era

[@scottgetty5547]

can't believe it's been 30 years since I arrived at LAFB for basic...I live in San Antonio now and still gives me good memories driving on base...322nd SECOND TO NONE..8 Aug 1994..WALK DONT RUN USE THE HANDRAIL WALK DONT RUN USE THE HANDRAIL...Was Fire Monitor and an element leader in basic

[@shanekilpatrick3378]

The first service to possess nuclear weapons and with the Navy, ensuring the safety of the free world. Thank you for your service.

[@samuelm3766]

Graduated BMT in May 2006. Was far more intense than I thought it would. Our MTI was a former Marine DRILL INSTRUCTOR who, at the time, was forced to be an MTI which was a thing at the time. So he was extra pissed off 😂.

[@FOBob-sr1fd]

Veteran here. "I am your commander." Me: Yes sir!

[@freedomfalcon]

Went to basic in 2007. Flight 503, 323 Vipers!!! Brings back a lot of memories. The buildings, beds, lockers and uniforms were all pretty much the same when I went through.

[@joenop3393]

March 10, 1986. 3701 BMTS. Great Memories!!

[@drpoundsign]

I had a relative who was in the Air Reserves. He trained in Texas, back in the Sixties. They told them: "If you screw up Here-you are going to Vietnam!"

[@TH-mw3qv]

I currently live next to lack land. How interesting .

[@Myadigi]

Thankyou❤ john and joe

[@TheSpritz0]

DEFINITELY the basic looked easier than we had it in the Canadian Airborne!!!

[@drpoundsign]

SO...when he called YOU guys "Candy Ass" you called HIM "Danish Pastry."

[@TheSpritz0]

@@drpoundsign All we were allowed to say was "YES SERGEANT MAJOR" or else off to the Obstacle course or 50 push ups... it was ingrained in our response mechanism! One guy made the mistake of saying "SIR" and the Seregant Major said "I am not an Officer, I work for a living" and then we watched him do 50 push ups...🥰

[@drpoundsign]

@@TheSpritz0 You had to say "Sergeant Major" or you never got near a Jet. (Beatles reference.)

[@kc0lif]

my stepbrother trained there 20+ years ago.

[@S62bhas]

God Bless You Gen Carlson And Family Praying In Jesus Name Amen

[@rcramey1]

Arrived July 12th 1971. Squadron 3702 Flight 1095. Went from Lackland to Shepherd then to Clark.

[@jamerv86]

With as many uniform changes I dealt with just from 2004-2018 there’s ones I’ve never seen there. Even in museum sets.

[@pgh45rpms]

I was there a little earlier -- 20 February to 2 April 1970.

[@natecofga4679]

Didn't realize how old those wall lockers were. Looked like the same ones that was my training squadron back in 2005. One question, what was with the safari hats on the guys marching. Looks like they were being trained to go on an expedition to find Dr. Livingston I presume.

[@williammooney8499]

I remember watching this film in April of 1972. It was one of the first things done there, the first being to submit a urine sample for drug testing lol. After being shown the "footprint of the American Chicken" and hearing marching outside at 4AM I was already homesick!

[@josedonizetidores5091]

Melhor canal do KZbin 👍👍👍

[@bobd5197]

Wish we had the pith helmets! Long gone by '78 I guess. I went in January to avoid the Texas heat. We lost our A-hole TI the second day, and were left with just the "nice guy" TI for the remainder of basic, with a succession of TI trainees to help him out. All in all, basic was a breeze. Retired in '96 as a TSgt, KC-135 crew chief.

[@kenlucero3651]

The wool socks that were issued were nearly impossible to meet a two minute dress drill! So I slept with them on! Glad I never got caught!

[@williamstone4334]

I was there in '71, never saw any pith helmets. Maybe they were summer uniform, I was there March to May.

[@BillGeurts2269]

Interesting. I did basic at Lackland in early 1972.

[@S62bhas]

I left this Thanksgiving week 1996 November to report to the 323 TRS on Trumpet Street My Chief Was MSGT Duback previously Sra Duback flew United Airlines and coming home from Wichita Falls American Airlines and Dallas to NJ stopped in Denver Colorado going to San Antonio

[@williamhopkins4162]

It looks like the same stuff I learned in 1971!! Chanute is now a empty Lot cause of cut backs!!

