USAF BMTS 1980s

This film was a U.S. Air Force promotional film made in the 1980s. It depicts Air Force Basic Military Training at that time. This film is sure to bring back many memories for those who went through BMTS at Lackland Air Force Base during this time frame.

[@Copsnracers]

Holy shit they had 341's back then!

[@testjackson1732]

@terry waller what's a 341

[@testjackson1732]

@terry waller soo what is a 341

[@galnhus56]

You shouldn't be shocked that they had 341's back then. You should be shocked that they still use them today.

[@danmilosevich]

@@testjackson1732 a discrepancy form. Had your name, and unit on it. Would be filled out and routed through the channels to your 1st shirt or commander. Used in basic training but don't recall if in tech school. I still have one from basic. Went through in 76.

[@nunyabusiness4904]

@@danmilosevich they were using them when I went through tech school in 2015, and now as an NCO I am changing jobs and they still use them in Tech School and have the prior service airmen pull them for discrepancies.

[@jasonpayne1240]

"GIVE ME A 682!!! That's TWO 341's...cuz you just that screwed up!!!!"

[@timbowden1680]

There was a TI from another flight they called 682 Jones because he always pulled two.

[@loveidaho208]

somehow i seriously doubt mti's were this calm and collected in the 80s.....

[@OVERHERE-OVERHERE]

THM SGR Also, you are a dumb ass Airman... get your head out of your ass...

[@johnblair765]

GGame. When I left for USAF basic training and got there in Nov 1972 - I was a little surprised. I had prepared myself - (physically and mentally) for Marine boot camp in 1972. I decided to join the USAF instead and I was taken aback with the yelling and the stress levels they put on you - I decided then and there that I would have to put more effort in basic training than I thought. It wasn't hard - but the thought of being "set back" in training really concern me - I don't think I ever came close being "set back" - but I was glad when it was over. I did well with PT - 5 minute mile and fortunately good with pushups as well - but the incredible amount of attention to detail was sometimes mind numbing. I thought I was pretty good with attention to detail - but it turn out more of a challenge than what I thought it would be. One of the best decisions I ever made was to join the USAF. But if I had joined the USMC - I think I would have thought the same way. Aim High !

[@airmanma]

I was there from Nov 7 to Dec 21 1972. 3704 Sqdn Flt 1458.

[@obfuscated3090]

Mine were chill (1981), but they were a bright bunch. They didn't yell much. When we fucked up they had us dress right and hold our arms until we thought they'd fall off. We'd have preferred an ass chewing!

[@neilisaacson]

They weren’t that calm in 1974.

[@j.bowerman6530]

LMAO....Give me a 341.....

[@jvrlopez]

Hahahaha, after all these years, still have one I found in an old wallet pinned on my office wall. Still filled out from basic...

[@zachfleet8437]

GIVE ME A 341 SON... LMFAOOOOOOO

[@arstd99]

If you you're asked for the 3rd 341, you were setback. Explain that J. Bowerman

[@austinpacheco7214]

Lmao, those same 341’s

[@obfuscated3090]

An Airman in our sister flight got a 341 pulled for masturbation! He contended he wasn't loping his mule but I guess the pup tent in his blanket amused the TI. It was hilarious. If then-SSgts Ruiz and Miller are still alive, thanks for the memories.

[@nerfbomb5585]

Gimme a 341! (LOL) I remember they had to be folded so that any NCO had the capability of grabbing one out of your left shirt pocket, while it was buttoned!!

[@tonyhelton2788]

I still have two 341s in the same wallet I purchased at the BX at Lackland while in BMTS. I was in the 3743, Flt. 030. I also still have my Airman's Open Mess club card, my old driver's license and a little card that reads, "THINK (In big bold letters) with Before You Talk beneath it. I had that card in the wallet I had when I got to basic training.....hahaha. Good old TSgt Russell, our TI, like that. Had some friends tell me they search your wallet when you get to basic training so I made damn sure I didn't have a rubber or any bullshit in their. Other guys did and got asses chewed out. Hahaha. Always helps to ask a lot of questions before you take the plunge. Keeps you out of the shit.

[@nerfbomb5585]

@@tonyhelton2788 I came in from NYC with a bunch of others. When the TI's did the initial "shakedown" they confiscated knives, a blackjack, assorted rubbers, photos of GF's in compromising positions etc. Personally, I can't remember my flight # when I first got there (1981) but I do remember when we were getting our "haircut" there were two "mellow looking" TI's in front of the bldg looking for volunteers to play instruments. Now, I was told to never volunteer for ANYTHING, but I'm glad I did. Turned out these two were from the AF Drum & Bugle Corp and I wound up "recruited" and spent my next couple of months in the old MOB dorms, co-ed flight AND getting to go off base at least a dozen times before the regular liberty. Best risk to volunteer for something that I ever took. Wound up winning a bunch of awards etc. Very cool time.

[@nohandleforme....]

@@tonyhelton2788 My recruiter didn't tell me much about what basic would be like, but he did tell me to keep my mouth shut, and my eyes and ears open. That advice helped a lot. LOL

[@tonyhelton2788]

@@nohandleforme.... I researched for two years before deciding which branch and asked a lot of questions. One person told me to sanitize my wallet.....so I did. I only left my I.D., a few photos and a business card that read "THINK, before you talk!" The T.I., TSgt Russell, really liked that one." So I had a fairly good idea of how easy basic would really be. The worse part was putting up with a lot of cry babies and weasels. Most of which probably didn't last past their initial enlistment if that! I have forgotten most of those weasels, but I can still remember some who didn't have enough sense to learn how to fold their underwear properly. Later on I met some good guys, but several jealous weasel types still slipped in. All in all, it was worth the effort.

[@RickMcShane-oe9rt]

And remember if you didn't have a 341, the T.I. would ask you for another one

[@zonadefender1]

I have never seen or heard a TI that nice! My TI hated the world

[@Mylitla]

LATRON CARTER Until day 29, then they were all cool.

