Practice Weapons Boost USAF Basic Trainees' Readiness
by U.S. Air Force Christa D'Andrea, 37th Training Wing
August 15, 2024 Airmen and Guardian trainees are once again carrying practice weapons as part of the training regimen at the Department of the Air Force Basic Military Training.
Aimed to enhance readiness, this change is part of the on-going curriculum updates designed to develop mission-ready Airmen and Guardians. 
August 2, 2024 - U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training trainees carry weapons at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Beginning on July 29, 2024, Col. Billy Wilson Jr., 737th Training Group commander, launched a weapons handling initiative. From now on, BMT trainees will carry weapons throughout their 7.5 weeks of training to instill a profession of arms and a warrior mindset into the future Airmen. JBSA-Lackland is home to USAF BMT where enlisted civilians are transformed into capable Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by (Image created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Air Force photo by Ava Leone, 37th Training Wing.)
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The 737th Training Group Commander, Col. Billy Wilson Jr., reinstituted the Trainer Weapon Program, which began July 29 2024.
“Incorporating practice weapons into realistic scenarios in a controlled environment builds confidence, corrects errors, and manages stress by providing regular practice that reduces hesitation and increases combat effectiveness,” Wilson said.
The program previously phased out around the 2012 timeframe. However, according to 737 TRG leadership, as the Air Force continues to prepare new Airmen and Guardians for Great Power Competition, it’s crucial for National Security to inculcate a warfighter mindset immediately upon arrival to Zero Week; and to reinforce that mindset through the additional seven training weeks, ultimately allowing trainees to showcase that skillset during their culmination exercise — PACER FORGE.
“When they march down the Bomb Run during graduation from Basic Military Training, Airmen and Guardians will feel better prepared for the operational environment they are about to enter,” Wilson added
Trainees are issued the inert M-4, identifiable with the red flash suppressor, following their initial weapons familiarization course, which occurs in the first training week. Once issued, trainees will carry the weapons throughout BMT; except when at medical and processing appointments, when wearing any combination of the service uniform, or when on a profile that prevents them from carrying it. When in the dorm, the weapons are stored in their assigned wall lockers.
Military Training Instructors administer the program within their flights. The MTIs guide the trainees to develop a sense of ownership for their weapon.
“The program has garnered positive feedback from trainees and instructors alike,” Wilson said. “This represents a significant advancement in the training process and in the professional development of our nation’s newest warfighters. It fosters the combat-ready mindset necessary for addressing future challenges.”
Over the past year, the leadership of the 37th Training Wing has implemented progressive changes to develop mission-ready Airmen and Guardians. These changes combine education and practical experiences with realistic, scenario-based training.
“The renewed focus on weapons handling and accountability represents another opportunity for skill reinforcement, allowing trainees to gain valuable experience in a safe practice environment,” Wilson stated. Our Valiant Troops | I Am The One | Veterans | Citizens Like Us U.S. Air Force | Air National Guard | U.S. Air Force Gifts | U.S. Department of Defense | |
