If anyone’s watching this that heads out soon and you do not have family that can come to you during the Airman ceremony don’t be disheartened. I was alone and had no one there for me but my friends family that “adopted” me and I spent graduation wknd with them. It sucks going through a big moment alone but always know there’s people that support you.

I hope we get a "where are they now" episode, since this all happened two years ago. It would be interesting to see if they all made it through tech school (some don't, even in "easy" AFSCs), kept their noses clean, etc., and how they feel about their decision to join up at this point in their enlistment. Bayless in particular, going in to Special Warfare, would have had a high mountain to climb to grad out and get to the operational side since the attrition rate there is so high.

Whoever directed this, or even worked on it, you are amazing. I would literally watch a brand new doc on this every year uf you had the time.

I think anyone who did it will agree: The seconds, minutes, and hours each day crawl by at a snail’s pace. You feel like you’ve been there an eternity and it hasnt even been one full week yet. And then one day you wake up a month into it and say “what, no way.” Then you experience more endless eternities waiting for breakfast to become dinner, and for monday to become friday. And then you wake up one day, shave, get dressed, and end up in parade formation at grad day. You are terrified about tech school and in the blink of an eye months later you are terrified about your first duty station. Suddenly you are on your first deployment and 6 months lasts a hundred years. Then you get your SSGT stripes and you are just FINALLY starting to feel comfortable, like you just might be getting the hang of this whole military thing. 6 years later your enlistment is up and you cant get out of that uniform fast enough to drive home on yo ur first day of freedom in what seems like decades. And then suddenly it hits you; youre out, and unemployed, and not special or respectable or heroic anymore. Your best years are gone, youre approaching 30 and still waiting for you grown up life to begin. Just when you think maybe you’ll catch your second wind and end up on the right track to adulthood, you look in the mirror and see a person in their late 30’s, closer to 40, well into middle age, with all your greatest dreams unachieved, your highest ambitions unrealized, and your grandest nightmares all around you. You were a real person for a few short years, all starting with that first haircut at boot camp, and in the blink of an eye it is over, too far back in the past to be relevant anymore, but still too recent in your own mind to be forgotten yet. Take my advice, stay in the full 20. Volunteer for EVERYTHING. Work hard, have fun, promote, deploy, train, exercise, eat right, guard your health, make the right friends, pursue the good relationships, and when it’s all over you’ll have a pension, a huge savings account, a life full of experiences no civilian can ever imagine, and a team of close friends and family who love and respect you…and you’ll still be young enough to really enjoy the second half of your life. Dont let fear and laziness and insecurity and false hope push you out the first chance you get, because youll spend the rest of your life wondering where it all went and how things got so bad so fast. God bless, and air power!

ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY. Really proud of our teammates - past and present.

Lollar's demeanor changed after graduating and getting her top choice of assignments. She definitely had more pep and confidence. I am sure she will eventually be an attorney whether in JAG, federal practice, or the private sector.

I watched all 8 chapters and now have a better insite on what to expect! I'm 38 an about to join! My Family is military, three generations worth, my father 24 yrs Air Force, 2 aunts, Grandpa and both my brothers served and its going to be an honor to serve my country just like my family has before me! 🇺🇲

Going through the recruiting process right now and will go to meps early 2022 and go to basic late 2022 I really enjoy how we get to see a first hand experience on what they go through.

I’m studying so hard and working hard everyday to be a proud member of the United States Airforce God bless America and God bless us all

Gonna be sad when this ends! Great job on this series! I looked forward to it every Thursday, I recently retired after 21 years in. Basic feels like yesterday

Never too late to make a change in life! I just turned 40 and I leave Jan 25th for basic for the ANG 134th ARW. These videos were a great insight on what to expect. Good luck to all of us embarking on our journey!

Ive been watching this series since the start and I leave for BMT on Jan 3rd 2022 super ready to start my new life.

After watching the entire documentary, I feel like I know these young people and am as proud of them as their family was to see them graduate.

