Development & Training Flight

      Once a month, I travel up to Travis Air Force Base for what is called a Development and Training Flight. Unlike active duty, when I was essentially on my own to get ready for BMT, the Training Flight's primary purpose is to prepare future Airmen for Basic Training. 
 

     Those of us who live outside what is considered the commute area are provided lodging at the hotel the night before. While a normal UTA is Saturday and Sunday, the Training Flight is just for Saturday. We usually report to the classroom around 06:30 in the morning. Travis AFB has two weekends each month for their UTA, and the training flight meets both of those weekends. I attend B-Flight which is usually on the 3^rd weekend while A-flight usually meets on the 1^st weekend.

The first order of business is an open ranks inspection. Those running the Training Flight make sure our hair is in regulation, we have our military ID, and that we are wearing our uniform. At 07:00 we pause for reveille, during which time we face the music and render a salute. Once the music ends, we continue what we had been doing.

     Usually after the inspection we go inside and get weighed to make sure we still meet the height/weight requirements as set by the Air Force. Most people are concerned about being overweight, but there are a few of us who have to ensure we stay above the minimum weight requirement. 
 

    Once inside the classroom we usually spend some time on memory work. Memory work includes the Chain of Command, Rank Recognition, the Airman's Creed, Core Values, and the Air Force Song. These are all items that we are required to learn in BMT, so if we can learn them now it will make for a slightly easier 8.5 weeks. To help track our progress we are given a quiz each month regarding the memory work.

     We also have a recruiter's briefing and DEP checklist. The recruiters remind us about the Get One Now program. The Get One Now program is a way by which those of us already in the Air Force Reserve can refer a friend or family member who may be interested in joining the Reserve. The DEP checklist is simply a way for the recruiters to confirm that we are still eligible to join the Air Force. Any major life events such as marriage, divorce, pregnancy, medical procedures, legal issues, etc., could have the potential to effect our eligibility. Even if they don't disqualify someone, it could mean additional paperwork that has to be filed before leaving for BMT. 
 

      At some point during the day we have physical training. The type of PT we perform varies depending on the month. On the odd numbered months they administer a PT test. The test consists of running, pushups and situps. The run is over the distance of 1.5 miles and is timed. For the pushup and situps we are given one minute each to do as many as we can. On the other months we usually do some sort of circuit training. In between each UTA we are required to work on our individual PT and have to turn in a workout log each month.

     At other times we have had guest speakers come in and talk about either the Air Force in general or specific items regarding BMT. We have also had team building activities and a lesson on the history of the Air Force and Travis Air Force Base. 

 

Aside from the learning aspect of the Training Flight, it gives everyone a chance to meet fellow Reservists. With one or two exceptions, everyone in our Training Flight will be a part of the 349^th AMW. I have met several trainees who like myself will be doing Air Transportation. I know of at least 1 fellow trainee who will be leaving for BMT the same day I do, is also doing Air Transportation, and is assigned to the same squadron at Travis that I am. 

Front of our Uniform Shirt for Training flight

Back of the T-Shirt