BMT: Student Leaders
Element leaders air force basic training include the following roles:

The performance of the flight, as seen by supervisors and superiors, falls onto the shoulders of the MTI. If they’re not pleased, the DC will be the first to hear about it. I did a lot of pushups as a result of the actions of others. The DC is the first one to get chewed out by any MTI if the flight is acting out, whether you’re in the dorm or out in the squadron. You’ve a very visible target. Around week four, you’ll receive a name tag that says “DORM CHIEF” to be worn on your ABUs. You’re expected to model the best that the flight has to offer, as your performance reflects positively or poorly upon your MTI. You’re also a very vocal presence. It is your job to size the flight (organize them from tallest to shortest), as well as to command the flight when needed. I’ve also mentioned before that I was typically one of the last ones to do anything – eat, go to sleep, leave the dorm, etc. I had to make sure everyone was accounted for at all times.


Element Leaders
When meeting in the day room with our MTI, the ELs and the DC sit on the side, apart from the rest of the flight. At the end of the night, I used to have meetings with my ELs. We would discuss the day, concerns about trainees, and write up our nightly summaries for our MTI to read the next morning. It was a good time to unwind with my student leaders, and many leaders conduct these meetings in the flight office. [You’ll soon learn that sitting in a comfortable office chair or on a couch is a luxury.]
Guidon Bearer and A-Flight Guide
While these positions aren’t necessarily considered formal student leaders, they hold an essential, visible role for the flight. In the flight pictured above and in my own flight, the A-Flight Guide and the Guidon Bearer both shared guidon responsibilities. During “normal” marching (versus Parade, pictured above), the guidon bearer stands in the position being held by the A-Flight Guide. The guidon refers to the blue “flag” you see pictured above, which bears the name of the wing and the squadron. Whenever the flight is marching, they are being led by the guidon bearer. The guidon bearer controls the speed and stride length of the entire flight. They have to be excellent marchers. They also develop some impressive right arm muscles over the course of 8.5 weeks. Every time an MTI gives a preparatory command, the guidon bearer must hoist that guidon off the ground. Any hesitation and the MTI will correct the guidon bearer. It wasn’t uncommon for us to hear, “Guidon bearer, wake up, respond to the preparatory command!” Don’t you dare misplace the guidon if you’re the GB either? We had a few incidents in our squadron where a trainee switched their guidon with one belonging to another dorm, or worse yet when a trainee left the guidon at the mini-mall all the way down the street. The big event in a GB’s experience at BMT comes at Parade, pictured on this page. The GB’s talents are showcased at this moment, and their upper body strength is tested.
Student leaders are not set in stone at BMT. If they cross the line or are negligent in their duties, an MTI will fire them, and it happened often. I was fortunate enough to remain DC from start to finish. The only time I was “replaced” was when my MTI wanted to prove a point to a trainee who was starting to point fingers and blame others for her own shortcomings. She didn’t last long, to say the least, although I was enjoying being “Jane Doe Trainee” for those few hours. 🙂 I watched a number of Dorm Chiefs get fired, as new ones would show up to accountability in the evening. I remember a new DC, very nervous and anxious, telling me that she was going to step down, that she didn’t think she could do this. Uh, not an option, sweetheart! I saw another DC get fired for mistreating her flight members and bringing food back into the dorm.
Another perk student leaders enjoy is the number of points they earn toward honor grad status. Important duties and responsibilities in the flight lend themselves toward points, including student leaders, the BEAST monitor, etc. I was lead to believe that if I was fired from my position as DC, I would automatically disqualify myself from honor grad status. Whether that’s true or not, I can’t confirm at this time. As a DC, I earned 4 points, which is the highest number of points you can get for your role/duty in the flight.
Let me know if you have any questions about student leadership at BMT. BMT is a challenging experience on its own, and while being a student leader definitely ups the stress level, the rewards pay off in the end.