I've completed basic training last week and I'm currently in tech school. I have to say I joined the Air Force for all the benefits that comes with it, I also did join for the good cause but it took me until the coin ceremony and Lt. Colonel Fensterer speech on the struggles we've been through, and our values as Airman, expectations and obstacles that we faced and will face, and my MTI saying congratulations as he placed his coin in my hand, I had to stay still in attention but I couldn't stop crying so much, all the memories, hard, funny, sad, all the struggles my dorm and flight faced together came to my mind all the way back from the night we arrived under the H room doing short choppy steps, getting 2nd Issue OCPs, doing details for the day 0 trainees (week 5) and so on, it made me very grateful for values and the mission they trusted me with and all the words they said like moving with a sense of urgency, striving for excellence and integrity not being just a word became so clear and relatable. that's the only time I cried at BMT and made me realize how joining the Air Force was the best decision I've made.

31:27 is the most emotionally charged moment of this entire docu-series. good work.

i cry every single time i see those mothers and fathers rush to their children. it has to be the most honorable and amazing feeling.

I graduated on mar 24. Best moment of my life. I was so happy and proud. I thanked my MTIs and took everything I learned in BMT as a lesson and I’ll treasure that time and energy I used. Friends and family all together. If your thinking of the Air Force. Do it. It’s not hard, just listen and do. You’ll have a great time.

Was here in summer of 68, stayed in AF 30 years and retired here in San Antonio in 98. Back then at height of Vietnam war families were not invited, we marched and then got of the buses to leave. Open bay wooden barracks and when orders came out one half of bay was medics and the other half security forces. That's what the AF needed in 68.

I’m 52 yrs old and graduated in Sept 1987, I enjoyed this new perspective view, but I also enjoyed the same emotions and feelings as I did back then as they do now. it’s indescribable but understandable to the ones that this meant so much to. I could almost see and feel everything the airman felt going thru BMT. Maybe I’m just old! But to these Airman, enjoy, have fun, make the BEST of what you have been given and choose to do the best and be the best. Some day when you are older and wiser you’ll see this as great as it was.

My son is currently at BMT ending week 3. This docu-series is very insightful on what he's experiencing each day. I write letters throughout the week to be sure he has mail to open. It's difficult to see some trainees not have mail and be able to read an encouraging word from home, especially seeing how difficult this process is mentally.

Craziest thing about Graduation.. you had to say goodbye twice: Once after graduation to your family, and then Once to your wingmen that leaves to their Tech School.

I am Proud of my brothers and sisters, I served in the Air Force from 1976 to 1982!!!! My family was very proud that I graduated basic training!!! A cousin of mine was a Captain, he took me to steak dinner after I graduated!!! I hope each of you are very successful in whatever career choice you made.

Good luck on your Air Force careers guys whether you do 4 years or 20! Thank you so much for providing us great content - I’ve had so much fun watching this the past few weeks 🙂 congratulations!

Congratulations to all the new Airmen. My son went through the same and when I saw you graduate it brought me to tears. It is a very exciting time in your life to be part of the Greatest Air Force in the world. My son was in the Security Force and loved every minute of it. He is now retired. May you go on to do great things either continuing in the Air Force or in civilian life afterwards. I am extremely proud of each and every one of you. "Aim High". You are the best!!!!!!!

Awwhhh man…the memories that just come flushing back from watching this…I’m so happy and excited for the new airmen going out into the wild blue yonder…although, I felt sad for the airmen that didn’t have family show up for them at graduation as I experienced, but just know that you’re now part of a larger family that always has your back come what may…God Speed and best wishes -D.Salick (2000-2004)

Job well done to ALL involved- from the trainees, the MTIs, the documentary crew. As a former MTI, this documentary brought back great memories. For me, at first, being an MTI was the hardest job I had been TOLD to do yet the most rewarding and oddly enough, I probably would’ve done it again.

This has got to be the best basic documentary I’ve watched. So I’m depth, so many memories (even though mine was army). Congrats to you all! And fascinating work on behalf of the film/production crew

Just graduated last week and I’m at Tech School now. To anyone that’s headed out soon: you’ll get through it. It’s hard, but you can do it. It sucks being away from your family and loved ones, but it’s bearable.

