ABOUT 3377 BMTS
- 3377 BMTS stands for 3377th Basic Military Training Squadron, a unit historically associated with the United States Air Force's basic training operations.
- Lackland Air Force Base, Texas is the primary location where the 3377 BMTS operated, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Air Force."
- Training Thousands: Over its years of operation, the 3377 BMTS trained tens of thousands of Air Force recruits, preparing them for a wide variety of Air Force specialties.
- Vietnam Era: The 3377 BMTS was active during the Vietnam War era, playing a crucial role in rapidly training new airmen to meet wartime demands.
- Squadron Mascot: Many basic training squadrons, including the 3377th, had distinctive mascots and guidons that fostered unit pride and camaraderie among trainees.
- Women in Training: The 3377 BMTS was among the squadrons that began integrating women into basic training after policy changes in the 1970s, marking a significant milestone in Air Force history.
- Drill Instructors: Known as Military Training Instructors (MTIs), the 3377 BMTS cadre maintained a reputation for discipline, excellence, and high standards, with many becoming legends among trainees.
- Legacy and Alumni: Many distinguished Air Force personnel, including senior NCOs and officers, began their careers with the 3377th, often recalling their time in the squadron as foundational to their success.
- Squadron Motto: While specific mottos might have varied, the 3377 BMTS, like other training squadrons, emphasized values such as "Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do."
- Deactivation and Legacy: As Air Force training structures evolved, the 3377 BMTS was eventually deactivated, but its legacy continues through alumni groups and reunions, as well as in the collective memory of Air Force basic training history.