Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley greets military training instructors as he arrives at the 737th Training Group to meet with basic military training leadership Oct. 23, 2012, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Donley met with MTIs for an hour-long feedback session in which they discussed current challenges and the way ahead. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rich McFadden)
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley orders lunch at the basic military training dining facility Oct. 23, 2012, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Donley ate lunch with trainees and gained their perspective of life in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rich McFadden)
by Nathan Simmons
Air Education and Training Command public affairs
10/25/2012 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- In the wake of ongoing investigations into professional misconduct that occurred at basic military training, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley met with BMT leaders at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Oct. 23.
"It was important for me to talk to the commander and military training instructors about their experiences, and the status of corrective actions that have been put in place the last several months," Donley said. "I want their sense of the direction we need to go to ensure the misconduct that has occurred here doesn't happen again."
Donley met with MTIs for an hour-long feedback session in which they discussed current challenges and the way ahead. Col. Deborah Liddick, commander of the 737th Training Group, said the secretary wanted to stress the importance of what MTIs do.
"Secretary Donley expressed his pride in the cadre and his gratitude for their critically important role in developing Airmen," Liddick said. "He said that they set the standard for the Air Force, one Airman at a time."
The 737th TG has implemented 13 measures as a result of an internal review of basic military training, which include unannounced daily visits from BMT leadership with an emphasis on nights and weekends, disallowing "closed door" counseling sessions, and doubling the number of MTIs assigned to controlled quarters after lights out to increase accountability. More changes are on the horizon.
"AETC plays a critical role -- as the recruiting, BMT and tech training environments reflect an individual's first interaction with the Air Force," Donley said. "Most of our MTIs have conducted themselves in an exemplary and professional way. A few have not, and they have tarnished the image of the MTI corps. We are taking measures that will prevent this from reoccurring."
The secretary said the role of military training instructors cannot be understated, as they are vital in shaping and molding each new Airman, and getting them on the path to success in the Air Force. Investigations surrounding misconduct at BMT are ongoing, and Air Force leaders continue to hold Airmen safety and accountability as top priorities.
Comments
11/1/2012 2:35:10 PM ET Me appears to have been expressing an opinion. Although it may detract from the story's overall purpose, he or she should not be blasted for their comment unless it was totally out of line.
Another Guy, Probably Not Your Base
11/1/2012 1:46:39 PM ET I was not aware we had a Basic Training Flight here at Randolph. Funny how the dining hall tray states Lackland on it.
SMSgt Jones, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph
11/1/2012 12:39:35 PM ET @ Me I looked but I can't find the paragraph in 2903 that addresses just bugs me. Is it inappropriate? Excessive? No, then it's perfectly fine. He could have rolled his sleeves, he could have worn blues with a long sleeve shirt or full service dress. Or he could have just dressed as he is in the picture--all of which are AUTHORIZED. I'm glad your humble opinion plays no role in writing dress and appearance AFIs. Maybe you should be more concerned with the reason the SECAF and CSAF were visiting Lackland.
TJ, United States
11/1/2012 11:13:20 AM ET It's the 21st century, it's smoldering hot in Texas and the tattoo is within regs. IMHO, let it go.
Brett, Lackland
11/1/2012 10:55:45 AM ET Nice arm tattoo on the MTI. IMHO he should have rolled his sleeves down like his counterparts. He is probably a great MTI but that tattoo just bugs me.