I enjoyed this series. It brought back many memories of passing through the 321st TRS in Sep 94. Much appears to have changed , while much is the same. Thank you all for your dedication and service….Airmen, MTI’s and filmmakers.

Call me old school, but these videos keep me grounded, humbled, and proud especially of the new recruits coming in. I legit love seeing guys excited about joining. Operational challenges can make you forget and skew you a bit, so it helps to be reminded, revisit, and question why you ultimately joined in the first place.

Actually and accurate documentary and props to the filming/editing. Graduated June 2021 and it was very similar (just much hotter haha). Working on my bachelors (I’m ANG) then hoping for guard/reserve pilot slot. These vids are definitely motivating!

I had flashbacks of my oldest son graduating from BMT Feb 2018, now my oldest is at the end of WOT2. Today is Christmas eve and all the parents of the trainees are praying for phone calls. I am so thankful for these videos because it gives me a glips of what my son is going through right now during the holidays. We can't wait for BMT graduation Jan 27, 2022. Aim High!

Currently at NCOA watching this. I’m overwhelmed with pride. Thank you for this documentary. I needed to see this.

Congratulations to each and every one of these young people. I'll never forget the day I graduated from USMC bootcamp. 23 Dec 1983. I didn't have any family there to share this experience with but it was one of the best and proudest days of my life. Godspeed to you guys.

My flight was in that same room getting our tech school orders when we were informed of the 9/11 attacks. This was a great docuseries. I hope all the Airmen are at a good base and have great leadership. Happy Yule and Merry New Year. Good luck to all who will go to basic in 2022 and beyond!

Outstanding documentary! I went through BMT in December 2020, and this is the most accurate depiction of what basic was like. Congrats to all who earned the title of an Airman, and welcome to the family. Special shout out to Sgt Rice, that man will be a chief one day 💪

I was in BMT during Christmas of 2019 as well. Along with Thanksgiving and New Years. It was difficult but it does get easier. You find amazing friends along the journey.

I graduated Bmt in August 2022 and i was the same squadron they were too (321st) Go warthogs 4L Flight 526. Basic was a crazy journey, felt like a movie. It honestly was the most fun that i’m glad i’ll never have again. for anyone that’s going soon… just have faith, the first night is going to be real hard bc of the thoughts that will be going around your head.. the hardest thing you will do in bmt is the first day… leaving your loved ones. everything else will come into your hands and power. so many of our airmen and officers have walked through the same dorms, chow halls, marching grounds and legacy that you will soon walk through. you will look back and be so damn proud of yourself for making this life changing decision… for the rest of your natural born lives. i was an element leader in basic training, i was nervous bc i was selected randomly by my mti but i stuck through it and found my confidence and strength. You will make so many connections, so many new friends, new ideas, new plans, new hope, new improvements… it’s a new world you will enter in, a world that is 1% of America 🇺🇸. be that 1% that you will take love and pride to fight for your country and the world. i am currently in tech school at lackland (3POX1) and i graduate in a week… and even though the training environment has still maintained strictness like bmt did, i will miss this adventure and i’m excited to go operational and hopefully come back here to become an mti to share my experience through teaching and motivation to the worlds next generation of airmen… because this is the worlds greatest Air Force ❤ God bless you future Airmen, Currently serving and retired

oh many many years ago it seems like a lifetime a go, to this day i still remember my Drill instructor. SSgt. Stone. watching these videos brought back so many memories of my basic training. The dorms the parade field. I will never forget what my DI said, you never forget me you will always remember my name and if you see me at another duty station you can either buy me a beer or try to punch my lights out. LoL it was a beer. To al my fellow Airmen in the USAF. Thank you for your service.

Outstanding documentary! Basic changed a lot since my day but the spirit is the same. Proud of these young people who decide to serve. SSgt USAF 1969-1981

I watched these over and over again before I went to BMT. Now I’m in Tech school watching them again, telling myself I’ve done one of the greatest things in the world.

Congrats! 7 Years ago I was in your footsteps. Always remember this moment no matter how long ago it was, airmen.