[@justincase1445]

You stole my thunder. The T.I.s in this video are uncharacteristically civil, bordering on cordial. This video is recruitment gold by 80s standards. The phone call home portrayed in this video is laughable. Each airman in our flight got exactly 30 seconds from hello to goodbye, regardless of whether you got past sobbing long enough to say anything intelligible. At 30 seconds on the dot, the T.I. would hit the call release and berate you all the way back to formation. I suppose honesty in a film like this would be a detriment to meeting your goals as a recruiter. I have to hand it to my recruiter, he told me exactly what I was in for and made sure I had a guaranteed job before I shipped out for basic. I remember career day very vividly. If you had a guaranteed job, you had a blue sheet along with the rest of your required paperwork. When we got there, our T.I. segregated us into two groups, those who had guaranteed jobs and those who only had a dream sheet. The ones who didn’t looked puzzled when we were divided up. One guy in particular ended up in the Aerial Port Squadron. He must’ve just passed his ASVAB by the skin of his teeth because his job was Aircraft Sanitation Specialist. He walked out of his time with the career NCO like he was just handed the keys to the city. One of the guys with a blue sheet if the Sgt., who placed him in that career field, went into detail about the job. The airman had no clue what a Aircraft Sanitation Specialist did, so when he started to bullshit his way through the question, a T.I. who walking by said “he’s gonna operate the honey wagon on newly arrived aircraft. Basically, he’d be the guy who drove the truck that’d suck the shit out of chemical toilet. If you don’t know what that means, watch Christmas Vacation and watch what Cousin Eddie is doing on Christmas morning in regard to his Winnebago... yeah, he was gonna be that guy.

[@tonyhelton2788]

@@justincase1445 I don't remember getting any phone call whatsoever. I just remember being yelled at constantly. These guys are playing for the cameras. Also, I only had one 341 pulled by my TI (TSgt Russell) during basic for not having a money list. I told him I didn't have any money. He just chewed my ass and told me to make one anyway. Other than that I followed their simple instructions and did what the hell I was told. Of course, I was 20 at the time. The oldest guy in my Flight believe it or not.....I had other jobs so I guess it made it easier for me to follow orders and simple instructions. I guess that was the whole point.....follow simple instructions to the letter. Easy peasy.

[@ColdWarFilms1947]

I recently heard from a retired TI who is actually in this promotional video. He told me that what you see in the video was actually "Staged".... and the main character in the video was actually an actor, and NOT a real Air Force recruit. As a retired Air Force Master Sergeant who actually attended BMTS during this time, I can actually say that what you see in this video is a "Sanitized" version of BMTS during that time. For me personnaly, it was hell. But I survived BMTS and it matured me.

[@nohandleforme....]

I went through BMTS during the same period and I agree with you. It was much different than this video. It was difficult for me, but it helped me grow up, and I'm glad for that experience.

[@trwagner1]

Yep, I knew that. Agree with that. Lived through it. VERY sanitized, VERY VERY sanitize and staged! Nothing representing the actual experience at the time. The narration sounds so very familiar. The job selection not even CLOSE to what I remember. And the phone call at 4:10, wow hilarious!

[@Mark-yy2py]

Ditto. I went in for what I thought was 4 years in 1981. Ended up 21 years as a MSgt , retiring in 2002. TIs were not that polite.

[@desertengineer1]

Yeah, but I did enjoy recognizing SSgt Pope. Really liked him. He may have been hard at times, and demanded perfection, but I never saw him go abusive or unfair. He and Marlette were NCO’s I wanted to be like someday.

[@Loyal68]

best life lessons i have ever had, makes you work for financial stability. i love life lessons. Loyal Schmidt 3701 BMTS November 1987

[@dw8008]

Obstacle Course was a freaking Blast... Blasted through it in 15 minutes... Loved it!!!

[@davidacevedo8620]

So did I, one of the things I excelled at... besides the "voluntary" KP's...

[@nohandleforme....]

Yes. That was one of the parts of basic I loved. I also loved going to the firing range.

[@jvrlopez]

My father went through BMT in 1984, I went through in 2008...brings back memories...

[@rexjackson1403]

I went through BMT in 1984 and my son went through in 2008!

[@bobb1870]

BMT has it's moments, not covered. But it's a mind game anyway.

[@davidacevedo8620]

Indeed, after the third week of training I had a breeze, had quite a few of BMT 341 forms pulled from my left pocket for demerits but had more pulled for merits so I never got recycled. And I still have my BMT ribbon, and not everybody has that, or earned it. Still have my original discharge diploma, honorable of course.

[@zaneyone1]

I died laughing at the soft spoken TI'S. This was so cleaned up. I was with the 3703 Flight 519 in Oct thru Dec 1979.

[@thegaper1090]

zaneyone1 3708 in February 1980! SSGT Ness!

[@buddykowalski]

3709 in April 1982. I thought they were psychopaths.

[@n2jve1989]

@Mark81150 our 1st Sgt Alva 3704 BMTS April 1980 called everyone a cockbite for 8 weeks and I agee this video was definitely cleaned up for the public

[@laurajolley3305]

3703 1988

[@gonefishing9225]

Sq 3701 flt 115. 1986. Yes definitely staged. Lol. My ti tsgt Lopez was a mean son of a gun.

[@JTLaser1]

July 1974. Loved the confidence course and would have gladly ran it twice. My wife would laugh at the square folded T-shirts because I still fold them that way after 42 years.

[@yqwgjsg]

Jerry Thompson 1975 here. I told my grandson just the other day while watching a video that the confidence course was like going to the fair. It was like the playground in elementary school. I cracked up when the TI pulled a 341 in this vid. I know damned well the TI's weren't this easy. They screamed constantly until week 5.

[@JTLaser1]

It was only like the fair because you were in good shape, LOL! I was a gymnast so it was a longed-for workout! My mistake was asking if I could do it again. Never EVER EVER attract attention to yourself, no matter how sincere an idiot you are. Am I right?!!??

[@JTLaser1]

I was a parallel bars kid, I LOVED over-under!

[@homerfry9234]

Still fold my underwear the AF way 40 years later

[@JK-dh9sz]

Still fold mine that way too after 34yrs.

[@MrLudwigVonSchnauzer]

341's! I forgot about those. Click, click, click! The sound of trouble heading your way!

[@rpinks99]

Good post! One anecdote...my lead TI was an E-5 and every other word out of his mouth was f**k. Didn't bother me. He called me into his office one day mentioning a letter I received from my brother, who was a priest. He asked if his language offended me, to which I replied (a bit bewildered), "Sir! No, Sir!". I thought he was getting a bit human. Wrong. He just gave me a wicked look, then shouted at the top of his lungs, "THEN GET THE F**K OUT OF MY F**KING OFFICE!!" Ah, good times.

[@gunner5125]

I went through basic in July of 1980. I returned to Lackland AFB as a Combat Arms Instructor in 1984. I recall the training with the M-16 rifles having the .22 adapters , and I assure you that those adapters were POS designed to save money from having to shoot real 5.56 ammo. See the video at about 5:50)

[@AMXSShirt]

I shot the .22 adapter in 84. I’m just thinking to my self, this is how they are preparing us to fight the Cold War against the Soviet Union? I felt bad for CATM red hats, a lot of hands were raised on the range that day. Hey, good thing was some dude from Chicago shot my target as well as me landing rounds.

[@teleguy5699]

@@AMXSShirt Lol. That was my wife to her squadron mate. I just found a diecast model with working parts of the old M-16. I had to buy it. It was no "Gravy Seal" AR-15 with every accessory known to man attached to it.

[@toddwilliams6301]

Entered BMTS in April ‘81. Loved it. I still remember the smell of the clothing issue building.

[@BlueBoomer61]

I was in 3723rd, Flight 494, June 1980. My TI was SSgt Hill, Team Member SRA Harris. I still have the little slip of paper they gave us that first day with my Flight number on it. They left out the hours on the drill pad doing "pick 'em up, put 'em down" with our bags. We flew in from Portland, OR that morning and finally hit the sack around 1:00 AM. I don't think I had ever been that tired before. I don't think I pooped once that first week, but after that, it was like I was born to it. I miss what America was back then. Great memories!

[@ColdWarFilms1947]

Thank you for your Comments and your Service. I went through BMT about a year before you did (Aug 1979). I agree with you regarding the sad state of our nation today. I miss the way it was back then too.

[@StarX81]

Squadron 3723. Flight 376. T.I's SSGT Davis & SGT Chappel. Began basic training on 28 Sept 84. Retired in Oct 08!! Joining the military is one of the best things I have ever done.

[@rustyfordsutube]

I went through in 1987. It was cool seeing some of the familiar scenes from that era. Our drill instructors (TI's) weren't nearly as friendly as this video portrays....they yell at us non-stop until the last week or so. It's neat seeing the plain green uniforms. When they first put us in them, they called us "pickles", then when we got name tags on them, they called us "canned pickles".

[@rickeastwood1220]

Technical training? I prefer simple work.

[@GoOnTags]

Dudes like you who went in the 80’s always tell me I went thru a weaker version of BMT. Sure we didn’t get touched but I found out you guys were able to go to the bowling alley and shit on Sunday’s lmfao. And had a field day????? Yeah dude no shot I ever let someone older tell me they had it harder. Oh yea and yours was only 6 weeks

[@MoirSolace]

That was my Dad. He was an MTI at lackland AFB in 87. He's told me some really great stories from that era. I was about 8 years old at the time, but I remember going out to the flight line many times when I was a kid.

[@kurtb8474]

Arrived at Lackland in August 1983 at 2:30 am. 3703 BMTS Flt. 147. My AFSC was 811x0, Security Specialist.

[@Jefferson196]

I was in the 3703 in August 1985 had SSGT Pemberton....

[@ottomedic51texas75]

I arrived Lackland in June of 1982 and Sgt. Harvey was my flight's D.I...all the girls in my flight thought he was quite cute and he was. We were lucky to have him for almost all 6 weeks then we got a female D.I. for the last 2 weeks. I was stationed at Cory Station, Pensacola, FL then to Misawa AB, Japan. Loved serving my country and would do it again, in a second! I believe we were also called "Zoomies" at that time, or at least in Japan..Aim High!! I love this video!!

[@OVERHERE-OVERHERE]

Thanks for sharing sister.

[@bdudding7168]

I had the privilege of being there in the 80s. Great time to be had by all. MTI in the 3703rd and BMT Academics 79-82 and another tour in the 11th from 88-90. Best time of my life.

[@jdri7934]

I took basic training in 1981 in the 3703rd. Flight 228 from Feb 26 through some day in April. TSgt Cruzan and SSgt Garcia were my MTIs.

[@bdudding7168]

jdri7934 I remember Cruzan and Garcia. I was in the 03rd with them in 1980 and moved to Academics in early 1981. In fact, I was an Academic instructor in your Zone. I may have taught your flight a class or two. One instructor I'm sure you'd remember if he taught you was a tall skinny SSgt we all called "Captain Qualude". He kept the classroom interesting.

[@jdri7934]

TSgt Cruzan was actually on TDY when we got there so SSgt Garcia trained us the first month. TSgt Cruzan got back and within a few days he recycled five in the flight including me. I was sent back two weeks in training and transferred to the 3743. I liked the Air Force and retired in 2000.

[@roncolept]

B Dudding, I was in the 06 from 80 to 84. I am sure we crossed paths.

[@GregSr]

I graduated basic in January 1976. We were required to keep a pre-filled 341 in our pocket. Mine only got pulled once. My TI saw me talking as I was jogging around the PC pad.

[@tonyhelton2788]

Does anyone remember the Snake Pit when you went to the Chow Hall? That was the TIs table where they would discuss all the dipshits they had to deal with.....hahaha. If they were staring at ya while they talked it could make ya purdy damned nervous.....hahaha. OMG.....brings back some fond memories.

[@teleguy5699]

Haha yes. They also would try to impress each other by chewing out some poor bastard airman in the middle of the Chow Hall.

[@tonybaker8971]

i remember it - they would shout Hey Airman - if it was not directed to you by name don't look (but there was always one who would look lol)

[@cycleguy1943]

Oh yeah I do remember that back in’83….

[@214ballking]

this shit is so mind blowing to me because i just graduated 2 weeks ago.. my uncles went through at this time though.. but its amazing seeing something so similar in a different time.

[@davidacevedo8620]

My father served in Clark AFB, Phillipines in 1957, 24 years later I entered service through those same gates, and 10 years ago I started my actual love relationship with the lady that was complaining that she flew 5 thousand miles to see her nephew graduation and was not being able to pass thru the MP's. I still remember a few things, so I directed her to the Base Commander... And she could see the nephew at the parade. From there on it is history still in the making. That much did the Air Force for me, even after 30 years of leaving BMTS and going to Lowry AFB, Denver, CO... In the winter. Dance hall days, the girls, oh those girls knew how to keep you warm and feeling wanted. What memories... I still have pics of when I was departing from Lackland to the airport... Oh, Rikki M. Wright, where are you cute girl? Never forget that day at Arnold Hall, when the PDA rule was in effect but we could have some pleasant moments, every time I saw a tanker fly by I waved at you in case you were manning that refueling station. Remembering is living. I still have the roster list with all the names of the band of brothers, and wow! I forgot, when I arrived in Denver, there was no space in the male barracks so they placed me in the women's barracks for two nights. Airman Bear, I still have a picture of you in your greens. I wouldn't change those days for nothing.

