The U.S. Air Force recently made a major change that gives the newest airmen and guardian trainees additional time carrying weapons as part of their training program at the Department of the Air Force Basic Military Training.
In a Monday press release, Air Education and Training Command wrote, “Airmen and Guardian trainees are once again carrying practice weapons as part of the training regimen at the Department of the Air Force Basic Military Training. Aimed to enhance readiness, this change is part of the on-going curriculum updates designed to develop mission-ready Airmen and Guardians.”
According to the press release, the program was reintroduced by 737th Training Group Commander, Col. Billy Wilson Jr. on July 29.
Explaining the change in practice, Wilson said, “Incorporating practice weapons into realistic scenarios in a controlled environment builds confidence, corrects errors, and manages stress by providing regular practice that reduces hesitation and increases combat effectiveness.”
Monday’s press release noted that the program, which was previously ended in 2012, is meant to prepare the new airmen and guardians for “Great Power Competition.” Military officials noted that it was critical to U.S. national security for airmen and guardians to develop a “warfighter mindset immediately” and to reinforce the warfighter mindset throughout the eight weeks of training.
Wilson added, “When they march down the Bomb Run during graduation from Basic Military Training, Ai[r]men and Guardians will feel better prepared for the operational environment they are about to enter.”
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Air Education and Training Command explained that airmen and guardian trainees are given the “inert M-4, identifiable with the red flash suppressor,” after completing the initial weapons familiarization course during the first week of training. After receiving the M-4 rifles, the trainees are expected to carry the weapons throughout the remainder of basic training except during medical or processing appointments, when wearing a service uniform, or when assigned to a profile that prevents them from carrying the weapons.
“The program has garnered positive feedback from trainees and instructors alike,” Wilson stated in Monday’s press release. “This represents a significant advancement in the training process and in the professional development of our nation’s newest warfighters. It fosters the combat-ready mindset necessary for addressing future challenges.”
Monday’s press release also noted that the 37th Training Wing’s leadership has made multiple changes over the past year to develop “mission-ready Airmen and Guardians.” The press release noted that the training will now “combine education and practical experiences with realistic, scenario-based training.”
Wilson emphasized that the “renewed focus on weapons handling and accountability” is an opportunity for the Air Force to give trainees additional experience in a safe environment.