Thank you for this documentary. I’m 100% convinced this is what I want to do. Thank you so much.

I'm an old 3711 BMTS Troop and the feeling that this documentary gave me took me back to 28 Jan 91, when I graduated. I didn't have the opportunity to be tapped out and watching this happen always brings a tear to my eye. I still reflect on my service to this day and I proudly state my status as a Veteran of The United States Air Force 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

I watched all 8 episodes over my fall break. I loved that the Air Force showed this raw and real footage of BMT. You don't see this kind of stuff all the time. I'm a freshman in highschool hoping to get into the Air Force Academy and this was an amazing experience to watch the men and women success in the 37th Training Wing. I'm hoping that it'll be me in that uniform one day soon.

It is so cool to see all these wonderful people becoming new airmen. You are all definitely a cut above everyone else. Highly motivated. None of my family was able to come to my graduation, but, I consider my fellow airmen to be my extended family. And therefore I was not alone there. Good Job, congratulations to all.

This was a delightful coverage of these young airmen/women. As an AF guy with 26 years, it was good to see the caliber and enthusiasm of our next gen rolling through our gates. Best hope and wishes for these new airmen and thanks to this who did the videography. Nice work!

So glad to see these Airman tough it out. They pretty much had some the same experiences I had while going through BMT in 2019. Looking back, it really wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. As far as the physical aspect goes, I thought high school football was harder. But nonetheless, it still makes me proud to see these Men and Women stick with it and graduate.

Sometimes you really have to look back to appreciate what's ahead. I've been in the game 19 years and many times it feels just like yesterday when I went through. These Airmen must be groomed to realize greatness never thought possible. They must be given a purpose to understand and believe in. Development must be deliberate and sincere. Fellow leaders, don't you dare fail these young men/women. They are people, the future and most importantly not "just another Airman". Leading Airmen is a day-by-day process... We must not fail them! Go on Airmen and be great!

I’m grateful for all that have enlisted. My son currently serves and has for 12 years. God bless all of you!

Thank you for this series. My Airman graduated Nov 2019. Wow … who knew that all the changes would happen at BMT? Today, Dec 29 2021 we are still dealing with the variant Omicron. I hope a few years from now, COVID will be a distant memory. Well done Airmen past present and future. Aim High!

Great Documentary. So glad I watched this to get an idea of what my daughter went through. She started BMT just after these Airmen graduated and we were not allowed to come to graduation due to covid protocols.

Great memories. Very different from my experience in 1977 but the feelings and emotions are the same. At the time, I had no plans of doing over 20 years....but I did it and I loved it. Best wishes to all those that make this choice. Do your best, the country needs people like you.

Watching this series brought a flood of memories back to me. I've been out now a little over four years. But the days spent a JBSA-Lackland are still there nearly a decade later. I can be driving down the road now and smell fresh cut sweet grass and it brings me back to late March in Texas, marching around Lackland. Most memorable moment for me, finding out minutes before the Honor Graduate coining a mistake had been made and I was supposed to be over there. So I had to book it to get there. And the wait for my mom to find me and tag me out seemed to take ages. Of course, for me it was 7 1/2 weeks of BMT and one week of capstone before moving on to tech school. Looking back, some of my fondest memories of my time in the Air Force were during basic training, tech school, and even while I was deployed. I was also in one of the old squadron buildings, not what we called "disneyland" when I was there. And I miss it, serving, being apart of something bigger. BMT was such a simpler time. Just give it your all, do your absolute best, do it right. 331st, Flt 203 Feb-Apr 2015.

It was pretty fun watching this series, enlisted in October of 2017 and now 4 years later I'm getting ready to separate. Time goes by so quickly when you're in.

This whole series was done very well. It was like raw footage but also a documentary at the same time

To the staff, trainers and support people of the base who carry out the training...Class job indeed. Compassion, empathy was always there. 4 stood out, the names don't matter, but they were bright stars. What a great recruit squad all of them were, as you see these people become a unit. Your nation should be very proud of them...What of them now, is a question asked by many of us...

