Kudos to SSgt Galbreith. He could have been completely dismissive of Trainee Garcia's obvious anxiety by simply providing a referral to the chaplain or mental health. But he took that extra few minutes to deliver some words of encouragement; to let him know that the yelling part was a basic training tool, NOT the way it is out in the real Air Force; and to use Garcia's possession of the Bible to reflect upon the widely held belief that God has a plan for everyone. At the same time he recognized this recruit needed more specialized counseling better provided by the chaplain and the first sergeant. I'm glad this segment made the cut into this episode because there is probably a lot more of this kind of interaction than anybody knows about.

Those dayroom moments where you were this close 🤏to getting the TIs to laugh, and you could see them smiling and smirking, were some of my greatest memories of basic.

28:42 You can tell this MTI is sweet as hell. Loved trying to crack a smile on our TI's face during BMT. Helped remind all of us that they were humans just like us, but they had a job to do.

24:08 The rare moments like this one make the whole experience 10x better. When your MTI is asking you where your military bearing is while trying to hold back giggles.

28:26 I had many friends who entered the military in peace times. They gave me their address, but I never wrote. Knowing what I have learned in these videos, even though I was 18 and stupid, I should have wrote them. At 54, I get it now. Sorry friends. Thank you for your service if it's not too late!

Joining the Air Force was the best decision I made. BMT was honestly the easy part. It's what comes after BMT that challenges you, your morals, your mental fortitude. While the service has its ups and downs, if you're looking out for one another, your time will be served well. Thank you to all who have answered their nation's call even when they've felt their nation has turned a blind eye. You service is greatly appreciated.

I certainly hope Trainee Garcia makes it. He has the potential to be a good Airman. What he's going through is simply PTSD but it looks like he's been able to rise above that. I think he can overcome that trauma. Good luck to you Garcia

"the only thing you need to be comfortable with, is being outside your comfort zone" 💯💯💯

i remember watching these videos back in december. on january 3rd i left to basic and i graduated on february 22nd. basic was not easy. i understand so much more about these videos now than i did before i went in. you can tell this is at the very beginning because some of them look so sad and lonely. it does get better though! things change. you begin to appreciate the littlest of things. like things suck so bad but at least you have the wingmen around you. you will become family. i feel so fortunate that i joined! best of luck to you all! :)

Came across this and had flashbacks. Discipline and detail to instructions allowed me to serve 24 years and retire. So thankful for the guidance that I received. Once a month Uncle Sam and his cousin from the VA send me a thank you text for my service.

That mail call made me laugh. Our MTI would just set at the desk in the day room as we all set on the floor in front of him, call our name, and then dart this damn envelope in our general direction like a ninja star. Some of those damn envelopes had some weight to them too. If they were heavier than normal we'd have to open it and show him what was inside. I had a damn Christmas card that barked jingle bells from my grandpa (AF vet). I had to stand up sing jingle bells along with the Christmas card while my whole flight did push ups.

The nco at the end is a great instructor. He took the time to be human with the trainee. Perfect nco

I leave for BMT this Monday and sad that I won’t be home for thanksgiving but it’s such a huge step in my life and watching these videos just gives me even more confidence and excitement to take such a huge step toward my future.

TSgt Samuel was my brother flight’s MTI and she was phenomenal. She was inspiring, hilarious, and consistent with her expectations of us. I miss that smirk😭

In case this helps someone, here is the first verse of the Air Force Song: If you ever go there, all the lyrics are in the handbook you study. It's kinda sad no one knows it since they sing this part nearly every morning during roll call.. Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun; Here they come zooming to meet our thunder, At ‘em now, Give 'em the gun! give em the gun! Down we dive, spouting our flame from under, Off with one helluva roar! We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey! Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!

Ain’t gonna lie being away from family was the hardest thing about BMT… but 5 years into my career making staff 2nd time around, I have truly came a long way.

I would love to see the other side of the story: the flight instructors, MTIs, and everyone else. Because it’s very hard when trainees aren’t producing results. But it’s equally as hard when those in charge of you feel they’ve failed you as well. Unless they feel nothing, which is also something I’d think is informative to witness. Obviously it’s not always the case.

I joined the Air Force in 2003 and served 4 years. Best decision I made. Allowed me to get both of my degrees paid for and now I’m a corporate executive and have worked for numerous Fortune 500 companies! Enjoy the journey and take advantage of every opportunity and resource.

Takes alot to admit what he did and admit he's struggling. That was my biggest fear joining...that because of my past, I won't take the yelling well. So..I WAITED. When I felt mentally and emotionally at a place to challenge myself in this way, I started with recruiters.

