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General rule: The most recent BMT information email, orders, amended orders, and instructions provided during out-processing or training control what applies. This FAQ explains the local process in more detail but does not replace newer written guidance.
Packing And Travel · Understanding Orders And Follow-On Training · Ship-Day Reporting And Out-Processing · Pre-Departure Changes And Medical Readiness · Pay, Benefits, Insurance, And Personal Arrangements · During BMT And Graduation · Family Emergencies And Contacts
Packing And Travel
What should I pack for BMT?
Once your flight chief (TSgt Wells) knows that you have a ship date, you will receive a BMT information email. That email will include a document containing an explicit packing list of everything you should bring. Use that document rather than trying to create a separate packing list from memory or from unofficial sources.
Bag size and extra items: Keep everything in a carry-on-sized bag. You may bring a couple of extra items, such as underwear, deodorant, or PT socks, but BMT staff will decide whether they are allowed. Anything not allowed will be placed back in your bag and secured in a locked storage facility until graduation; it will not be thrown away or wasted. A few extras are reasonable, but do not overpack.
Documents: Bring every document identified in the BMT information email. Bring the original documents; under the current local process, you do not need to bring separate copies. The original documents will be locked up and kept safe during training.
Can I bring my phone, smartwatch, laptop, headphones, or other electronics?
Yes, but keep electronics limited to smaller items such as your phone, smartwatch, and possibly earbuds. Recognize that these items will be stored in a secure facility during training and will not remain in your possession for normal use.
Phone battery: Make sure your phone is fully charged when you arrive at the USO. At some point, you will be instructed to turn it off, and it may remain in storage until you are told to use it again. Arriving with a full charge helps ensure that battery power is available when phone use is authorized.
Larger electronics and technical school items: For larger electronics, such as laptops or gaming systems, and other belongings you want during technical training, package them in a box and leave them with a trusted family member or friend. After you arrive at technical school and receive a mailing address, you can provide that address and have the box mailed to you.
Do I need to purchase my own airline ticket, and when will I receive my itinerary?
No. Your itinerary and the travel associated with that itinerary, including the return home, are detailed through your orders. Travel to and from the duty locations listed on the orders will be covered. You should not purchase separate travel unless you are specifically directed to do so.
Traveling from more than 50 miles away: Trainees traveling from more than 50 miles away are authorized to stay overnight on the Monday immediately before their ship date. If you are traveling from out of state, you will fly into Colorado Springs Airport (COS) and stay in a hotel in a manner similar to a typical UTA. Save every receipt for travel expenses associated with your ship date and keep those receipts until you return from your orders. After you return, your respective unit will assist you with submitting a reimbursement request using the saved receipts.
Section D – Duty Locations: Near the beginning of the orders, Section D lists every duty location to which you are expected to be sent.
Page 3 – Rental Vehicle authorization: The paragraph titled "Rental Vehicle authorization" repeats the locations and adds the dates or date ranges showing when you will be at each location and how many days are scheduled there.
Timing of the flight itinerary: The final airline itinerary is not normally available to you or your flight chief (TSgt Wells) until the end of ship-day out-processing. It is intentionally released after you have completed the required checks and it is confirmed that you are leaving that day.
What happens if my flight is delayed, canceled, or changed?
BMT will be tracking your flight because BMT purchased the ticket. No matter what happens, notify your flight chief (TSgt Wells) immediately by text message or phone call.
Short delay: If the delay is only a few hours, follow the airline’s guidance and continue to BMT as soon as possible.
Delay until the next day: If you are delayed until the next day, ask whether the airline can place you on a different flight at no additional cost.
Cancellation or flight change: For a cancellation or changed flight, notify your flight chief (TSgt Wells), explain the situation to the airline, and ask whether the airline can get you to BMT another way without additional expense.
Do not make unauthorized purchases: Do not spend government funds or purchase replacement travel yourself. You are not authorized to make those purchases.
What receipts should I save, and how should I store them?