I was pleased to see there was a separate PT course for the special operations trainees. From a fellow, yet older airman, I wish you all a great career. Wish I could be there with you.

I have been watching and reading some of the different videos and replies on USAF BMT lately. Things are different now then back in '78. Longer, added tactics and just the overall feeling to me is different. The one thing I wanted to say is, I am glad we didn't have a graduation ceremony like they have now. We did a pass in review in front of some brass and headed back to our dorms. Spent the last day/night packing and waiting to find out when our bus leaves and off to tech school. I don't think my family would have been able to afford the cost to fly out there, so knowing what I did at the time, I am glad we left the next morning with no fanfare, just getting out of dodge. Saved the big celebration after tech school, 2 weeks off before heading to the first duty station. Good luck, stay strong, stay well and enjoy your time as the years will fly by.

Crazy to see their progress from beginning to end, even just drilling. Wow. Not sure why I'm watching..Navy here not Airforce, but got hooked in and still brought back a ton of memories. Some good-ish, mostly "Thank GOD that's over"

I’ve watched this series a couple of times over the last year and a half in preparation for BMT. Now I leave in less than a week and it feels surreal. Couldn’t be more excited! Had to give it one last watch.

This was such an interesting series! My husband and I attended our son's grad ceremony last week...Jan 13th! What an amazing fun event to attend! ..............Thank you, Stephanie Moody

Great job everyone! My son graduates from Lackland next week!! Can't believe the excitement i have for him! Anyone else's kid graduating on Jan 6th 2022?

Great series! I went through BMT in June-July of 1985. It was only 6 weeks long back then, but I noticed many similarities with this new version of the training.

Love the documentary. Congratulations, Airmen!

What an amazing documentary. I'm very proud of all trainees who had accomplished BMT. Well done everyone!! I'm shipping out on Feb 1. Watching this last episode made me very inspired and emotional at the same time. I'm a first-generation immigrant so I won't be having my parents joining me on graduation day. But I'm sure I'm going to make them proud.

The crowd cheer got me with all the feels!

Im so proud 👏 of these kids. Thank you, all Airmen 🇺🇸 is proud of you.

Very good documentary! A lot has changed since 1986 when I went through! Only 6 weeks back then.

I ship December 27th, and graduation February 17th, these videos have helped me expect and get ready to go.

I saw the whole series. And although I’m still doubtful, I still have an itch to serve my country and feel proud of it. I got emotional with this one! I’m waiting for the recruiter to contact me back.

Graduated last April, and started out in the 321st as a Warthog in dorm 2A1. Then covid got us knocked back a week, and got switched over to the 320th finishing out as a Gator. Man o man what an experience it was. For anyone going in, good luck, and remember. Do as your told, always think positive and you'll be finished in no time!

This was a wonderfully done series. God speed to these Airmen and all who serve in the military!

I graduated BASIC from Lackland AFB in 1970 - yes... 50+ years ago and I am still in contact with other Vets that I served with. The coin that you received (not part of 1970 basic) is more than a coin - its an entry token into the 2% of those who have served our country. Even 50 years later - I've got your back....you will never forget your service nor will I.

good videos I went to air force bmt in March 3, 2020 a few months after these videos happen and my experience was totally different compared past videos biggest part was graduations was canceled, other things were canceled classes, EOC test, airmens run, gas chambers, and few other things. With covid getting worse bmt was changing on a day by day basis since covid was spreading. If I were to go back in time I wished I went to bmt before covid happen feels like I could have gotten a better experience. Although I missed out on things what bmt has taught me was resiliency and that we must adapt to changes good luck to all who enlist into the military.

Ship out January 4th super glad I got to watch this series before going! So informational for me and now I know a little bit more on what to expect!

Excellent series! My future son-in-law is going through the recruiting process right now!

I’m currently studying the ASVAB and gonna take it next month but, I’ve never been the brightest kid in school and always struggled when it comes to studying but I’m still gonna try my best to get my dream job as a sensor operator in the Air Force, so wish me luck🤞.

