Air Force Tech School Information

by Qyou Stoval

After successful completion of Air Force Boot camp -- also called basic military training, or BMT -- you still have another hurdle to jump: Air Force technical school. BMT is your indoctrination into the Air Force. Technical school is an accelerated training program for your Air Force specialty code, or AFSC. You will gain hands-on experience, and receive credits toward your Community College of the Air Force associates degree.

Technical School Length

The length of time you will be in tech school is dependent on your AFSC. For example, aspiring crypto-linguists can spend up to two years in technical school. However, those in other fields can be in tech school for as little as six weeks. The typical tech school schedule is Monday through Friday with weekends off. Hours and duty days can vary depending on your AFSC. Like BMT, medical, behavioral or academic issues can cause you to be “recycled” or removed from the program.

Technical School Life

Tech school gives you more freedom than you had in boot camp. There is no military training instructor to tell you when to wake up. The hours you go to the dining facilities will be up to you, and you can participate in base activities like the gym and theater. Most tech schools require you to be in uniform during the duty day and require you to march to and from class in details, elements or flights. Though there aren’t dorm chiefs in tech school, there are airman leaders. Airman leaders are usually designated by a rope of different colors worn on the left shoulder. You will still have to do physical training multiple times per week and can expect to have monthly physical training appraisals.

Phase System

Some Air Force tech schools are still under the phase system. The phase system gives airmen more freedom as they progress through each phase. For example, after reaching the third phase, an airman may be able to wear civilian clothes and go off-base during the week after a duty day. As of 2012, Air Force tech schools now have two phases: initial transition phase and advanced transition phase. The initial transition phase may require you to pass your first block test, pass two room inspections and two open ranks. Once you transition to advanced transition phase, you may get room inspections once per month instead of once per week, no curfew on the weekends, and you can wear civilian clothes any time after the duty day. If you are of age, you can use tobacco and consume alcohol.

Finances and Dormitories

You will get paid based on your rank in tech school. If you have dependents, an apartment or mortgage before enlisting you will receive base housing allowance pay. The dorms are set up similar to a college campus. You may have one or more roommates. Certain airman leaders may be able to have dorm rooms to themselves. Many airmen purchase video game consoles, televisions, and musical instruments to prevent boredom. The dorms usually have a 24-hour no-noise policy for airmen who need to study.

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