Save the receipts for expenses you acquire during military orders that are related to travel, such as airline tickets, rideshares, hotels, and parking. Keep the receipts stored safely until you return from technical school. Your unit can then assist with processing the eligible expenses for reimbursement. The process is similar to the reimbursement rules you have already experienced when traveling to UTAs for the Development and Training Flight.
What should I do if I lose my orders, identification, or wallet while traveling?
If you lose your orders, a new copy can be sent to you. As part of the normal process, a copy should already have been sent to you through DoD SAFE and saved to your phone so it can be reprinted if necessary.
Civilian cards and identification: If you lose your normal civilian cards or identification, follow the usual process for reporting the loss and obtaining replacements.
Military CAC: If the loss includes your military Common Access Card (CAC), contact an ID card office, similar to the process you followed when you first joined and received your CAC.
Understanding Orders And Follow-On Training
How will follow-on training, changes to my orders, and return reporting work?
The orders provide the basic information available at the time they are issued. If anything changes, you will be notified and given a new or amended copy of the orders. Information about follow-on training and where you must report will continue to be provided as you move through the process.
Group versus individual travel: You will often be traveling or reporting with a group. In that situation, the group will normally be told what to do together, and trainees can help one another follow the instructions. If you are traveling or reporting individually, there will generally be a Reserve liaison or another knowledgeable person at the location who can guide you to the correct place.
Important: Use the newest orders and the newest instructions you receive. Do not assume that an earlier location, date, or reporting instruction is still correct after an amendment is issued.
What information should I verify when I receive my orders?
Start with the first page. Make sure the address is correct and verify your name and other personal identifying information. If something is wrong, report it rather than assuming it will correct itself later.
Flight chief contact information: Near the end of your orders, look for the section titled "Instructions upon completion of technical training." One of the paragraphs in that section contains the contact information for your flight chief (TSgt Wells).
Travel information: Review Section D – Duty Locations near the beginning of the orders and Page 3 – Rental Vehicle authorization. Together, they show the duty locations, applicable dates, and scheduled time at each location.
Can I take leave between BMT and technical training?
Unless you are completing a split tour, meaning technical school will occur at a later date after BMT graduation, the answer is no. Your BMT graduation date and technical-school start date are intentionally aligned, and taking leave between them would disrupt the training schedule and create additional problems.
Holiday Exodus leave: There may be an opportunity for Exodus leave if you are attending technical school during the holidays. Eligibility depends on several criteria, and the details will be discussed with you if they apply to your situation.
What happens when I leave BMT for technical training?
The transition should be fairly fluid. If air travel is required, BMT will take you to the airport and you will fly to your next training location or home, depending on your orders. If you will be transported by bus, you will be told where to report and when to be there.
Arrival at the next location: When you arrive at the next training location, representatives will normally meet or guide you to the next location. Otherwise, you will already have been given explicit instructions that have been used successfully with many students. Many trainees have completed this same transition, and the established process is intended to reduce the chance of anyone becoming lost.
When will I know my actual technical-school graduation and return dates?
When you receive your BMT orders, they will also include your technical-school dates. The primary exception is split training. Your orders will also account for the leave you are expected to have earned.
Orders reference: A separate training resource explaining how to understand your orders is currently being created and will be attached to this FAQ when it is complete.
What happens when I finish technical training and return home?
During BMT out-processing, a calendar reminder will be placed on your phone instructing you to email your flight chief (TSgt Wells) and MSgt McEachern. They will use that notification to schedule your return in-processing.
Traveling trainees: If you are a traveling trainee, you should be sent home from technical school and your in-processing appointment will be scheduled during your next UTA.
Colorado-area trainees: If you are local to Colorado, you will likely be asked to stop by briefly to in-process and receive any additional instructions regarding your leave.
Ship-Day Reporting And Out-Processing
What time and where do I report on ship day?
Report to the Peterson SFB Visitor Center at 0815 on your ship date.
Why will I receive two calendar invitations for ship-day out-processing?
For BMT ship-day out-processing at the 302nd Airlift Wing, you should expect two separate calendar invitations. One invitation will come from your flight chief (TSgt Wells), and the other will come from the Force Support Squadron (FSS). Accept both invitations. Your flight chief and FSS have different responsibilities during out-processing, so each invitation tracks a separate part of the same ship-day process.
If the FSS invitation has not arrived: Do not worry as long as your flight chief (TSgt Wells) has confirmed that you are being tracked. Your flight chief will communicate with FSS and make sure FSS has the information and documents needed for your out-processing.
What do we wear to out-processing for BMT?
Wear professional-looking jeans and a plain shirt. Avoid Air Force-affiliated clothing. Choose muted colors rather than neon colors or anything else that draws unnecessary attention. The goal is to blend in while still looking neat and professional. The blue Reserve shirt is not required.
Can my family come to out-processing or the airport?
Your family may drop you off for out-processing. If they wish to wait while you complete out-processing, they may meet you again at the airport afterward.
What should I bring on ship day, and what happens during out-processing?
Bring everything identified in the BMT information email, including the packed items and the required original documents.
Process: The out-processing sequence is expected to be:
Go to Building 625 and obtain the required checklist.
Go to medical. Medical will confirm that you still meet the applicable weight and health standards and determine whether anything new needs to be addressed.
Go to finance. Finance will double- and triple-check the records to make sure the financial information is in order.
Receive a briefing from your flight chief (TSgt Wells) and the lead recruiter. The purpose is to confirm that you understand what you need, that the process with the Air Force has gone smoothly so far, and that you have the reporting instructions for arrival in San Antonio.
Return to Building 625 and receive the packet of orders and related documents needed for in-processing at BMT.
Receive the final flight itinerary. The itinerary is not expected earlier because it is not needed until all out-processing requirements are complete and it is confirmed that you are actually departing.
Travel to the airport with your flight chief (TSgt Wells) in a government vehicle.
Departure photo: Your flight chief (TSgt Wells) generally takes a photo of the individual trainee or the group at the airport as a memorial of the day they left. Trainees may request another reasonable and appropriate way to make the departure more memorable.
Pre-Departure Changes And Medical Readiness
What should I do if something changes before I leave?
Communicate with both your flight chief (TSgt Wells) and your recruiter at the same time, as soon as anything comes up. Do not notify only one of them and assume the information will automatically reach the other person.
Examples: This includes address changes, new leases, and anything that could affect your pay, health, eligibility, records, or ability to ship. Early communication gives the team time to determine whether records or orders need to be updated.
What happens if I become sick, injured, or fail to meet weight standards before shipping?
These issues can affect your eligibility to ship and must be reported immediately to both your flight chief (TSgt Wells) and your recruiter.
Severe acute illness: If you develop a severe acute illness, you will need a doctor’s note. You will lose your current ship date and will have to wait for another ship date.
Injury: You will have to be medically examined to determine whether you still meet the qualifications to join the military. Depending on the injury, this could result in a discharge. It is highly recommended that you avoid high-risk activities before shipping.
Weight standards: Failure to meet the required weight standards will result in a discharge and an inability to rejoin the military in any branch. If weight is a concern, your ship date needs to be pulled 45 days before departure, and no less than 30 days before departure, to provide additional time to lose weight and meet the standards.
Pay, Benefits, Insurance, And Personal Arrangements
What personal and financial arrangements should I make before BMT?
Prepare for the possibility that you will not be able to manage normal personal business on your usual schedule. Set up automatic payments for every recurring bill that can be placed on autopay, and verify that the payment method and account balance will remain valid while you are away.
Trusted person: Identify a trustworthy person who can monitor or help with finances if necessary. This may be a parent, another family member, or a trusted friend. The right person depends on your situation.