[@raymondpearson6850]

I went to basic in Aug 82’(retired in 05’)I’m laughing and crying at the same time watching this.....

[@EdSuggs]

This is a great video. Brings back plenty of memories. I was there summer of 1981. BMTS 3704 FLT 109. SSGT Haidinger was our TI.

[@nohandleforme....]

I was 3704 Flt 501 May/June 1981. SSGT Jones was our TI.

[@d-mack-ga5340]

@@nohandleforme.... I went through right after you graduated - late June to mid Aug 1981, I was in the 3706th with TSgt Minter but I don't remember my Flt#

[@teleguy5699]

3704 May - July 1983

[@DeepBlueEdit]

3743 BMTS, Flt 194. Lackland to Sheppard to WPAFB to Zanesville, Ohio, 220th EIS. After a few years there I jumped ship and landed in the Army Natl Guard 1/166th B Company part of the 73rd Inf Brigade. Spent a total of 7 years in. They were interesting years. Hope everyone is still with us. Vidrene, you still owe me $10. Sean

[@sdv23100]

The TI asking for the 341 was Staff Sargent Morris. 3701 BMTS . An ass kicker always pushed you but he prepared you for the Airforce, better get honor flight.

[@darrinros1177]

3743 BMTS for me Aug 83. This film is exactly on the money. Funny now, then, maybe not. Best times of my life. Those mustaches, funny shit.

[@tenjou0]

My dad was the same squadron, Oct 89. That squadron now exists as the 236th squadron. I was in the 331st last year.

[@darrinros1177]

I love that you followed in our fine tradition. In a world, a very dangerous world, where it seems everyone has lost their minds, this piece just bought back to me the honor and pride we as a nation and the USAF shared then. I went on to become Pararescue and attached to Hurlbert AFB, Florida. Desert Shield, Storm and Panama (Just Cause) were times I really learned to love America and appreciate the USAF. We are the best, and you made my day. Honor above self, pain and want. You made my day. Thanks, from a USAF brother.

[@tenjou0]

Darrin Ros I'm at Hurlburt NOW actually, as an engine troop. Although it wasn't tradition for me, I just needed a job.

[@darrinros1177]

Well, I got a great nights sleep last night. Because and only because you all are on the job. Russia and China are ready for us. Yemen and North Korea are already preparing for us

[@tenjou0]

Darrin Ros I hope that you as a former airman know that most of the guys at work right now are pulling some shenanigans. I have caught multiple people "on the job" watching dragon ball z and my little pony at this time of night.

[@desertengineer1]

Looks like this is circa 1987. POS .22 cal adapters were eliminated in 1988. Pickle uniforms eliminated in late 1988, early 1989. But the biggest marker on the timeframe = TSgt Pope. You don't forget people like that. He was with 3303 in mid 1989. Finished my 23rd year in 2012 wishing that we had these men and women still with us. The AF would be much better. Thanks for posting the video.

[@Mylitla]

desertengineer1 I can say it is no later than 1985. My recruiter showed this film and a couple of "Air Force Now" films at a dinner for the delayed entry program recruits in Jan/Feb 1986.

[@josephbradley1963]

I was in the 3708 Flt 191 Dec 15 1986.I Had Tsgt. Kevin Gandy. It sucked being there during Christmas, New Years, and my birthday. I was the first dorm chief for our flight but was removed by Tsgt. Gandy! LOL! Mark Jones ended up being our dorm chief the remainder of our stay. I sure do miss the Air Force!

[@yqwgjsg]

Joseph Bradley 3708 Flt 185. 1975

[@yqwgjsg]

THM SGR I was most likely back there TDY when you were in Basic. Who had a job to work on the base telephone system. Was Sgt Godeki still there?

[@sfmog68]

I arrived in the 3708 BMTS 10-10-86, so left right before Thanksgiving that year for tech school.

[@kenreed2148]

Ken Reed 3708, flt 168 Jan. 29, 1986 - Tsgt Harry Colbert.

[@al73r3g0]

3708 flight 309, 15nov85

[@britishchickinusa]

I was thinking of graduation today for some reason and i rem how proud i felt 17 years old and a female the only one of my dads kids all boys except me that followed in his shoes.. all the way to retirement. same ASFC as my dad ;)

[@Heart2HeartBooks]

Sgt Cross was my DI. I actually loved Basic Training. Was in great shape before I entered. Ran a sub six minute mile.

[@Mikeyzom]

started BMT June 5th 2018, left BMT August 5th 2018. I'm 27 years old.

[@ottomedic51texas75]

Welcome to the Air Force family!! Trust me, it gets a whole lot better. Once thru tech school and finally to you duty station, you’ll love it. I was lucky enough to be stationed at Misawa AB, Japan for 2 yrs before I was honorably discharged due to my spouse being accepted to OCS in another branch of service. If I had to do over, I would’ve stayed in and finished my tour and maybe would’ve stayed in longer. Remember, AIM HIGH!!

[@MrScottbot101]

3711 BMTS Flight 140, July-August 1981. The 341 bit brought back memories...I got one pulled for an unauthorized smoke break during a class at a different squadron. My TI looked at it, saw who signed it, and ripped it up right then and there. Gotta love it!

[@wlanman99]

I went through in 83 and this is somewhere close to that time frame. Still issued OD fatigues. I actually got a double set of all the uniforms as they were transitioning from the cotton OD to the permanent press ODs. I also got 2 class A service coats. One was a cotton material and the other polyester. In 83 we didn't wear PT shoes, which these folks are, at least I don't remember wearing PT shoes, could be wrong though. I had two 341's pulled my whole time. 1st one was when I was on a detail at the DLA building shredding language tests and a was outside at the butt can smoking. An O-6 Col came out of the building and I saluted him and he looked at my boots and pulled a 341 for a great shoe shine I had :) The 2nd one was on the last day and SSGT Garcia pulled one because he said "I'm pulling this because you've only had one pulled and it was for excellence and no one goes through my flight without one pulled for a demerit". He smiled as he said that. June 30 1983, FLT 3743rd, SSGT Garcia was the team chief and SGT Keener the team member.

[@SQLxGuy]

👍

[@scooter4196]

Graduated from basic year ago. I'm an avionics technician for C-130 H3 aircraft. I love it! This video brings some memories back but there are a lot of differences. Really loved the ending, HAHA so cliche of the older 80's movies. Reminds me of an education video that I saw in middle school lol!

[@RovingRegions]

damn, I am getting old.

[@davidacevedo8620]

40 years ago this November...

[@ChroniclesofaSW]

Wow this brings back memories!

[@clarkdalehistoricalsociety8976]

Brings back memories. Went in October 1986. Sgt. Crow(former Marine), Tsgt LaRose, and SSgt Brewster-3704 BMTS Flt 008

[@uptondread4971]

The film was shot in 1982. I was on the bus with 3701 flight 061. The person at 9 seconds was the actor. The film was shot with different flights using the actor. My flight had already been on base a couple of days before the film was shot. Therefore, we were not really just arriving on the bus.

[@F104G826]

I was in 3701 flight 151 in 1980. That TI at 1:04, 1:34, 2:07, 5:22 and 6:28 is SSgt. Morris. He was a team member with our team leader SSgt. Poullard. I'm certain that's Morris in this film. It makes sense because of what you said about the filming happening in 1982 with 3701 squadron. Morris very possibly would still be in 3701 in 1982.

[@pgh45rpms]

Any idea who the actor was? Did he ever join the military?

[@jimmyhopkins2093]

Ok I went through in 1980 and all the time I was there I never had a TI who didn't scream, yell, curse. you can tell its a promo video

[@robertwarren6887]

Country: u.s.: Air Force airman James Hopkins you are the 1 that told my friend and the good looking country: u.s.: Air Force woman airwoman loving, the airwoman that wants to socialize and talk parties, but I cannot defend her in all 666 situations where the klu klux klansboy mr. Dylann roof, wearing a color: white hood over his head to of being scared in 99 ways and trying desperately to hide his face from our eyes. You are right squadron number: 3701 dorm : Air Force : the 7 men country: u.s.: Air Force men training instructors rank: ssgt team chief Morris and woman rank: ssgt whaleshitstein are screaming at us in a very shockingly loud tone of voice 8 hours per a day and 1 hour per a night for 11 hell weeks in a row, like country: u.s.: army man general Patton said “world war Ii is hell!” :, when the German nazi luftwaffe type number: 1 bomber planes in the year: mar 1939 : began to drop many, many bombs on the 22 cities that look like the city: Prague in the country: chekosovakia, to burn the tall buildings down from the top of the buildings to the street level in many gigantic fires to totally destroy by fire 22 cities and their very good looking strip club nightclub adult social life nightclub where the 22 cities that look like “Prague” spent all their money on showing x rated movies that look similar to the very, very, very good movie with the title: “the day of the locusts : starring the very good movie actress big parties Pornstar: ms. Karen black : year: apr 1975” and seemed to believe in “love as adults after the very good high school social life movie with the title: “mean girls : part number: I : I am giving my 200 : 4 year college homework reports on the “fidelity corporation variable yearly apr interest rate annuity money investments” : “the first 33 different types of 4 year annuity money investments” first to the movie actress high school girl “true love in high school years” : that looks like the closest girl clone to: ms. Kee kee Palmer and movie actress : ms. Great granddaughter of: ms. Roshilla dalgedelo and karlene keating : high school sexual intercourse in the back seat of their friends car in high school 10th grade : then try to shut off university men’s bed waiting 6 years to grow up in social life sexual intercourse with university woman student whaleshitstein and university woman student : ms. Great granddaughters of: university women: ms.: Edith launer : 400 tons of fat on her stomach to lure in university man student : mr. great grandson of: mr. Kenneth main : it works 100% of the time every time success : at the city: dunwoody state: Georgia university : I have to go to 3 university classes a day so I do not have time to get into the growing up in social life as at 20 years old, to get into the university bed with university social studies woman ms. Great granddaughter of: university woman student Edith launer : with 160 Tons of fat on her shoulders to lure in university man student: mr. great grandson of: mr. Bruce main, into getting down on his knees and totally begging her 9,999 different times the question: “Would you please beggingly fast with me 7 times in a row.” , and if she is not there then the next movie actress I would be interested to give it to is: ms. Regina George. I will try to work hard and work hard to shut off the 200 : 4 year college homework reports going to movie actress cartoon girl: ms. Alice in wonderland and ms. Alice in wonderland : year: 2004”, and they did not do the “hard work” using 13 years to assemble over 999 antiaircraft machine guns surface to air rockets mortar guns and mobile mortar guns. In the city: Prague and the very good movie with the title: “day of the locusts : year: apr 1975”, I would offer country: u.s.: Air Force the very beautiful officer rank: captain : woman manager of computer programmers : the younger woman in the tribe of: Gwen Stacey : to buy her 3 to 7 plates of veal cutlet and cabbage dinner if she will let me have social life sexual intercourse with her. Then I would try to shut off the offers for 3 to 7 plates of dinner of baked potatoes and carrots to the movie actress: ms. Wicked witch of the direction: west and university woman social studies student the : ms. Great granddaughter of: university woman social studies student ms. Edith launer with over 100 tons of fat on her face and this time “for real”.

[@desertengineer1]

It took about a millisecond to recognize TSgt Pope around 5:20. Wow. Memories. Anyone who knew this amazing NCO would never forget him.

[@nurseratched8370]

BMT in August of 1987, Tsgt Pope was one of two TIs back then! My son who turns 18 next week, he'll be off to Lackland this summer.

[@desertengineer1]

@@nurseratched8370 WOW. I just re-watched that part and see SSgt Pope! You never forget that voice!

[@thebes56]

I retired from the Air Force. However never went here as I did four years in the Navy first. I had boot in Orlando Florida in 75.

[@celeste1092]

Me too. I started with Navy for 8 years, then finished with A.F. Air National Guard to retirement.

[@paulhinson8030]

Six of the greatest weeks of my life. 14 July 1982 - 26 Aug 1982 then Keesler AFB for 6 more fun weeks of Admin Tech School then a rough assignment in Tucson.

