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JBSA News
NEWS | Nov. 18, 2009

First class of BSOT "Pipeline" Airmen scheduled for arrival

By Sean Bowlin 12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

In Team Randolph's first modern-day attempt to provide "tech school" for enlisted Airmen, the base will see two re-trainee and 11 "pipeline" Airmen fresh from Basic Military Training arriving for Basic Sensor Operator Training beginning Nov. 30.

"The first Basic Military Training class is loaded to arrive," said Master Sgt. Sammy Garvin, 12th Operations Group Detachment 1 military training leader.

Sergeant Garvin said BSOT Airmen will live in the Bldg. 861 enlisted dorm located adjacent to the dining facility. Initially, they'll undertake the 12-day Aircrew Fundamentals Course at Lackland Air Force Base, then they'll move to Randolph to train in the BSOT classrooms for 21 training days. Next, the technical school students will attend an additional 21 training days of Unmanned Aircraft Fundamentals in Bldg. 743.
Upon successful graduation, the non-prior service Airmen will report to Creech AFB, Nev., for familiarization with MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator airframes.

Sergeant Garvin explained that, during the duty day, BSOT Airmen are required to march in flight or element formations between morning and afternoon classes, physical training sessions and to and from meals, and are at all times forbidden to fraternize with Randolph's permanent party personnel.

He also said during inclement weather or dark hours, student Airmen must wear white reflective belts. While in running or marching in formation, road guards will be sent to stop traffic, which will be restricted to passing formations at five miles per hour. Cars when approaching the formations must first stop, check for oncoming cars, then make a safe passage. All drivers are asked to vigilant and yield to base pedestrians, he added.

Throughout BSOT, Airmen class leaders will be recognizable by the green, yellow and red shoulder-worn aiguillettes denoting increasing levels of responsibility. They'll be supervised by Sergeant Garvin, who'll function as their "mentor-First Sergeant." Two more MTL's are slated to arrive in December to aid him.

Those MTLs and the sergeant will enforce basic uniform standards, customs and courtesies which he encouraged all Team Randolph Airmen to exemplify peerlessly.

"We want Randolph Airmen to toe the line so these new Airmen won't get the wrong impression of the Air Force," Sergeant Garvin emphasized. "Everyone must remember to be sensitive to the training of the young Airmen. If they make choices that aren't right, we encourage more experienced wingmen to step in and make corrections."

Sergeant Garvin estimated the base hasn't seen enlisted Airmen undergoing technical training for more than 50 years. He added the founding of BSOT at Randolph AFB is a historic paradigm shift for the operational Air Force.

"There's no going back. These young Airmen are it; they're in on the ground floor, and have their place etched in the annals of history for this career field," he remarked.
His commander, Col. Jimmy Donohue, echoed his sentiment stating, "I'm excited that Randolph Air Force Base is opening a new chapter in the Air Force's aviation training."