Can’t believe it’s been 6 years since I’ve gone through basic training.. time flies

Airman Lollar was wrong....she ALWAYS had what it took. Am sure she's doing an outstanding job. She could have worked for me any time. Interesting to see Airman Montgomery-Conley's wife with Air Force blue hair. Also interesting to see the TIs wearing their instructor badges only on their dress blues. Wore my instructor/master instructor badge on my BDUs and blue/dress blue uniforms, but not on the mess dress. Wonder if the female trainee who was afraid of needles made it through basic training. Would have like to heard something from the TIs at the end of this segment. These men and women made it all happen, like the NCOs have always done. They deserved to be heard from. Good series. Merry Christmas!

I really liked this documentary because it gives us a better understanding on what they are actually going through.

All the best to all of them. Especially Bayliss. Hope he makes it through to sof and he seems humble.

for anyone about to go through, it gets so much better and easier after BMT and tech school

Its been 20 years since I was in BMT. Mine experience was not exactly the same, but these chapters brought back so many memories. I enjoyed watching this. I still keep in contact with a couple of my flight brothers from BMT. A few from my tech school. And a plethora of brothers/sisters/and extended family from my air bases. If you're going and you feel nervous... allow yourself to be excited... BMT is just a blink of an experience to the rest of your life!

I loved watching these videos. I’m currently in the Air Force DEP and shipping to basic training on July 5th!

Great documentary! I graduated in Jan ‘79 and only a handful of parents of parents attended. Most also had guaranteed jobs. There was no way I’d leave it up to luck and the USAF to choose my job! In any case BZ’s to all and hope they’re doing well!

I remember getting on the plane leaving San Antonio for Sheppard AFB text school. Then I remember getting on the plane leaving Sheppard for Davis monthan. When I took off I was say f this place on to more freedom. One of the things I took to heart was the messages our TIs were giving us to be successful in the Air Force.

Thank you for this amazing series I've been using it to gain as much info as possible and making questions for my recruiter tomorrow. I sent this series to one of my buddies that will also be going cause of how much it helps know what is and might happen.

To anyone going to BMT soon feeling nervous it's going to be ok even though your leaving a family behind the one your about to join will always be there for you. I can't wait to call anyone who joins a bother or sister in arms.

I graduated March 13th, 2020. I had this exact BMT, got Beast excellence but the day before graduation, the base locked and our families had to go home. Though I did not get a graduation, I am still super happy with everything and incredibly grateful for joining. I've now been in for 2 years and I'm serving in Korea on my second duty station. I trained at this exact 321TRS and I know most of the MTIs that were in this video. All amazing people as well. I wish you all amazing on your endeavors and I hope you reach your dreams. Mine? To be one of these amazing MTIs. Dream big! Aim High!

Graduated BMT a few weeks ago, it can be a real smooth experience. All you need to do is listen, stay quiet, and do as your told. Simple. But for most people they cant stay quiet and begin to test the patience of an MTI. Which can completely ruin your day.

Heading to MEPS for processing this Wednesday, and will most likely be going to BMT in just a month, very nervous but also excited! This documentary really helped me out in terms of knowing what to expect, so thank you!

Wow, watching this series brought back a ton of memories. [2010-2017 SSgt, 3P071]

From corrective yelling to handing them the coin with near tears of joy in their eyes as they see their trainees transition into proud members of the World's Greatest Air Force!

my buddy’s parents adopted me for that weekend during graduation because my family couldn’t make it and i’m very thankful for that always

I hope they keep this series going and do it again loved it !

Memories, Army BCT 1974, The Holidays were really tough being away from home but we made the adjustment took the good and not so good together.

Glad to see the 321st was featured in this series. I was also in the 321st in 1998. Amazing to see all the changes in nearly 25 years.

Ok, I watched all of the episodes and was impressed. Military life is a challenging path but am glad some take it.

Just officially became an airman last week! The feeling is like no other. The pain, the long hours, the lack of sleep, the torment…all finally over with but worth every bit of it. Two months is a meer spec compared to the years of success that you receive for all the hard work! 🔥🔥 #airforce