That was good. Good kids wanting to do something positive. 1981 Charlie Company, Fort Dix, NJ. Basic Training. Called home crying to my mother from a phone booth on base. Told her I didn't think I could make it through. She encouraged me to stick it out. The rest is history. Retired now with almost 40 years of service in the National Guard Army and Air Force totaling about 15 years of duty days. One of the best things I have ever done. It changed me for the better. I loved it.

I remember when SSgt rice did pt with us, he motivated us all so well I pushed myself the hardest I ever did physically. He truly is such a great MTI and person who truly cares. Very inspirational

3 years later and Tsgt. Samuel is still there. One of the 3 best MTI’s I had. 321st baby 💪🏾

All of the Airmen have potential. I have heard so many times, "That's not how it is in the real Air Force." Some fields are regimented. It is very important to keep in mind that discipline, respect, and job expertise are of the utmost importance. I am proud of all the new Airmen. Thank you for fighting for us.

Is it acceptable to say, "Good night, ma'am?" And the drill instructor couldn't help but to smile, and replied, "Never." Human moments, all good stuff.

Respect to SSgt Galbreith, Garcia is in great hands. You have to make the choice to either give up or rise above and fight, always keep moving forward and you win.

It wasn't till I was out of the military till i realized the importance of all that the drills were trying to teach us way back when. I see this and attention to detail rings true

Went through Basic at Lackland in march 4 , of 1974 just 20 years old. It was extremely hot that month and the whole time I was there. Can remember everything as if like yesterday. Good experience. The Training Instructors are first class people and know there trade. I appreciate them even today.Didn't know at that time I would make a career out of the Air Force. No Regrets. Have a lot of respect for the young people who join. Hope they all do good in life. Thanks for a great video.

Awe man..I want a do-over of my BT from 1976! Love the updated barracks! My Mom was Army so I've done hospital corners since a child which made BT easier in that area (still make my bed the same way at 65 yo). Love this TI....she has a soft side and heart while doing her job. We were known as Airmen Basics then. Memories.

I am so charmed by this series. Everyone, from the leaders to the trainees, is so damn...normal. Most shows like this concentrate on the hard-a** sergeant murdering all of the recruits 24/7, and there's obviously a lot of that IRL, but there also has to be buy in to some extent. This is honestly what true leadership looks like in an awful lot of cases.

This is legit my new “show”. I watch these things and can’t wait for the next one lol. Outstanding work!

God bless that young man at the end, all those young people and their trainers.

My wing man had his phone on him the whole time. Kept me up to date with current events at the time, good dude 👍🏾

I went through Army BCT as a 19k. it gets better. It begins to be worth every tear and every moment you thought you couldn’t make it.

Respect to all of you guys from germany. The self esteem you present - going through all this and your love for your country is really admirable!

These videos are a great insight into the experiences of trainees. Thanks for posting. Thank you to all who serve!

I have US army in and protecting my country. My massive respect and thank you for everything you do. May God be with and bless you.

I love these stories. Currently serving in the Us Airforce.

Getting letters is a great feeling! Because you can hear the voice in there head when you read it!

LET'S GO SGT STEPP!!!!!!!!! Seeing her still training brings back memories man. The most fun I will never want to have again!

I went through BMT 50 years ago. A lot has changed in the ways and methods of training, but some things remain the same. This episode had a great storyline. My flight had 2 washouts in the first week because they couldn't handle the stress. Not everyone is wired the same way. I enjoyed all of it because our flight had a great MTI. The female MTI in this video kind of reminded me of him when she was handing out the male, and some of the questions from the female flight made her laugh. My MTI couldn't keep a straight face at all. Anyway, it's great to see that our USAF is in great hands.

This is getting even better so much change & still the same core values. Betting on Bayless honor grad, Montgomery connelly finally getting up to speed!

I went through AF BMT in 2006 at 18. It was the most frustratingly difficult task imaginable. Fast forward to 2013 after 6 years and 4 deployments, I found myself in Army Basic/OSUT and it didn't even phase me. Its wild how in our minds we amplify the stress of the unknown. Moral of the story if youre on your way to any of these military indoctrination environments turn your brain off, dont over complicate it. If they dont tell you to do it dont do it.

Outstanding documentary. Thank you for producing this! It brings me back to the better times in BMT.

Wow! This series is very inspiring to watch. My baby girl is going to BEAST week next week (wk6) its a lot too endure and learn but very rewarding. Hooah!