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27 Comments
Tarynsaid
Wow…. I love reading these posts! You get so in depth that I actually feel like I'm there. PS: Loved the video!
Erinsaid
Thanks! I love doing them for that purpose. There's so much to tell, there's no way I could do it justice in a single post. I love how crispy sharp I look in the video. 🙂
thurstonsaid
Hi I was wondering what makes them decide who becomes a student leader? I like a challenge and it sounds like fun! Haha
Erinsaid
@Thurston – It's a gut feeling for your MTI. Most of them have learned to judge/size people up from their first impression. Be contientious of how you conduct yourself in front of your MTI. Try to conduct yourself as professionally as possible. When you're working those first few days, be verbal in your motivation of others, delegate/direct, and always partner up with another trainee when working – don't wait to be told to partner up. If/when your MTI asks you about your experience, talk up any leadership experience you may have in your job/volunteering/church/etc, regardless of how insignificant they may seem. Good luck Thurston, when do you leave?
thurstonsaid
Well I actually haven't signed yet but I'm talking to a recruiter. As I'm sure you can tell I'm very excited! I've been reading all your blogs they are very resourceful I've been doing a lot of research and running and push ups and I've memorized the Airman's Creed. Thanks for all the help and for answering my question it helps a lot!
Erinsaid
Good for you – motivation is a huge factor as to whether or not you'll be successful at BMT. Keep me posted as you continue on your journey!
thurstonsaid
I'll be sure to do that! Thanks again!
thurstonsaid
I'll be sure to do that! Thanks again!
Erinsaid
I'm a few minutes away from a new post about chow. Any requests as to what I should discuss next? I want to cater to you, the reader(s).
thurstonsaid
Well maybe something about like the physical aspect of BMT. Like the beast and taking apart the guns stuff like that you know what I mean?
Therachrissaid
After reading this I want to aim for DC! I know it will be tough but thats what makes it exciting.
Cynthia Bracerosaid
Hi…I should be going to BAsic in Jan 2013….. A Fellow Facebooker/airman sent me the link to your site because I am 32 years old and she said I;d probably be considered for student leader…
Erinsaid
@Cynthia – I'm the person who sent you here! 😉 Hope this info has been helpful for you!
Tristansaid
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Jacqueline Cartersaid
Hi, I'm a junior in high and I plan to go into BMT right after I graduate. I never actually considered the military until my brother became a United States Marine. Originally I was planning on the Marine Corps as well but I grew to love the airforce 🙂 I've actually been put in quite a bit of leadership positions and would love to be awarded the position of DC although I will admit I hold back sometimes and I'm worried that part of me will come out due to the unfamiliar environment :/ What do you suggest to do to get noticed more at BMT?
Erinsaid
@Jacqueline Carter – The best way to get noticed is to take initiative as soon as you get there. Be a wingman to others during tasks those first few days, focus on your communication, treat everyone fairly, and work efficiently and you'll be noticed! Good luck to you! You've got tons of time to hone your leadership abilities!
Erinsaid
@Jacqueline Carter – The best way to get noticed is to take initiative as soon as you get there. Be a wingman to others during tasks those first few days, focus on your communication, treat everyone fairly, and work efficiently and you'll be noticed! Good luck to you! You've got tons of time to hone your leadership abilities!
Lauren Stonesaid
Thank you for posting! This is such an informative blog! I passed the DLAB so as soon as this month's jobs drop, and my linguist position is secured, I will know exactly when I leave! My goal in attending BMT is to get as much as possible out of the experience, and I definitely take rules serious (don't care about being everyone's best buddy) so I would love the chance to be the DC. As I already expect my flight to be at the top of our game! Lol After instructing Tae Kwon Do for 5 years, I feel more than prepared. Any additional tips for standing out to be chosen for DC? My family has been in the military every generation since the American Revolution and both my father and grandfather were honor graduates so I want to stand out and be a leader as well!
AF DC Momsaid
My son left for BMT Nov 11. He was selected as the Dorm Chief for his flight. We just got bits and pieces from him about the responsibility of that position. Your first hand experience was so helpful! He is hanging in there so far. Thanks so much, Erin!
Erinsaid
@Lauren Stone – Your MTI may very well ask you all who's had leadership experience. Otherwise, your actions speak louder. Definitely treat everyone with respect, working efficiently and always moving with a sense of urgency.@AF DC Mom – Glad to help! It's a great role, I loved my time as DC!
Lauren Stonesaid
Yes ma'am! Thanks again for all the information! It seems zero week is all about simple instructions and working as a team:) I keep referring people to look at your blog because of how well the content is presented! Congrats AF DC Mom! You are gonna be one proud mom at graduation! 🙂
Erinsaid
@Lauren Stone – Glad to help! 🙂 Zero week is an awkward mess of adjustment, I'll say that! Thanks for recommending my site to others!
Jacqueline Cartersaid
I've commented before and I know it's been a while but things at home got crazy so I haven't been able to thank you! But I am happy to say I'm in contact with a recruiter and am scheduled to take the ASVAB this summer! I'm pretty excited 🙂
Jacqueline Cartersaid
This comment has been removed by the author.
Erinsaid
@Jacqueline Carter – You're welcome! Best of luck to you – you have tons of time to study and prepare!
Aimsaid
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Erin Carpentersaid
Without a doubt – part of the sacrifice.