Our group was met by Mr. Rubio of the 37th Wing Public Affairs at the Visitors Center. After some of the usual chit-chat about the day we loaded into our vehicle with me at the wheel and off we went. Mr Rubio brought us up to speed on the changes at Lackland and Basic Military Training in general. It is very clear that new Airmen today are head and shoulders above the past in their readiness and ability to hit the ground running after they graduate. Before I get hit with "back in my day" comments, I *was* there back in the day and I stand by the statement. The recruits aren't even called Airmen until they actually graduate. They are "Trainees" and are expected to earn the title of Airman. This is a monumental paradigm shift in attitude. They aren't given anything; it's earned. And for those who scoff at the "Chair Force" I can assure you, once again, this isn't the basic training of yesteryear.
One of the things that was very clear was the motivation of the three Military Training Instructors who walked us around the new dormitories. They have different rules to live by now [The 'HAT" can't touch the Trainee's forehead and they have to stay a minimum of twelve inches away from a Trainee when giving sage advice for example]. However, I think that makes them better. This is no longer about churning out robots to mindlessly do the work they have been assigned. The MTIs are still in charge but they realize they are molding Airmen for the future.
By the way, as friendly as MTI TSgt A. was to us as he walked us around, when he opened a door to show us the laundry room he saw two Trainees sitting down, apparently loafing. He went from zero-to-OMG in a heartbeat and let those two know a TI had entered the room and they were busted. I think all of us on the tour were saying a silent thankful prayer that it wasn't us on the receiving end!
All in all, I was very impressed with what I saw today. I'll be back at some point to take part in the Airman Coin Ceremony, BEAST field training, and a graduation at the very least.
