History

• Women didn't begin serving in the Air Force until the formation of the WAFs (Women in the Air Force) in 1948. Under the order of President Harry Truman, women were allowed to enlist, although under certain limitations. The WAFs were different from their flying predecessors (the newly disbanded WASPs). These new recruits filled mostly medically based positions needed by the USAF and weren't allowed to fly. These restrictions were abolished in the late 1970s and the WAF distinction dissolved. Today nearly 20 percent of the Air Force is made up of women.
  
  

Basic Training

• Like their predecessors, all female recruits report for Basic Military Training (BMT) at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Affectionately called "summer camp," BMT at Lackland lasts six weeks. Like the men, all women go through BMT to condition their minds as well as their bodies. New female recruits are divided into separate squadrons, then assigned to a smaller group (a "flight"). The airmen's uniform for women consists of the same uniform as males, with the inclusion of a tie. Training instructors are not always female and are responsible for motivating the recruits to ensure adherence to Air Force conduct and principles and help guide physical training (PT).
  
  

What to Bring

• New female recruits are given a list of supplies to being with them, usually basic toiletries. These items are stored in a personal items container near their bunks. Additional items can be purchased at the store on the base. Food items are discouraged and many items are considered contraband. Every female will be issued a 341 form, a card that must be presented when requested by a training instructor (TI). The form tracks the recruit's progress, a written record of any praise or infractions that may occur. Usually TIs only ask for the card when handing out demerits.
  
  

What to Expect

• Expect lots of yelling. TIs have one basic job to do, and that's to break down new recruits and mold them into military personnel. The first few days of BMT consist of processing into the USAF: filling out paperwork, addressing medical needs/issues and getting accustomed to the terminology. Soon after, the typical day consists of getting up at 0445 hours for reveille, falling in for inspection, lots of PT, hours of instruction (base defense, marching), with limited time for meals in between. Lights out is usually around 2100 hours.
  
  

Fitness

• Physical fitness standards are different for females than for males, albeit not by much. Those interested in joining the USAF are encouraged to begin a physical fitness program prior to BMT. PT consists of hundreds of basic push-ups, sit-ups, flutter-kicks (lying on one's back while moving the legs up and down) and calisthenics. There's no shortage of running. The PT is designed to prepare recruits for the final wheel of BMT: Warrior Week, where skills are tested. The women who make it through will be rewarded as airmen upon graduation.