[@realistic272]

This was a little watered down but brings back memories of when I was at Lackland BMT, flight 422 during Nov 83 - Jan 84. My AF memories will last a lifetime.

[@johngalt3969]

I still remember that book. Y'all that pass it by are the people... I passed by.

[@b.entranceperium]

Was going to go Marines, but chose the Air Force instead due to the jobs and opportunities. Love the fact that I did that. The shit I learned is unmatched. For anyone wanting to join: the TI's aren't normally this nice lol

[@scott414b]

Started my USAF career in March 1984. 3702 Flt 223. Retired 2004 as TSgt. These Ti's sure arent yelling like I remember, But that was a long time ago and I'm sure I am forgetting things

[@tchaser5858]

Was there during the fall of 1980, great memories. That scene at the 7:54 mark though, funny as hell.

[@timp5133]

I was there October - December of 1979. I could swear that the TI asking for the 341 is Sgt Morris. He appears in some of the marching videos also.

[@dannybaldridge3529]

It was. He was one of my TIs in September/ October 1981.

[@bretwhitmore8855]

This was my time frame. 3704 BMTS, FLT 697, 8 Dec 1981-Jan 1982. The instructor seen at 2:14 was one I had for academic training as well. It may seem "quaint" to see folks in OG 106 cotton fatigues or OG 507 fatigues, but that was Cold War standard for the Air Force and most of the other service branches back then in the years before BDUs came along. Some of those days were very hard. Some were less so. We weren't all issued "Rubber Ducky" rifles as a flight back then. (That came with REAL M-16s when we got to the Security Police Academy across the base.) Back then our mass Airmen's Run was never seen by the public, but we ran it nonetheless, and in FATIGUES, not P.T. uniforms. We never received an Airman's Coin back then whereas the young kids do these days. And even though our Basic was only six weeks long, and not today's eight, our MTIs managed to squeeze in all the training we required in the 18 or so waking hours of each training day. But by the end of it all, looking back, it seemed like a breeze. One of my proudest days was when we followed in the footsteps of so many thousands of others who had served before us, and marched across that parade field on our graduation day. And yes, I would do it all over again if I could.

[@Jefff72]

OMG a pay phone. That's how we called home in late summer 1991.

[@kennethsouthard6042]

I was in the 3704 BMTS Mar 83, Flt 199. I remember on the first day (the worst day of my life), SSGT Stephens addressed us, and said that he was our team leader and SSGT Moore was our team chief. At that point, I could not wait to meet SSGT Moore, as I thought, nobody could be worse than this, about 10 minutes later SSGT Moore arrived and I could not have been more wrong. That was how I felt the first few days, as time went on, I grew to respect them both and was thankful for all they taught me.

[@christopherhague2329]

3723 BMTS Flight 827 TSgt Monas and Sgt Benavitas 11 Aug 1987. Turned into the best 25 years of my life. Would do it again.

[@rlbarber47]

BMTS 3701 Flight 1073 August 1968 can be seen at Lackland AFB Flight photos web site. Went to Lowry AFB Aircraft munitions training . The work uniforms improved alot since I served. Road guards were the funniest part. I was the guide on, who carried the flag.. Every morning, when we arrived at the chow hall, I had to report to the chow hall and inform them our Sir! "flight 1073 ready for chow" Sir!. Did a tour in Thailand at Ubon AFB loading munitions on F4 phantoms. Great memories.

[@Jefferson196]

Nice...I to went to Lowry AFB for Munitions back in fall of 85. I had the best view of Denver and the rocky mountains and would sit in my 3rd floor window and listening to Taps and just look out and watch the snow which started in October and didnt stop till spring, lol....I remember thinking the view was worth a million bucks...then i read they had closed the base and now it upper end housing development. The large Hanger with the B-52 is still there and part of the development. Sadly my old barracks were torn down a few years ago...wanted to go back and see em...but now now housing...Lowry was a great base even had a Burger King right across from my barracks and the Airmans Club was across the street....good times.

[@RockneOliver]

3711 SQ: 3711 FL: 463 DATE: 17 JUN 1983 I was a Guidon Bearer for my unit. They tried giving it to someone else, but after the first day it was decided that he was too incompetent to handle the job, so I got it and he wound up as a "Road Toad" (remember those?). I loved it, and was pretty damn good at it. I wound up teaching for my Squad for most of my time in Basic.

[@scootterpootter]

I was there at the same time, but in the 3743rd Sq... It was so hot!! lol

[@wlanman99]

@@scootterpootter I was in 3743rd June 30 83. Must have been one of our sister/brother flights. I was a guide as well :)

[@toyman81]

I was there from 6/13/83 until 7/28/83. Now that i look back on it I had a great time.

[@ricardo340]

3708th flt 119, Jan 1985. The building is still there but is not used as BMT anymore. Brought back a lot of memories. Made it all the way to Chief but I remember it like it was yesterday.

[@billb.7346]

Well that brought me back. Joined December 1982 and this is what I remember from my experience

[@scruffyandrabbit]

I did basic November-December 1988 -- my TI's, SSGT Bordes and SGT Carpenter, were nothing like this video. those dudes were hardcore and kicked our butts (for the best) - honor flight 081 -- I turned 18 half way through basic - got stuck being dorm guard on my 18th bday.

[@1298081]

December 1978 3743rd BMTS Sgt Buckingham (female). It didn't seem easy when I was a 19 year old, but looking back years later it really was a easy 6 weeks. 29 years later I was attending the Army's Warrior Training Course at Ft. Sill OK. The funnest thing I find on the video is the TI's conducting PT in their dress blues.

[@DaOvaseea]

3703 BMTS, Flt. 347, Sep-Nov 1980. The main airman had some of my specific experience. I didnt get my 1st choice either & was switched to “Electronics Computer Technician”. & of course, he went to Keesler for Tech School (just like me). All good w/me; I enjoyed some good times in my field. Film definitely brings back memories.

[@spiritof76forever81]

That is the old 3701 BMTS...My TI, SSgt Morris, is featured in this. I laughed out loud when I saw this video online! Lots of crazy memories. SSgt Morris seemed a lot more scary back in 1983!

[@StarX81]

When you heard that "click, click, click" coming your way, scared out of your mind was putting it mildly....LOL!

[@roncolept]

I was a Blue Rope MTI in the 3706 BMTS from 1980 to 1984. This video was okay, could have shown much more. I think most of this was filmed in the early 1980s, because I recognized a few of the academic instructors. And the Lt Col shown from 8:09 to 8:23 was Rolph Ehrlich, and he left in 1983.

