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Air Force hopefuls prepare for BMT

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shane Ellis
  • 315 Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Joint Base Charleston, S.C. --  The dark morning sky began to show a glimpse of light as they exited the bus, and one by one they lined up in formation and prepared to start the day. Expressions on faces revealed many were not accustomed to early morning adventures; however, they would all be awake soon.
 
In less than thirty minutes their heart rates began to increase, sweat began to pour, and a few of them were on the brink of revealing what they had for breakfast.

Physical fitness is an essential component of being fit to fight, and more than 40 U.S. Air Force Reserve hopefuls just completed their monthly fitness test.

The new recruits are participating in the 315th Airlift Wing's Development and Training Flight unit training assembly weekend. Although fitness is a top priority, it's just one aspect of the overall program. Trainees are also introduced to Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremony, and dress and appearance.

Air Force Reserve Command created the DTF program and began testing the concept at seven bases throughout the U.S. in August 2011. Participation is mandatory for all newly enlisted Airmen and serves as part of their enlistment into the inactive Reserve while awaiting positions to open in Basic Military Training.

The goal of the DTF program is to increase the success rate of new members entering BMT. This is done by immersing the new reservist in military life from the time they sign up to the time they ship out for training, which could be anywhere from one day to several months.

Since July 14, 2012 more than 65 trainees continue to participate in the program during the 315 AW A flight UTA weekends. Each weekend is a major eye opener for the recruits and will expose them to new challenges they will face in BMT.

Tech. Sgt. Charles McDonald, 300th Airlift Squadron load master, was appointed as the 315 AW DTF leader.

"Our goal is to ensure they have an understanding of the Air Force, meet BMT fitness standards, and are motivated and ready to succeed," said McDonald.

Some members may only experience one DTF assembly; however, others may be required to participate up to one year. Participation is based upon the projected BMT departure date of individual recruits.

Members of the 315 AW recruiting service serve as an integral part to the success of the program by volunteering their time to help McDonald during the UTA weekends. Recruiters work with the recruits on their reporting statements, they help them master standing at attention, and they ensure recruits are constantly paying attention to detail. Failure to maintain these basic standards has its consequences. Pushups are a major tool used to reinforce Air Force standards.

Senior Master Sgt. Juliana Graap, 315 RS senior recruiter, believes the program is already showing positive changes with the new recruits. According to Graap, DTF is an introduction to the Air Force culture which allows the recruits to move beyond themselves and begin working together as a team.

"The Air Force DTF program encourages Airmen to look out for each other," said Graap.
"It's our job is to enforce the Wingman concept and help instill in them the core values which they must live by to succeed in their Air Force Reserve career."