Air Force Basic Training is no leisurely stroll. It’s a rigorous challenge that goes beyond physical fitness. With demanding workouts, including push-ups, sit-ups, planks, runs, and more, it tests your strength, endurance, and mental resilience. Additionally, the emotional and mental hurdles, homesickness, and the need for adaptability make it a formidable experience. But, mastering these aspects equips you not only with physical prowess but also with the mental toughness necessary for a successful military career.
So, you’ve heard the buzz about Air Force Basic Training, right? Well, we’re about to dive into the nitty-gritty.
Think of it more like an all-out obstacle course that’s designed to push you beyond your limits. But here’s the twist: it’s not just about physical prowess. We’re talking mental grit, emotional highs and lows, and a transformation that’s as tough as it is rewarding. So, let’s dive into the heart of the matter: just how hard is Air Force Training.
Table of contents:
1. Workouts To Expect As Part of The Air Force Basic Training
2. How To Prepare for Air Force Basic Training To Make it Not So Hard
3. How Hard Do I Think The Air Force Basic Training is
4. Mental & Emotional Difficulties with the Air Force Basic Training
5. Experiencing the Real Challenges of Air Force Basic Training
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Workouts To Expect As Part of The Air Force Basic Training
To better understand how difficult the air force basic training is, let’s look at what it involves.
The Air Force doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, and that’s why they’ve shaken things up. The PFT underwent a revamp in May 2021, with the changes set to take effect in January 2022.
The goal?
To test to your strengths, and prepare you for the dynamic challenges ahead.
PFT Standards
The benchmarks for the PFT are designed to ensure individuals are capable of meeting the physical demands of military duty. These standards vary based on factors such as gender, age, and weight.
Whether you’re a workout guru or just getting started on your fitness journey, get ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of the Air Force PFT. Let’s break down these exercises and see how they play a crucial role in making sure you’re strong and fit enough for your Air Force journey!
| Workout | Description |
|---|---|
| Push-Ups | Measure upper body strength and endurance. |
| Sit-Ups | Assess core strength, stability, and control. |
| Cross-Leg Reverse Crunches | Target rectus abdominis and obliques for core strength. |
| Planks | Test stability, balance, and overall core power. |
| 1.5-Mile Run | Classic test of cardiovascular endurance. |
| 1-Mile Walk | Brisk walking challenge to assess cardio fitness. |
| 20m HAMR (High Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run) | Measure agility, speed, and coordination. |
Here’s a breakdown of the workouts included in the PFT:
- Push-Ups: This exercise focuses on your upper body strength and endurance. You’ll perform a specified number of push-ups within a set time frame, demonstrating your ability to lift and carry equipment and execute dynamic movements as required in the duties of an Airman.
- Sit-Ups: Sit-ups gauge your core strength, stability, and control. A strong core is essential for balance, dynamic movements, and overall physical strength necessary for military service.
- Cross-Leg Reverse Crunches: This exercise targets your rectus abdominis muscle and obliques, contributing to core strength and muscular balance. Cross-leg reverse crunches help improve stability and control, which are crucial for various physical activities.
- Planks: Planks are a stability and balance test that also engages your core muscles. Holding a plank position challenges your shoulder muscles, triceps, glutes, and quads, showcasing your overall core power and muscular endurance.
- 1.5-Mile Run: The classic cardiovascular endurance test. You’ll run a distance of 1.5 miles within a specified time, demonstrating your ability to sustain aerobic activity and maintain a steady pace.
- 1-Mile Walk: This brisk walking challenge assesses your cardio fitness. While walking, you’ll cover a distance of 1 mile as quickly as possible, highlighting your ability to maintain an elevated heart rate over a shorter distance.
- 20m HAMR (High Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run): The 20m HAMR involves running back and forth between two lines set 20 meters apart. The timed beeps indicate when to change direction, requiring agility, speed, and coordination. This test provides insight into your ability to perform quick changes of direction and maintain speed.
PFT Scoring System:
| Category | Max Points | Test Components |
|---|---|---|
| Core Strength | 20 points | Sit-ups, Cross-Leg Reverse Crunches, or Planks |
| Upper-Body Strength | 20 points | Push-Ups or Hand-Release Push-Ups |
| Cardio | 60 points | 1.5-Mile Run, 1-Mile Walk, or 20m HAMR |
How To Prepare for Air Force Basic Training To Make it Not So Hard
We all know that when it comes to getting in shape for the Air Force, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We each start from a different point on the fitness spectrum.
The Air Force has your back with a comprehensive workout schedule that’s designed to help you reach your peak performance.
