News Search

D&TF prepares trainees for BMT

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Katrina Heikkinen
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  “Present, arms!” the intimidating sound of the master sergeant’s voice resonates in the air as the song of Reveille signals to the group the duration of their collective salutes, wavering as they may be.

Standing in the first row of the formation Gabriel Mota, an 18 year-old with surprisingly strong bearing, though he could withstand a tighter handgrip. Donning a combination of jeans, t-shirts, sportswear and sneakers, Mota is one of 50 other civilians who show up for the alternate unit training assembly, participating in the Development and Training Flight. But he’s been a member for six months. For many participants, this is the first time they have ever raised their hand to salute, let alone step onto a military base.

But for Mota, who’s been an active participant for six months, this will be one of his last days in the D&TF.

“The Development and Training Flight Program is a new requirement per Air Force Instruction that all trainees must attend before going to basic military training,” said Master Sgt. Maurice Everett, 434th Force Support Squadron development and training flight program manager.
“Before this program [was started] going to basic training as a shock treatment: you got off the bus, immediately got yelled. This program helps Airmen ease into basic training.”

Mota, who is scheduled to attend BMT in August, will be one of approximately 10 trainees from Grissom who go to BMT every month. On any given month the program gains 10 to 15 new trainees. With such high turnover rate, Everett’s role requires an all-encompassing approach.

“For most of the trainees, I am the first Airman or even military member they have ever met,” Everett said. “My role is the focal point for whatever the new trainee needs to get them to basic training, and my goal is to get them trained well because there’s things they need to know, get them in great physical condition, with a high degree of morale and discipline and the right mental mindset.”

According to Everett, a typical weekend of D&TF includes a report time of 7:30 a.m. immediately followed by weight and waist measurements to ensure all trainees are within Air Force standards. Trainees are then inspected for dress and appearance in which they practice their reporting statements. Then comes the physical training assessment, knowledge studying, and various lessons on finances, customs and courtesies and drill movements.

Everett, who started his Air Force career 25 years ago as an aerial space ground equipment mechanic, served four years on active duty before separating from the Air Force. Seven years later he joined the Air Force Reserve as a quality assurance technician assigned to the 434th Maintenance Squadron before taking the new position as the D&TF manager in February.

“I think I’m a good fit for the position because I have been in just about every trainee’s position,” Everett added. “I’ve been unemployed, in the Reserves, employed and in the Reserves, I started out active duty. I think I have a pretty good idea of what each and every one of those trainees are feeling when they come here every month and having that experience allows me to guide them through this military experience.
Many are not quite sure if they’ve made the right decision and I want to reassure them that they can stick with this and see it the whole way through.”

While undoubtedly many trainees attending Air Force BMT may experience feelings of uncertainty as they step into unchartered territories, the Grissom D&TF not only prepares them for the unexpected, it also offers insight into the bigger picture of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“The primary mission of D&TF is to prepare trainees for BMT, but D&TF doesn't just prepare trainees for BMT by teaching basic drill or Air Force knowledge,” Everett added. “It also gives trainees a sneak peek at the actual job they will perform when they come back to Grissom and how their efforts support the overall mission of Grissom. I hope that allowing the trainees to see how their efforts support the overall mission will motivate them to stay with us and become the best Airmen, NCO, or officer they can be.”

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.
Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.

Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer