About this Unit
The 3706th Basic Military Training Squadron (BMTS) was a key unit at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, responsible for conducting basic training for new United States Air Force recruits. Activated in the late 1940s, the 3706 BMTS played a vital role throughout the Cold War, Vietnam era, and into the modern era, shaping generations of Airmen. The squadron was known for its rigorous training curriculum, instilling Air Force values, discipline, and foundational military skills. Over the decades, the 3706 BMTS contributed significantly to the readiness and professionalism of the Air Force until its inactivation as part of a restructuring of basic training squadrons in the early 2000s.
Historical Facts
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Formation of 3706 BMTS: The 3706th Basic Military Training Squadron (BMTS) was established at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, following World War II as part of the Air Force’s effort to centralize and standardize basic training for new recruits.
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Lackland AFB – “Gateway to the Air Force”: Lackland is nicknamed the "Gateway to the Air Force" because every enlisted Airman begins their career with basic training at this base, including those assigned to 3706 BMTS.
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Historic Squadron Dormitories: The 3706 BMTS operated out of some of the oldest dormitories on Lackland, with structures dating back to the 1940s and 1950s, famously referred to as “the old bricks”.
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Vietnam War Era Impact: During the Vietnam War, the 3706 BMTS processed a massive influx of recruits, sometimes training up to 1,000 trainees per flight due to draft-induced surges.
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First Female Trainees: The 3706 BMTS was among the first squadrons to integrate female trainees into what had previously been all-male flights, following the merger of the Women in the Air Force (WAF) program.
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Squadron Mascots and Traditions: Each squadron, including 3706 BMTS, developed its own unique mascots, flight chants, and ceremonial traditions, fostering a strong sense of identity and camaraderie among trainees.
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Heritage Flights: The squadron’s “Heritage Flights” were known for their exceptional drill performances and often competed in base-wide competitions, earning multiple awards in the 1970s and 1980s.
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Training Legacy: Many high-ranking Air Force leaders, including Chief Master Sergeants and Generals, began their careers as Airmen in the 3706 BMTS, making its alumni network vast and influential.
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Deactivation and Legacy: The 3706 BMTS was deactivated in the mid-1990s as part of a reorganization of basic training squadrons, but its heritage lives on through alumni associations and memorials at Lackland.
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Saved by the Bell: Anecdotes from former trainees recall the “bed check” and “GI parties” (mass cleaning sessions), with the sound of the squadron bell marking everything from wake-up to lights out—a sound few 3706 BMTS alumni ever forget.