SCRA: After receiving military orders, contact banks, lenders, landlords, and other applicable organizations to ask about Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protections. Possible protections include reduced interest rates on qualifying obligations and the ability to terminate certain leases. The exact benefit and required documentation depend on the account and the orders.
Family: Give a trusted family member a securely stored copy of the orders in case a Red Cross notification becomes necessary. The family may also be given the government cell phone number for your flight chief (TSgt Wells) for emergency coordination.
Employer and college: Provide a copy of the orders to your civilian employer and, when applicable, your college so each organization has documentation of the military obligation.
Vehicles and pets: Arrange for a responsible person to care for vehicles, pets, and any other ongoing responsibility. Create a backup plan as well. A person who originally agrees to help may become unavailable immediately before or during training, and a backup prevents that change from becoming an unnecessary last-minute stressor.
When should I expect my first paycheck, and what should I do if the amount is wrong?
You will not have access to review your pay deposits while you are at BMT. If you have selected a trusted family member or friend to monitor your bank account, use caution when deciding what access to provide. If that person does not see your pay arrive on the typical 1st and 15th of the month, the person may contact your flight chief (TSgt Wells).
If a pay problem is reported: Your flight chief (TSgt Wells) will contact finance and work the issue in the background, with the goal of having the missing or incorrect pay resolved by the time you graduate.
How are pay, allowances, BAH, and other dependent or housing entitlements handled?
All pay and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) matters are double- and triple-checked before you leave. There should not be any issues, but corrections can still be made during training if a family member notifies your flight chief (TSgt Wells), or after you graduate if you identify a discrepancy.
What happens to my civilian health insurance, vehicle insurance, and other recurring coverage while I am gone?
Review your civilian health insurance, vehicle insurance, and other recurring coverage before leaving. Your military health-care coverage changes when qualifying orders begin, but the exact TRICARE plan for each eligible family member depends on where that person lives. Review the TRICARE question below, verify the enrollment and effective date, and confirm the consequences with the civilian insurer before canceling or pausing any coverage.
Vehicle and other coverage: If your vehicle will not be driven, provide your orders to the insurance company and ask whether the policy can be paused or otherwise reduced. Similar options may apply to other recurring coverage. Contact each company and ask what can be done to reduce your expenses during training.
Before making changes: Confirm the effective dates and consequences with the applicable provider before canceling or changing any coverage.
What happens to TRICARE coverage for me and my family when my orders begin?
For BMT and technical-training orders lasting more than 30 consecutive days, you receive active-duty medical benefits when your orders begin and your eligibility is updated in DEERS. The service member is covered under a TRICARE Prime option. Eligible family members who are already registered in DEERS are automatically enrolled according to where they live: TRICARE Prime when they live in a Prime Service Area, or TRICARE Select when they live outside a Prime Service Area. Family members normally have 90 days from the automatic enrollment date to make an eligible plan change. Verify each family member’s enrollment after the orders begin instead of assuming that everyone was placed in the same plan.
Primary care manager: You may need to contact the TRICARE regional contractor or the assigned military clinic to confirm or request a primary care manager (PCM). Once the PCM is assigned, contact that clinic’s scheduling line to make the first appointment. The correct scheduling number depends on the assigned clinic, so use the clinic’s official website or the number provided by TRICARE rather than relying on an unrelated search result.
Routine appointments and online access: For later routine care, call the PCM or clinic to schedule an appointment. When the assigned military hospital or clinic supports it, you may also use the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to request or book appointments, exchange messages, and review health information. Care outside the PCM and many specialty services may require a referral under TRICARE Prime.
Emergency care: For a true emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not delay emergency care to call ahead, and no referral or preauthorization is required. If you are enrolled in a TRICARE Prime plan, contact your PCM within 24 hours or the next business day after receiving emergency care. Give the PCM the emergency-room discharge instructions, doctor’s notes, and other records as soon as possible so follow-up care and any required referrals can be coordinated.