This is not your typical workout routine. It’s a lineup of exercises that’ll have you running, swimming, and pushing your limits in ways you’ve probably never imagined.
Let’s dive into the Air Force’s Pre-PFT recommended fitness program.
| Day | Workout |
|---|---|
| DAY 1 | 1-mile Run – 25 Pull-ups – 50 Push-ups – 75 Air Squats – 1-mile Run |
| DAY 2 | Breath-holding Techniques: – 10 x 30 seconds while sitting with two-minute rest in between – 500-meter Swim – 21, 15 and 9 Burpees – 21, 15 and 9 Sit-ups – 21, 15 and 9 Lunges |
| DAY 3 | Run with 200 meters of jog/walk between sprints: – 6 x 200-meter Sprints – 4 x 400-meter Sprints – 2 x 800-meter Sprints |
| DAY 4 | Breath-holding Techniques: – 10 x 30 seconds while sitting with two-minute rest in between – 500-meter Swim – 30 minutes AMRAP: – 5 Pull-ups – 5 Push-ups -15 Sit-ups |
| DAY 5 | 1-mile Run – 40 Flutter Kicks (4 count) – 40 Burpees – 40 Jumping Squats – 40 Elevated Push-ups – 40 Jumping Pull-ups – 1-mile Run |
| DAYS 6 & 7 | Rest or do your own workout |
| DAY 8 | 1-mile Run – 50 Pull-ups -100 Push-ups – 150 Air Squats – 1-mile Run |
| DAY 9 | Breath-holding Techniques: – 10 x 35 seconds while sitting with 1.5-minute rest in between – 500-meter Swim – 27, 21 and 15 Burpees – 27, 21 and 15 Sit-ups – 27, 21 and 15 Lunges |
| DAY 10 | Run with 200 meters of jog/walk between sprints: – 7 x 200-meter Sprints – 5 x 400-meter Sprints – 3 x 800-meter Sprints |
| DAY 11 | Breath-holding Techniques: – 10 x 35 seconds while sitting with 1.5-minute rest in between – 500-meter Swim – 35 minutes AMRAP: – 7 Pull-ups – 20 Push-ups – 20 Sit-ups |
| DAY 12 | 1.5-mile Run – 50 Flutter Kicks (4 count) – 50 Burpees – 50 Jumping Squats – 50 Elevated Push-ups – 50 Jumping Pull-ups – 1.5-mile Run |
| DAYS 13 & 14 | Rest or do your own workout |
| DAY 15 | 1-mile Run – 100 Pull-ups – 200 Push-ups – 300 Air Squats – 1-mile Run |
| DAY 16 | Breath-holding Techniques: – 10 x 40 seconds while sitting with one-minute rest in between – 500-meter Swim – 27, 21, 15 and 9 Burpees – 27, 21, 15 and 9 Sit-ups – 27, 21, 15 and 9 Lunges |
| DAY 17 | Run with 200 meters of jog/walk between sprints: – 8 x 200-meter Sprints – 6 x 400-meter Sprints – 4 x 800-meter Sprints – 1 x 1-mile (1,600 meters) |
| DAY 18 | Breath-holding Techniques: – 10 x 40 seconds while sitting with one-minute rest in between – 500-meter Swim 40 minutes AMRAP (As Many Reps As Possible) – 8 Pull-ups – 25 Push-ups – 25 Sit-ups |
| DAY 19 | 2-mile Run – 60 Flutter Kicks (4 count) – 60 Burpees – 60 Jumping Squats – 60 Elevated Push-ups – 60 Jumping Pull-ups – 2-mile Run |
| DAY 20 | Rest or do your own workout |
| DAY 21 | Rest or do your own workout |
How Hard Do I Think The Air Force Basic Training is
Looking at this workout routine, personally, I do find it difficult but attainable. While on my journey to transform my body through rucking, a workout I did during my CrossFit workout included:
- 1 Mile Run
- 100 Pull-Ups
- 200 Push-Ups
- 300 Air Squats
- 1 Mile Run
While I did not train for this workout, it did take me 54 minutes to complete. I was also very sore for the the days to follow.
However, the key difference here is that I did not prep for this workout (I had actually just returned from vacation the day before this).
That’s why I believe that the Air Force Basic training is difficult but the PFT standards are attainable with hard word and dedication.
Mental & Emotional Difficulties with the Air Force Basic Training
You’re going from the comfort of your civilian life, where you call the shots and decide your daily routine, to a disciplined military environment that operates on precision, structure, and adherence to rules that might feel completely foreign – This transition is not easy.