[@davidgrantham3227]

Aug. 12, 1975. 3723rd BMTS, Flt 906. I can remember the first night. It was about 1am when we finally got to go to bed and I remember thinking “my God what have I gotten myself into.” Anyway, spent 9 months at Lackland for bmts and tech school( Security Police, K-9 school) then 3 years at Clark Airbase Philippines. Maj Gen JP Flynn was the base commander at Lackland when I was there. He was a pow in Vietnam for like 5 or 6 years.

[@stressed4484]

i got to lackland in 1972. my long blonde hair down to my shoulders. boy did the TIs have fun with me. :)

[@IllPropaganda]

June-July '88. Flt 635. Obviously changes in uniform, but parts of the program look very similar!

[@panderjitsinghvv8199]

Most airforce personnel don’t serve in aircraft in flight. I think that’s not widely understood.

[@briangulley6027]

Very few do. I was a crew chief on fighter planes, good times. I worked on F-15A, F-111E, F-16A/C/CJ, F-117 during my time.

[@RicoOCHO85]

10 percent of the A.F flies..only 1 percent of enlisted do so

[@briangulley6027]

@@RicoOCHO85 10% is too high, maybe for officers but even then, 10% is high.

[@joevignolor4u949]

Sure. I can laugh at it now. But back in 1972 when I saw it the first time at 3am in the morning it was no laughing matter.

[@stephenperkins6000]

Went through there in Nov’71. Old WW II barracks, they were cold at that time of the year. Thankfully never had to wear one of those “pith” helmets. Training wasn’t hard, mostly repetition and classes. Interesting times.

[@PeriscopeFilm]

Thanks for your service to our great nation.

[@Fedaykin24]

2:09 your reminder that the USAF adopted the AR-15 platform before the US Army. The Airman is shooting a USAF contract Colt 601/AR-15 without the unnecessary forward assist demanded by the US Army later when the rifle was adopted as the M-16. Another fun fact, the British Army also adopted the AR-15 for service before the US Army and USMC. They initially purchased the Colt 601 for use in Borneo. British Army and Royal Marine soldiers can be seen carrying early Colt 601 without the bolt assist all the way through to the Falklands war. The British Armed forces also purchased the Colt 603 and both types of AR-15 remained in British service until replaced by the Diemaco C7 in the 1980s.

[@MikeMiasuki-vy3xx]

I enlisted in 69 one step ahead of the draft. I wrote my friends and told them to not join the AF. No rank and really slow. My buddy joined the Army and learned a trade. He made E-4 before I did and made E-5 before I even got E-4 sewed on. He got out in three years and went on to become a Master electrician and now own his own business. I did make E-5 in 4 years but got out due to bad advise. 26 years later I retired.

[@jonniez62]

The pith helmets are hilarious. Glad we didn't have them ten years later.

[@craigdickerson9706]

I was there 1971

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

Aug. 24 1967 1:00 am Lackland AFB "OMG What Have I Gone And Done!"

[@Don-gj8cm]

September 19th, 1972 - September 17th, 1976, 3723 BMTS.

[@JohnRodriguez-si9si]

Living in the 21st Century AD as a Enlisted Veteran of both the Marine Corps and Army of the 20th Century AD, I Myself, John Rodriguez, really and truly appreciate watching " Periscope Films" on Yankee Tango, id est, KZbin , on the Military Forces that I Served in from 1987 to 1998, with 1 Year and 4 Months in the Army National Guard ( ARNG) and US Army Reserve ( USAR).🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️♥️🇵🇷🇵🇷🪖💣💥🔥‼️

[@mpojr]

l still think the 1505 uniform was the best looking,,l loved that uniform they should bring it back.

[@heatherporterfield7343]

In 1979, at BMTS 3703, FT 091 ,the trainee's had to deal with an insane SSGT . Looks like General Propaganda missed that one that was to come.

[@jamesburns2232]

Haircuts cost only 80 cents in 1971. Today, haircuts cost $20.00, 25 times as much. No wonder we are going broke! 🤑🤔😕😳

[@marktrain9498]

He looks like he wants to leap through the camera and strangle the recruits.

[@willrobinson4441]

Remember???? Rainbow Rainbow don't be blue in( however many days) you'll be through. You could always tell the new guys cause they could not march!

[@jjbreeyear]

Did my basic training there in 1956 July.