[@sjp35productions6]

SSgt Angela Martin was my TI Oct-Nov, '80. 3706 Flt 435 (iirc).

[@buddy_lebowski]

I was in 3709 Flt 321 w/ Sgt Garza and Sgt Desilet. Garza was a real asshole all the way to the end. Desilet was the nice guy. You always hated hearing Garza's voice and those taps on his boots while waiting to go into the chow hall. You knew the rest of your day was going to suck.

[@Jefferson196]

ok i was wondering why i didnt recognize anyone from my time there in 1985....

[@nicktynan1355]

3706 BMTS, started out with Flight 271(Tsgt Colunga, Sgt Harrell), got recycled to Honor Flight 293(Tsgt Bender, Sgt Moore) Sept - Nov 1983. I remember dorm guarding one of your flights(new baby flight, I recall). On google-ing names from the past, found out that Jeff Bender passed away in 2016. Good man! Hope all is well.

[@roncolept]

@@nicktynan1355 Vic Harrell passed away at about the same time. I hate losing friends.

[@johnnymoretti]

My TI: “Where you from airman??!!” Me: “California, sir!” TI: “ California?? Did your mother send you 3,000 miles just to piss me off??!!” Guess everybody was 3,000 miles from Lackland! LOL!! 3706 BMTS Flt 205 1978

[@kev8515]

Now this bring back memories, especially since I recognized some of the Training Instructors in the video. I do understand it is a promotional video and all aspects of BMT are not shown however, it still brings great memories. Thanks for the upload.

[@OVERHERE-OVERHERE]

Through this video I was able to connect with a guy that was in my flight and bedded down across the bay from me we laugh and joke about some of the experience and things and people we went through basic with,A once in a lifetime experience…1980 Flt484 Sq3708 Sgt Brock

[@sandyhinson9072]

Me too..I recognized a few also

[@dawntaylor-elliott1999]

3707 flight 341 in Aug 1988...I can still hear Ssgt. Beckles voice and hear those damn taps on her shoes. To this day that still makes my hair stand on end...but I wouldn't trade those days for anything...Air Force!!!

[@laurajolley3305]

3703 Dec 1988. Good times.

[@briannat1086]

The individuals on this video help win THE COLD WAR. Some of our country's finest citizens. Thank you all veterans

[@spiritof76forever81]

This is a laugh....the scenes are fantasy. My BMTS Squadron, the 3701st (Dec 1983-Feb 1984), is shown in this video and the TI's were nothing like shown here. SSgt Morris is shown here interacting with some recruits and it is nothing like he really was with us (neither is he shown wearing his Master TI "Blue Rope" on his hat for some reason). But, it is cool to see my old TI (SSgt Edward Morris) and Squadron Commander (Raul F. Lopez) in this video. Thanks for posting!

[@timp5133]

I was in 3701 Oct to Dec 1979 and had Sgt Morris. He was a damn animal along with Sgt Hall. I had them both screaming in my face and swearing on various occasions. It's funny hearing him ask for a 341 so calmly in the video!

[@dannybaldridge3529]

This does bring back memories for me too.September 10,1981-October 26,1981 3701 BMTS FLT 342.SSGT Morris was my TI and he was a hardass. He was definitely not as cool as depicted in this video.

[@Wooz1ful]

You got that right. He HATED me. Flt 212 March 86.

[@timp5133]

You got that right! (3701 FLT 506 with Sgt Morris)

[@germanshepherd13]

brings back many memories.. entered basic June 17th 1985.

[@michaelc.6532]

Sept, 2 1984.

[@JK-dh9sz]

apr 84, 3701 flt 254

[@StarX81]

SGT Chappel was one of the T.I's in my flight! Squadron 3723-Flight 376. 28 Sep 84 was when I first started BMTS. SSGT Davis was my primary T.I.

[@bigdannyg1969]

I enlisted in the Air Force back in May of 1985, and this was the film my recruiter showed us back then. A somewhat more sanitized version of BMT back then. Even though BMT was difficult, this video still brings back some good memories. One thing I have noticed over the years, is the level of professionalism has gone down so much over the years. or maybe it's the level of maturity of the incoming recruits and of the younger troops we are getting anymore. Miss the old Gumby suits too.

[@Wooz1ful]

One of my TI's, SSgt Ed Morris (3701) is prominently featured in this video. Mostly performing drill, but he is the TI that pulls a 341. That's no surprise.

[@Richaag]

3701 Flt 380, Feb '87. This video is everything I remember it to be.

[@jdkinman4783]

3708 BMTS Flight 275, next door to the 3723 BMTS--only two all-male squadrons for the hard cases. I can't remember what I had for breakfast yesterday, but I can remember my old squadron and flight number from 35 years ago as well as my TI's name and rank. This film had me laughing my ass off. From the minute you stepped on the bus until you graduated, on the all-male side of LAFB, you were constantly screamed and cussed at. We laughed at the co-ed side of the base.

[@thomascreary990]

Wasn't for the hard cases I was 17 when I went through the squadron in 82

[@thomasholmes4985]

Sqdn 3723, Flight 449 7 Jun 1979 / no air cond. until the very last night. We all looked like POWs, thin and worn out. Alot of material to learn in 6 eventful weeks. The Riverwalk was off limits to all personnel, due to criminal activity. It would have been nice to see that. We were given anopportunity to see the local San Antonio Charros semi-pro football team play the Shrevport Steamers. I was proud of my accomplishment; although much more was to come.

[@apocyldoomer]

We were allowed to go to the River walk and all the rest in 1982.

[@homerfry9234]

Hello fellow 3723 person

[@SuperBoomshack]

I was there in 1988, no air conditioning and you had to sleep under those heavy green blankets, it sucked

[@artlinwood4348]

I was there May/June 1980. River walk was open then. Even went on the paddle boats!

[@EmpowerUOnline]

I remember watching this in 1984 at a recruiting station in Tacoma Wa.

[@johnbecker9242]

I was at Lackland from mid June 1980 to early August. It was only 6 weeks long. If the temperature was 80 degrees or higher, there was no PT that day. They were more concerned you were folding your underwear correctly than being able to do 20 sit-ups. My high school wrestling workouts were harder than basic training.

