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SECDEF visits BMT, sees how citizens become Airmen during COVID-19
June 17, 2020 — U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper visited U.S. Air Force basic military training cadre and recruits at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, as well as members of the Air Force Recruiting Service, for a first-hand look at how the service transforms citizens into American Airmen June 16... MORE

Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Snow, 323rd Training Squadron military training instructor, briefs U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper during his tour of the 323rd Training Squadron's Airman Training Complex June 16, 2020, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Esper met with AETC leaders to see firsthand how Basic Military Training is fighting through COVID-19 with health protection measures in place and adapting operations to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidance. The visit also allowed him to witness how a citizen becomes an Airman during COVID-19.

BMT safety mitigation efforts protect trainers, pipeline
March 27, 2020 — To help slow the spread of COVID-19 while accomplishing the mission of turning civilians into mission-ready Airmen, U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training here has implemented layers of protective measures to mitigate transmission risk of the virus within the BMT pipeline. Specific mitigation measures that have been implemented across BMT include implementation of a 14-day restriction of movement upon arrival, as well as social distancing, symptom monitoring, and increased sanitation... MORE

U.S. Air Force basic training trainees that will be placed in a 14-day restriction of movement period arrive at the 737th Training Support Squadron March 24, 2020, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

Defense Language Institute beta tests new program similar to U.S. Army Echo Company
February 4, 2020 — Nested in the corner of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland lies the Defense Language Institute English Language Center. Identifiable by its kempt campus, DLIELC is home to more than 400 civilian and... MORE

Echo Company trainees pose for a photo in a Defense Language Institute English Language Center hallway between classes. Along with English language training and pre-basic training, trainees have the opportunity to react with the 70 other unique countries on campus at one time.

Webb gets first-hand look at BMT, international training during 37th Training Wing immersion
August 2, 2019 — The 37th Training Wing Warhawks hosted Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of Air Education and Training Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Julie Gudgel, AETC command chief, for a two-day immersion at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Aug. 1-2... MORE

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brad Webb (right), commander of Air Education and Training Command (AETC), and Chief Master Sgt. Julie Gudgel, AETC command chief, salute basic military trainees during the graduation parade Aug. 2, 2019, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas