Decisions

                From the end of May until the middle of August I was on full time orders at Travis for hands on training for my job. Aside from learning my job, I used the time to help decide whether this was something I wanted to do full time. During those three months, I talked with a few airmen who had successfully switched from the Reserve to Active Duty which gave me hope regarding my own plans. It appeared that things were falling into place for me to join the active duty Air Force. I got to the place where the next step was finding a recruiter who would work with me and start the application process. 

Despite all this, I was having some doubts about my decision. This was a bit surprising to me, as my goal since summer of 2011 had been to join the active duty Air Force. There wasn't one specific reason for my doubts, but they were enough to give me pause. I started to wonder if the path God was leading me on was not the path I was currently on. 

Therefore during the July UTA, I stopped in and talked with a chaplain. My opening question was something along the lines of 'how do you know which decision is the better one to make?'  I could see pros and cons both to staying in the Reserve and going active duty, but wanted to make the right decision. While I didn't come away from my meeting with a decision, it did give me more to think about. I also realized that some of the fears I had with staying in the Reserve weren't as major as I had thought. 

After giving it some serious thought and prayer, I came to the conclusion that it would be best if I stayed in the Reserve. It wasn't an easy decision to come to, but I feel it is the right one to make. About a week after I made the decision the Air Force announced they were reducing the availability of student loan repayment. I am currently receiving it, but it's contingent upon me staying in the Reserve. When I saw the announcement I saw it as a sign from God, after the fact, that I had made the right decision. 

As to what happens next. I'm in the process of finding a full time civilian job. So far I haven't found one, but it's one of those things you have to keep trying for. I hope to get involved with Pathfinders this year. There isn't a club at my home church, but I think the next next church over still has an active club. I'm also seriously considering getting my state teaching credentials and finding a teaching job. That's not something that will happen in the immediate future, but perhaps in the next year or two. 

While this is not where I hoped to be at this point in my life, I am learning once again to place my trust in God follow his leading. 

Isaiah 65:24

New International Version (NIV)

²⁴ Before they call I will answer;
    while they are still speaking I will hear.

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Update

I was encouraged to continue with my blog, so try to keep it more up to date.  :)





I did make it through BMT in the standard 8.5 weeks. I didn't hold any position within my flight, or get honor grad but in the long run those won't really matter.

After BMT I went on to Ft. Lee VA, near Richmond, for Tech School. There I learned the academic side of being a 2T2. Literally half my class were Reservists from Travis, most of whom I already knew from the Training Flight which was nice.

Aside from being an Aerial Porter, my instructor also used to be an MTI so we heard stories from both career fields.


In April I graduated from Tech School with a 92% and then headed home about 4 months after leaving for BMT.

Hi All!
Happy New Year!
No, I'm not Bryan but I am Bryan's dad, Mike. Bryan asked me to update his blog once in a while while he is away at BMT.
Bryan was able to call home twice since being gone. The first time was on the 18th when we were able to speak only briefly. He sounded harried but good.
The second time was Christmas Day when we were able to talk for about 30 minutes. He said he was feeling a little homesick but otherwise was doing well. There were a few tasks he was struggling with but was getting help from his fellow trainees, and likewise he was/is able to help them with things he is comfortable with as well.
Here is his mailing address if you want to send him a note. (I'm sure he would appreciate it if you did!)

AB Yates, Bryan, M.
320 TRS/FLT 153 Dorm "A-1”
1320 Truemper Street Unit 364021

Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5570 

A few instructions with the mail: 

Plain white envelopes please.

No food/treats.

No packages.

Nothing with glitter or anything that might mess up the cleanliness that is expected. 

Pictures are fine.

Words of encouragement are highly recommended! 

Thanks! I'll update as I get more news. 

Soundtrack

I'm calling this an adventure, and every good adventure needs a soundtrack. Not only are these  songs that I like, but they seem appropriate.

SCHEDULE

pulled from www.Airforce.com

Zero Week: Orientation

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

Here are some of the activities and requirements for Zero Week:

– In processing

– Haircuts

– Learn reporting statement

– Flight assignment

– Clothing and equipment issue

– Dorm and drill basics

– Individual duty assignment

– Entry control procedures

WEEK 1

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

Here are some of the activities and requirements for Week One:

– Reporting and saluting

– Medical and dental appointments  (shots and xrays) Get ready for the shot in the butt.

– Fitness and nutrition

– Educational benefits briefing (MGIB/Post 9/11)

– ID card issue

– Individual drill

– Flight drill

– Dorm preparation

– Warrior role

– Law of armed conflict

– Chain of command

– Air Force rank insignia

– Weapon issue

– Weapon parts identification

– Human relations and cultural sensitivity

WEEK 2

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

– Here are some of the activities and requirements for Week Two:

– Career guidance  (big waste of time)

– Weapon handling and maintenance

– Integrated defense

– Cover and concealment

– Tactical movement

– Firing positions

– FPCON (Force Protection Conditions)

– Defensive fighting positions

– SALUTE (Size/Activities/Location/Unit ID/Time/Equipment) reporting

– Challenge procedures

WEEK 3

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

Here are some of the activities and requirements for Week Three:

– SABC (Self Aid/Buddy Care) under fire

– Bleeding control

– Bandages and dressings

– Combat application tourniquet

– Blood clotting agents

– Splint fractures

– Internal bleeding

– Burn treatments

– Shock management

– Airway management

– Spinal injury

– Interview sessions

WEEK 4

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

Here are some of the activities and requirements for Week Four:

– CBRNE/chamber training

– Anti-terrorism/Force protection level I

– Security programs

– Obstacle course

– Weapons evaluation (breakdown and assembly)

– Second clothing issue

– Dress and appearance (service uniform)

WEEK 5

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

Here are some of the activities and requirements for Week Five:

– Introduction to the Code of Conduct

– TEMPER (Tent Extensible Modular Personal) tents

– CPR

– CATM (Combat Arms Training and Maintenance)

– Mental preparation for combat

– Pugil stick application

– Basic leadership

– Basic situational awareness

– AEF (Air Expeditionary Force) prep

– Public relations

– Joint warfare

WEEK 6

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

Here are some of the activities and requirements for Week Six:

– SERE (Survival Evasion Resistance Escape)

– Deployment briefing

– Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training (BEAST)

WEEK 7

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

Here are some of the activities and requirements for Week Seven:

– Air Force history

– Combat stress recovery

– Sexual assault prevention and reporting

– Suicide awareness and prevention

– Financial management

– Sexually transmitted diseases

– Ethics

– Evaluation of drill, reporting and courtesies

– PT (Physical Training) evaluation

– Written test

WEEK 8

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

Here are some of the activities and requirements for Week Eight:

– Airmanship and core values

– Formal retreat/Airman’s coin ceremony

– Haircuts

– Technical school briefing

– Commanders departure briefing

– Town pass briefing

– Graduation

FAQ's

In various conversations with friends and family, I've noticed several questions that keep coming up. Therefore I have decided to compile them in one location, along with the answers.


Q: What branch are you joining?

A: United States Air Force Reserve

Q: Will that be full time?

A: No, the Reserve primarily operate one weekend a month, with a 2 week tour sometime during the year. However, there is always that chance/oppertunity of more than that.

Q: Where will you be stationed?

A: Travis AFB in Fairfield CA. That is the closest base with a Reserve unit.

Q: Will you be living on base?

A: No. I will likely continue to live in Hollister. At least for the time being.

Q:Where is your training at?

A: Basic Military Training, Boot Camp, will be conducted at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antionio Texas.

Q: When do you leave for BMT?

A: 18 December, 2012. 

Q: How long is BMT?

A: 8 1/2 weeks.

Q: When is graduation?

A: Graduation from BMT is the 3rd week of February. Graduation starts on Thur and runs through the weekend.

Q: Will you have internet?

A: No. Should you wish to contact me, it will have to be via snail mail. See my earlier post, Mail Call, for more details.

Q: What will your job be?

A: 2T2, Air Transportation.

Q: What happens after BMT?

A: I go on to Ft. Lee VA for Tech School. That is where I am taught the basics of my job.

Q: When will you finish Tech School?

A: The third week of April.

Q: Are you done after Tech School?

A: No, I then have 3 months on the job training at Travis, AFB.

Q: Do you plan on switching to Active Duty at a later date?

A: Maybe. That's something I shall have to wait and see what the future holds. 

Q: What kind of Airplane will you be flying?

A: I won't. Most jobs in the Air Force are to support those who fly instead of actually flying.

Mail Call

I have had a few people inquire about communication with me while I am in Texas. The only method will be via snail mail. I might get a short phone call each week, but that won't be enough to keep in touch with everyone. I won't know the exact address until I get there, but the following is the template you can use. Once the proper information is passed on, you can fill in the template.

AB LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MIDDLE INITIAL
_ _ _ TRS/FLT _ _ _ (DORM “LETTER A or B” followed by a #)
1320 TRUEMPER STREET UNIT 36_ _ _ _
LACKLAND AFB, TX 78236- _ _ _ _ (zip code extension)

So in the end it will look something like:

AB Doe, John R
322TRS/FLT 253 (Dorm B-2)
1320 Truemper Street Unit 364068
Lackland AFB, TX 78236-6432

*TRS= Training Squadron
*FLT= Flight
* Airman Basic


Please just send postcards and/or letters. No packages, food, drinks, etc.  I will do my best to write back to everyone but give no guarantees.