I'm in the Army. I like this basic training video. the Drills keep it professional while maintaining good order and discipline.

pretty cool to see this , go warhogs in 2013 , hardest time of my life but best six years of my life because of it. Fly high airmen you are going to make it , and its going to be the best decision you ever made.

TSgt Galbrieth was my was my instructor along with Tsgt Chang. February 2020. Mad respect still to this day. Appreciate their effort and dedication.

I like the TSGT....she had to go through when I went through...2007...she brings those chills back...only thing she could have saved time by just making them sweat the dayroom.

It’s incredible how slow and easy our basic training is when you compare it to the army, coast guard, and marines.

My 10 year old daughter is making me watch this series with her. She's got big dreams to attend the academy. Thank you for the glimpse into your world.

Those times in the day room at mail call with the TI’s were some of the best. Getting them to crack just a bit of a smile was always a goal.

Looking forward to joining the Air Force!

Attention to detail under stress. that is the lesson. EXCEED!

25:23 There is always that one recruit/trainee who gets 80% of the letters every mail call.

They're a team and will get each other through this.

Amazing series so far! I definitely recommend it to all of my trainees! I really feel for Trainee Garcia and hope things work out but it's typically very unlikely. Hopefully he revealed that info at the recruiting stage and it was an approved waiver, which is very rare but possible. I'd guess that they factored everything into play before filming to prove that people can overcome difficult situations but you never know. Excited to see how things turn out!

TSgt Galbreith really is a great MTI Source: he was my flight's lead MTI last year from October 13th - December 4th. Really cool guy and alot of the things he said in the video brought back alot of memories. This was definitely filmed before 2020 and it's cool to see he hasn't really changed much

This is a great storyline. I went through BMT in 2003, and it's crazy to see how much it changed.

SGT RICE WAS MY MTI, GOOD TO SEE THAT HE'S STILL GOING A AMAZING JOB

I like the notes showing what's wrong. I remember going to the bay and not knowing who's stuff was what because it was all just thrown across everything.

Like coach carter said “ One person struggles we all struggle one person triumph we all triumph “

My boyfriend is at BMT at the moment and watching these have been beyond helpful. Thank you 😊

I am an Air Force Veteran Security Forces. I love watching these young people go from civilians to the best this country has to offer. So on the count of three we will sing the Air Force Song. LMBO. This was every morning when we fell in formation. Stay strong and focused the march at graduation will be great.

Mail call is as important as chow time, and in some ways more so. After a hard, tough day, a piece of hand written contact can erase the pain.

Love the way his battle squared him away after speaking to his NCO about his childhood trauma! That’s what it’s all about 🥰

God bless America! Greetings from Italy! 🇺🇸❤🇮🇹

I understand Trainee Garcia. As he witnessed a crime that he had held all this time. And when he is joining the military and obviously being a better man means something to him. Realizing and taken seriously " Integrity" which envelopes many virtues and attributes. Honesty, honesty . He needs confession, from a VALID Traditional Catholic priest. The yelling he can overcome. I think that he will do much better having had that secret now out to people who can help him. His FAITH is what truly will get him through. Viva Christo Rey! A really fantastic video.

Graduated bmt Oct of 2020. First clip MTI was my brother flights mti. Great guy

it's because when training you know nothing so learning new things it's always going to be difficult at first but i bet that by the end of BMT you're gonna do things right and that's why you're there in the first place, to get trained so let's keep it up and even if it is frustrating just keep going and think about later on when you won't struggle like you did on day 1.

24:12 Best times of BMT was when we could get our MTIs to crack up a bit. reminded me of Good memories here

I remember when I was going through I hid my clipboard just underneath the mattress and my MTI found it. When we came back from our classes, I found my mattress shoved into my wall locker.

My heart aches for these trainees. I know their struggle and I also know how great it is going to feel collectively once they graduate.

It's fascinating to watch the psychology of how this all works. You forget how it is after 10 years have gone by. And after separating and looking back it's easy to see the real purpose behind a lot of these exercises. Those girls weren't too slow, they were just meant to think that they were so they'd strive to do better next time.

Was at Lackland in 1985 during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays. At that time BMT was 6 weeks, not too tough, just learning to follow instructions and how the AF operates. If you listen to your TI, learn to operate as a team, you will be fine. We did have a few guys washout but they had personal issues and the TI tried to help but they basically were not ready for AF or military life.

AF got some really nice barracks! Wow! In my ARMY bootcamp days, it never looked this new. They got it good 👍🏼

I was there 44 years ago. I did 4 years. Got out as a SSgt. I spent 3.5 years in W. Germany during the Cold War. I still talk with the guys I was stationed with as USAFE HQ. Some of the best years of my life. You go.... Dorms and day rooms haven't changed.

