What is Air Force Training School?

Air force training school is where potential airmen receive all instruction relevant to being in the air force. Sometimes, these programs also include basic collegiate education, but often they are more focused on skills directly relevant to being in a country's air force. The exact requirements for graduation from air force training school differ depending on the country and the exact position being sought, but as a major part of being in the air force includes working with planes, this is generally at least part of training. Sometimes, an air force training school produces several different levels of graduates, but there is usually also a basic program that produces graduates who can be promoted through service. Occasionally, some people refer to an air force academy that produces officers as an air force training school, but this term is usually reserved for more basic training.

Potential airmen must undergo the same breakdown of individuality characteristic of other military classifications. As such, basic air force training school programs include a significant amount of team-building activities and physical training. Commonly, this training program serves as a basic initiation into the air force and is a common experience that all members of the air force share.

An air force training school may last for a number of weeks, and it typically does not last longer than three or four months. The length of training depends on the air force, and it can be changed. Also, the material taught can change based on the immediate needs of the air force. For instance, a country at war might emphasize combat techniques over proper bed-making techniques.

Most of the air force training school program is usually devoted to becoming physically fit and learning how to be an outstanding air force member. This includes learning to obey commands, understanding the structure of the air force, and subjugating the body to military schedules. It is important to learn not only how to physically perform exercises, but also how to act when marching, listening to orders, or even when off duty.

There are also parts of air force training unrelated to learning new skills. The body must be transformed into one appropriate to an airman. Haircuts, uniforms, and medical inspections are all received during air force training. When people go into an air force training school, they often look like civilians, but when they leave, they look unambiguously like airmen. This transformative aspect of air force training can be more important than knowledge gained, as commitment to service in the air force is a major part of success as an airman.