Urgent but nonemergency care: Urgent-care rules depend on whether the patient is the active-duty member or a family member and on the specific TRICARE plan. Before using an urgent-care center, confirm that the facility is TRICARE-authorized and check whether a referral is required. Calling TRICARE or the PCM first can prevent unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.
Current TRICARE information: National Guard and Reserve eligibility | TRICARE regions and contractors | Appointments and PCM guidance | MHS GENESIS Patient Portal | Emergency care
During BMT And Graduation
How will communication with my family work during BMT?
You will receive your mailing address after you arrive. Under the current local expectation, you will be authorized two very short calls during the first week or two of BMT. These calls are not expected to be opportunities for a normal conversation.
What the calls are for: The MTI will provide information for you to read. You should expect to say hello, read the information, say goodbye, and hang up. The information will normally confirm that you arrived safely and provide details such as your mailing address. Family members should be prepared to listen and write down the information instead of trying to begin a longer conversation.
Can my family send packages during BMT?
Family members may send letters, but they are highly discouraged from sending packages or other items during BMT. Items may be taken away or placed in storage until after BMT. Family members should save those items for graduation or wait until you have arrived at technical school and received a mailing address.
How should my family address letters to me?
During your brief scripted call, you will provide your family with your mailing address and the instructions for sending mail to you. If the address is written down incorrectly, your family can use the return-address information from the first letter you send home and reply to that mailbox.
Why letters matter: Look for opportunities to stay connected through letters. That connection can provide a sense of normalcy and emotional support while you move through training.
Do I graduate on Wednesday/Thursday or Friday?
For family travel planning, your family and friends should plan to arrive on Tuesday and stay through Friday. The public graduation events take place on Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday includes the Airman’s Run and the Coin Ceremony and Retreat. Thursday includes the Graduation Parade.
Graduation day versus departure day: The current official BMT website identifies Thursday as Graduation Day. Friday is normally the departure day, when graduates leave BMT and ship to the next training location shown on their orders. Under the local process described for this FAQ, the trainee’s certificate of completion is expected to be handed to the trainee by the Friday departure. The practical distinction is that Wednesday and Thursday are the ceremony days, Thursday is the official graduation day, and Friday is the final BMT departure and movement day.
Current schedule and event details: Air Force Basic Military Training Graduation Information. Check this page and the trainee’s current instructions before making nonrefundable travel arrangements because dates can change.
Family Emergencies And Contacts
What should my family do if there is a genuine emergency while I am at BMT?
Your family should keep a copy of your orders and contact the American Red Cross Hero Care Network. The Red Cross will collect and verify the information and determine whether the situation qualifies for an emergency notification. The verified notification is then transmitted to the appropriate military command so a decision can be made about emergency leave.
What may happen next: Based on the local process described for this FAQ, the trainee may choose whether to act on an approved emergency-leave opportunity. If the trainee leaves BMT, the expected absence may be approximately one week, the trainee may be responsible for the travel expense, and the trainee will likely need to join a different flight when returning. Using an approved emergency process is not treated as punishment, although it may change the training and graduation timeline.
Policy distinction to retain: The American Red Cross verifies the emergency; it does not authorize military leave. The commander makes the leave decision. The exact leave duration, financial assistance, travel responsibility, and training consequences should be confirmed under the policy in effect when the emergency occurs.
American Red Cross Hero Care Network: 877-272-7337 (24 hours a day). Emergency communication information
Where should my family find unit-specific emergency contact information?
Before departure, provide your family with the government cell phone number for your flight chief (TSgt Wells) and keep it with the securely stored copy of your orders. Your flight chief can help the family understand whom to call, but a genuine emergency requiring official notification should still be processed through the Red Cross.
Who should I contact when I have a question that is not answered here?
Contact both your flight chief (TSgt Wells) and your recruiter at the same time. This is especially important when the question or concern could affect shipping, health, pay, housing, or your orders.
Working draft revised 21 September 2026. Review local contact information and current unit/BMT policy before distribution.
302 AW D&T Flight 