This is so much different than what I went through in the army. I did just join the Air Reserves unit near my house though.

My instructors kept repeating things that I still live by, “slow is smooth, smooth is fast”

Wow this brings back memories…some things are different, but for the most part nothing has changed. 31 yrs ago for me.

All right recruiter I'm 54 years old been wanting to be a marine for a hundred years. I just had one of your old boys tell me something. I've got an extremely bad hangover this morning. And I said to him I don't know about the branches anymore I used to respect you guys but screw you Air Force he said you'll never get a better piece. LOL I love you guys and keep rocking it. Pukes of billion out

I can't wait! I'm ready!

"There's enough space between Trainee (name)'s heels to drive a Honda Civic through... " I swear there has to be a book that MTIs pass around that has all these one-liners in it. I'm not sure I understand the significance of them getting to wear their boots. Is it one of the milestones they reach at their first week of training? When I went through, the only time we didn't wear boots was for PT or in blues in our final week.

Looking into the army, I just feel like this a calling but I'm sooo nervous but I'm sooo excited to this journey:(

After the first week I actually enjoyed Air Force basic and I kind of miss it. My TI's were pretty cool and it was nice getting paid to get in shape and the food was really good.

As a marine, this boot camp dynamic is very interesting haha.. very much so a differentiation between tempos and schematics conducted between the 2 branches. Nevertheless the general objectives remain uniform in a sense.

Can’t wait! I love this series! I want to join the navy but this is still a big help and inspiration.

Sargent Samuel she is pure hearth. She melts inside delegating hard orders. Good job...

Being retired military, I hope Garcia makes it.

Memories of Flight 555 in 1987. We had a person that shaved his eyebrows when given a direct order to shave! Long memories that I will forever cherish. I would love to connect with my flight members.

It’s funny hearing mti’s saying thing like hurry the “heck” up. Operational Air Force, unless you are finance or something, is flush with vulgarities every other word.

TSgt Galbreith was an amazing MTI when I had him for half of BMT. I hope I get to run across him at some point down the line again in my career. Same goes to MSgt Godwin, amazing MTI with intensity and fairness. He messed up my flight a few times haha.

I love it!!! If you want to start training like this at a younger age join the civil air patrol and go to their one week encampment! 😊

That's what it's all about, when Garcia went back and his wing man had his jacket and backpack ready for him. Teamwork.

I leave for Space Force BMT on January 11, 2022. These videos have really helped me gain a sense of what to expect, and have really quelled any fears I had before. Thank you for this series. Update: I graduated BMT on March 3 (that was fun). Now I'm at Vandenberg Space Force Base, learning the specifics of my job, Space Systems Operations. It's going really well and I'm excited to start working.

Y’all know that this was back in 2019 right? So I’m sure that they all made it but what a good way to tell and show what’s goin on in BMT to open people’s eyes and have an open understanding of days and weeks goes by in Boot Camp.

SSgt Galbreith is a good man. Retained the seriousness. Another note, you can almost feel this idea of heart sinking after Garcia asked if he can be real with him. Guess he was prepared for the worst.

i personally love the MTI that leads the flight Trainee Rodriguez is in. I didn’t catch her name, so excuse me if I’m being disrespectful, but she gets the job done all while being very friendly in the day room with the women.

Every video I had seen was filmed bad, and looked soft. Everyone was saying the air force looked softer and softer every year, but this series is actually a good representation of what it is like. I went through in 2016, and it was pretty much exactly like this in terms of how the MTI's acted. I'm glad they are just letting them do their thing and not telling them to act a certain way. Whoever did the directing for the older videos needed to be fired.

Wow! I watched the first 15mins. Excellent!

Keep seeing some outstanding TIs. See a number of different approaches, with each approach toward the trainees working. If you look at the TIs' occupational badges on their uniforms, above U.S. Air Force, every one I could see had a star on top, which means master-level in their occupational field. These NCOs were top performers in their occupations before coming TIs. And very likely many of these TIs have college degrees. The level of care re the trainees keeps improving. The energy bars are provided to help the trainees recover from physical training events. This also happens in the Marines, surprisingly. Trainees will get these energy bars for the same reason. See several trainees who may not make it, for various reasons. The TI was quite right in pointing out to Trainee Garcia that in what we called "the real Air Force" people don't yell at each other. We didn't and don't. But yelling is needed in the basic training environment to get the trainees out of the civilian way of thinking.