It’s like stepping into a whole new world with its own set of norms and expectations.
The mental shift required to embrace this transformation can add a layer of difficulty to the already challenging Basic Training.
Air Force Basic Training often evokes feelings of homesickness and isolation as you adjust to a new environment and routines.
Overcoming these emotional challenges is integral to the training’s toughness, building mental resilience and inner strength crucial for a successful military career. While it may make training feel difficult, these factors contribute to personal growth, shaping a stronger and more resilient individual ready to exceed expectations.
Experiencing the Real Challenges of Air Force Basic Training
To truly understand the challenges and difficulties of Air Force Basic Training, let’s hear from TSgt Timothy Atchley of the 326th Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, also known as the Gateway to the Air Force (source).
TSgt Atchley highlights the transformative journey that young men and women undertake as they transition from civilian life to becoming a part of the military community. The shift from individual concerns to a collective teamwork mindset is a significant adjustment.
In the military, success hinges on working cohesively as a unit, a principle ingrained in every trainee during their eight weeks of basic military training.
One of the core components that TSgt Atchley emphasizes is drill.
Recruits are introduced to drill from day one, spending approximately five to six hours a week on this essential discipline. Drill not only instills precision and discipline but also fosters a sense of excellence that is upheld at all times.
However, the challenges and training go beyond drill. The culmination of the training is known as Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training (B.E.A.S.T.).
This phase immerses trainees in a realistic forward operating base environment where they practice wartime readiness. Here, they receive crucial training in areas like base defense skills and nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare readiness. This intensive training ensures that trainees are equipped with the skills needed to step into their roles as airmen, whether they deploy immediately or in the future.
Ian Gonzalez, an instructor, underscores the significance of B.E.A.S.T. training. Not only does it prepare trainees for potential deployment, but it also solidifies their readiness for various scenarios and locations.
The training is so vital that it becomes a recurring requirement throughout an airman’s career, ensuring that the skills and mindset cultivated during basic training remain sharp and adaptable.
TSgt Atchley’s insights provide a window into the practical challenges and comprehensive training that shape Air Force recruits into competent airmen. By sharing these experiences, you gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of Air Force Basic Training and why it’s considered both challenging and essential.
Side Note: Curious about the uniform at the US Air force? Check out this post which includes a list of US Air Force flight approved boots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Air Force Basic Training Difficult?
Air Force Basic Training is undeniably challenging, encompassing demanding physical workouts, mental resilience, and adaptability to military life. Conquering these difficulties cultivates both physical prowess and vital mental toughness for a successful military career.
Do You Run a Lot in Air Force Basic Training?
Yes, running is a significant component of Air Force Basic Training, including tests like the 1.5-mile run and 20m HAMR. However, the training regimen encompasses a diverse range of exercises to build strength, endurance, and mental resilience beyond just running.
Is Air Force Basic Training the Easiest?
Air Force Basic Training is often perceived as relatively more manageable in terms of physical demands compared to some other branches of the military. However, it still presents its own unique challenges, including rigorous workouts, mental resilience training, and adapting to military discipline. Each branch has its distinct training approach, and what might be considered “easiest” can vary based on individual perspectives and experiences.
What is the Pass Rate for Air Force BMT?
The pass rates for Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) varied throughout 2021. Initial fitness assessment pass rates averaged 46% overall, with 73% of males passing the run, 64% passing sit-ups, and 78% passing push-ups.
After two weeks of training, pass rates improved to 72% overall, with 89% of males passing the run, 83% passing sit-ups, and 91% passing push-ups. By the fifth week, on their first attempt, 93% overall passed, including 98% of males and 94% of females. Recycle and separation rates due to fitness failures were 2.0% and 0.5%, respectively, among 32,006 trainees who started BMT in 2021 (source).
How Hard is Air Force Basic Training for Females?
Air Force Basic Training can be challenging for females, as it involves rigorous physical demands and mental resilience. Pass rates for fitness assessments vary, with around 64-81% of females passing the run, 42-69% passing sit-ups, and 69-88% passing push-ups at different stages of training. However, many females successfully complete the training, and the program aims to prepare all recruits for the demands of military service.
How Long is the Air Force Basic Training Workout Routine?
The Air Force Basic Training workout routine spans eight weeks, with each week involving different exercises and training sessions. The routine includes a variety of physical activities such as running, push-ups, sit-ups, swimming, and other strength and endurance exercises. The training gradually progresses to challenge recruits and prepare them for the physical demands of military service.
