3655 BMTS

• Origins: The 3655th Basic Military Training Squadron (BMTS) was activated at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in the early 1950s to help handle a surge in Air Force recruits during the Korean War. • Primary Mission: The unit was responsible for providing basic military training to thousands of new U.S. Air Force enlistees, shaping civilians into airmen. • Nickname: The 3655th BMTS was sometimes referred to as "The Gateway Squadron" because Lackland AFB is known as the “Gateway to the Air Force.” • Cold War Era: During the height of the Cold War, the squadron processed and trained record numbers of recruits, reflecting the era's heightened defense needs. • Women in Training: The squadron was notable for being one of the first at Lackland to integrate female recruits into its training flights after the Women's Air Force (WAF) merge in the 1970s. • Squadron Motto: The 3655th BMTS adopted the motto “First Step to the Future,” reflecting their role in shaping the Air Force’s newest members. • Historic Drill Competitions: The squadron’s drill teams became renowned for their precision and discipline, often winning base-wide competitions and earning commendations. • Vietnam War Impact: During the Vietnam War, the 3655th BMTS expanded its training capacity to quickly prepare airmen for deployment to Southeast Asia. • Deactivation and Legacy: The 3655th BMTS was eventually inactivated as part of Air Force restructuring in the late 20th century, but its legacy continues through the training traditions it established at Lackland AFB. • Alumni: Many notable Air Force leaders and heroes began their careers in the 3655th BMTS, including decorated pilots, astronauts, and senior enlisted advisors.