In early September, I had the honor of visiting Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, home of the 37th Training Wing and the United States Air Force’s Basic Military Training (BMT). I was there representing Scott Air Force Base as part of my role as an Air Mobility Command Civic Leader. Scott AFB is one of the crown jewels of the U.S. Air Force—home to U.S. Transportation Command, Air Mobility Command headquarters, the 375th Air Mobility Wing, and partners like the Air Force Network Integration Center. It is a base where global mobility begins, ensuring our nation can project power, deliver aid, and respond to crises anywhere in the world.
As a Civic Leader, my role is to help connect this mission to the community and build bridges of support. Experiencing BMT through that lens gave me an even greater appreciation for how the Air Force transforms young men and women into the Airmen who make that mission possible. What I witnessed at BMT was nothing short of extraordinary: the transformation of America’s sons and daughters into Airmen in just seven weeks.
Building Character and Resilience
From the very first day, BMT instills discipline, structure, and unity. Trainees immediately receive their basic necessities and are welcomed into the Air Force “family.” Their schedules are grueling—fifteen minutes to eat, long hours of physical training, and relentless instruction that tests their mental toughness as much as their bodies. Every young person is pushed beyond their comfort zone, and in that process, they discover strength they didn’t know they had.
The Power of the Coining Ceremony
One of the most moving traditions I witnessed was the coining ceremony. At the end of BMT, trainees receive their Airman’s Coin, marking their official transition from “trainee” to “Airman.” This rite of passage is more than symbolic—it represents unity, resilience, and readiness. It is a tangible reminder that each Airman now carries with them the Air Force’s core values: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. Additionally, a large group of trainees became US citizens at the completion of their training, starting their adoption as Americans in service to their new nation.
Graduation and Pride in Service
Graduation is the moment when transformation becomes reality. As 549 new Airmen stood proudly on the parade field, flanked by family and friends, the pride was palpable. The flyover sealed the moment—reminding everyone in attendance that these young men and women are now part of something greater than themselves. Week after week, 700 to 850 graduates complete this journey, with four classes annually entering the U.S. Space Force as well. Each one of them leaves ready to serve their nation.
Preparing for the Future Fight
BMT is not static—it evolves to meet the demands of a changing world. Over the past 18 months, training has been reshaped to prepare for the realities of future war and the challenges of global power competition. This includes the introduction of new skills, cyber awareness, and international partnerships. Programs such as the citizenship initiative highlight how service in the Air Force is not just a career, but a pathway to belonging and contributing to the fabric of America.
Career Enlisted Aviators: Specialized Training
Beyond BMT, I also had the chance to see the Career Enlisted Aviator Center of Excellence within the 344th Training Squadron. Every enlisted Airman who will work on Air Force aircraft passes through here. With 63 instructors and five specialized courses—from introductory training to advanced programs for seasoned aviators—the schoolhouse ensures excellence at every stage of an Airman’s aviation career.
The Connection to Scott Air Force Base
What struck me most is how directly this pipeline of new Airmen connects to the mission at Scott Air Force Base. The graduates I watched receive their Airman’s Coins will soon be supporting the global operations that begin at Scott—whether through Air Mobility Command’s ability to deliver combat power and humanitarian relief anywhere in the world, or through U.S. Transportation Command’s unmatched logistics capabilities. The discipline and resilience forged at BMT are the very qualities that ensure Scott’s global mission succeeds.
A Lasting Impression
As a Civic Leader, I serve as a bridge between the Air Force and the community—helping to connect the mission of airpower with the support of the American people. My visit left me inspired and confident in the future of the Air Force. In just seven weeks, young civilians are molded into Airmen who embody the highest ideals of service. The dedication of the instructors, the rigor of the program, and the resilience of the trainees all combine to create warriors of character who are prepared to defend our nation. Watching them march across that parade field, it was clear: the future of the Air Force is in good hands.