[@robertjudd8635]

Graduated 1980 squadron 3702, flight 248, need a better photo uploaded to the Air Force BMTS page the one there the top is cut off. Love those days.

[@Khog1966]

I remember those days at Lackland in 1986. We had the olive drab green uniform just like it shows in this film.

[@mikesmith7026]

I was there in August of '81. "Airman! Give me a 341!" I was in the 3701st. TSGT Nickelberry, SRA Steiner, SSGT Bailey. That was my favorite time in the USAF.

[@mikesmith7026]

BAMA GRAD TSGT Nickelberry was as you described. At first, he was incredibly intimidating. After the first week or so, he let up and we found out he had a heart of gold. He was a great leader!

[@mikesmith7026]

BAMA GRAD Yeah, he sewed on Master when I was there and became first shirt. The TI who replaced him tried to plant clothing tags on me while we were gone to class and he was inspecting us. I appealed to Nickelberry and he got the jerk TI off my back.

[@galnhus56]

Tim's Tinkering Area 3711 - Preparing the Finest

[@JK-dh9sz]

Tim's Tinkering Area thats correct. it was written on the plague under the jet in front of our dorm. I remember it well since i had to police cig butts from around it and i don't smoke.

[@donavonarchie8508]

I'm cracking up! Got to Lackland by way of Philadelphia, PA, back in March of 1984. Too funny now that I am retired. Give me a 341 was the daily with my FLT 3704. Good times and memories except when we heard that Marvin Gaye died.

[@leondraw1766]

I was there lol. I loved the outside parts of the day but those classroom lectures were brutal.

[@robertwalton7307]

Flt.1244 Oct/Nov 1967. Seems like yesterday.WW2 Barracks T/Sgt.Gaghliardi. No sneakers,awesome time thanks for the memories.

[@inflames07]

Hey Chief thanks for your service. I went to BMT January 2010 and it was nothing like any of the videos I have seen on youtube. We were screamed at, had beds tossed, lockers destroyed, etc. every step of the way. We were actually PT'd and 'smoked' every day as well.

[@AnonYmous-jp8uu]

I went to BMTS at Lackland in early 1987 and the TI's were so intense and loud, I thought they were actually insane Honor Flight 4000, Drum n Bugle

[@SQLxGuy]

👍

[@rogersmith7808]

Wow you guys have good memories. I went in Apr '84 but couldn't tell you what squadron I was in and don't remember any TI names but I do remember one of them was a short black dude who was pretty cool. Stayed at Lackland for Law Enforcement tech school and ended up doing 20 yrs, retiring in 2004. Was a fun time but glad it's over and it's nice having the pension.

[@toddcanipe1190]

I remember standing outside the recieption building waiting to go in with our paperwork. TI says, "put'em down!" "Pick'em up!!!!!" "Put'em DOWN!" we repeated this activity for two-hours.. The sun came up and we finally went in processed in then we were taken to our dorms (RH&T). 3702 BMTS. The TI's gave us sleepy time from 08:00 am until 11:00 am.. 11:01 am: I get flipped out of my bunk very abruptly!! Two TIs yelling, screaming, and chest-bumping me. My first-day of BMTS.. Later on day 1: hair-cuts.. We're asked if anyone of had musical or band experience.. I raised my hand; BAMM!! Three TIs jump me fists in my face, screaming and yelling, and chest bumping all over again!!! Six days later I'm taken to the 3706 BMTS and told I am resetting to Training Day 01 all over again!! I really really started to cry, but turns out that was the most awesome thing to happen to me in Basic. I loved being in the Drum and Bugle Corp in Basic.. Time flew by and we didn't have to do any base details or KP, because we were already doing our extracuricular duties.. Loved every minute of basic from that point on...

[@h.v7461]

Remember it like it was yesterday though it’s been 40 yrs! Retired USAF 2008.

[@TimeTraveler8528]

Went to Lackland in Oct. 1986. BMT 3701. SSGT Sosa, TSGT Evora? This video is exactly what I remember.

[@banburypandora]

loved this film brought back so many memories greatest time in my life, best thing ever did was join, loved every moment…

[@nohandleforme....]

I didn't love BMTS at the time, but I love the memories, and I'm a better man today because of it.

[@Jefferson196]

@@nohandleforme.... funny thing when I graduated I didnt want to leave...i had the routine down knew what to expect.

[@johnbrown8059]

I was a squad leader in 3704 flight 040 in July and August of 1979. I remember going to the Alamo and being able to tell everyone with me all about it because I grew up in Central Texas and had been to the Alamo many times while I was growing up. It was SUPER HOT that summer! We would march on the pad and the polish on our boots and shoes would melt and collect around the edge of the sole and was a pain to clean. We had red and blue flag days back then. A blue flag day meant there would be ZERO outdoor activity. I was used to the heat but the guys from up north were just cooking in their uniforms the entire time.

[@yqwgjsg]

John Brown LOL. I remember town pass in 1975. First thing I did was go to the Alamo. When I got inside I remember thinking, "This is it?" Left and went to the top of the Hemisfair needle and called my wife.

[@Jefferson196]

@@yqwgjsg LOL...when i got inside the Alamo I asked the lady working there if the gift shop was open during the battle...she looked at me and said I'll let that slide as your in the AF, LOL

[@howardashenfelter8235]

I remember Lackland. 95 degrees at 5:25am. I was in the 3708th , Sep. 1966. Anybody remember Tsgt. Fincher?

[@reginaldgillam4911]

3709 BMTS Tsgt Lilley, Ssgt Burch, Ssgt Soler Feb '80. Tsgt Lilley "Master TI" and a great TI...His slogan,"Nothing Almost Flies". Met a great group of guys in bmt,,, Airman White, Airman Gaddy, Airman Bailey, Airman Johnston, Airman Hand, Airman Mack, Airman Waddell, Airman Scarborough, Airman Kunkle, Airman Greene, Airman Orange, Airman Hemmings (Dorm Chief) Airman Bonebrake, Airman Taylor, Airman Martin. Wherever you fellas are at, I wish you all well, and God bless... 3709 BMTS, Tsgt Lilley Feb '80. P.S,,,Thank you for waking us up at 0500 hours with Z.Z Top "Manic Mechanic" almost every morning. Still listen to them today, and still have the cassette tape I bought from the base exchange at lackland afb...

[@spirral9]

I was in 3706, Flight 604, and graduated February of 1981. Chow runner(UGH!) "Now give me a 341 Airman!"