JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- A new chapter in readiness has begun as more than 800 Basic Military Training trainees recently completed the inaugural iteration of PACER FORGE Provisional, an intensified culminating event designed to cultivate an Airminded Warfighter mindset with a laser focus on readiness, lethality, and warfighting.
PACER FORGE Provisional increases the length of training from 36 hours to 57 hours, adds additional intel briefings and scenario injects earlier in training, and incorporates an ‘airfield-centric’ environment where trainees work in small teams to maximize collaboration, accountability, and critical thinking.
It is the next step in modernizing PACER FORGE and Basic Military Training.
PACER FORGE is a scenario-based deployment exercise during the sixth week of training that mirrors the force generation process and reinforces concepts introduced throughout BMT.
“This is not the same BMT as years past, and that’s a good thing.” said Col. Billy Wilson, commander, 737th Training Group. "We’re focusing on enhancing our training and instilling the Airminded Warfighter mindset from day one.”
The sixth week of training at BMT has experienced several changes over the years from Warrior Week to BEAST, and in 2022, the introduction of PACER FORGE, all to prepare Airmen and Guardians for the current and future operational environment.
“PACER FORGE is an iterative and evolving training program, meticulously designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the operational Force,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Redaja, 319th Training Squadron commander. “Our commitment to continuous improvement will not waver. As operational requirements evolve, so will our training methods.”
PACER FORGE is not the only aspect of BMT incorporating training enhancements.
As early as Zero Week, trainees are performing radio procedures and building tents during Operation FIRST FLIGHT, laying the groundwork for their foundational Airminded skills training.
The skills learned during foundational training are reinforced and applied during PACER FORGE Provisional, preparing trainees for an operational environment.
“By the time trainees get to PACER FORGE Provisional, they will have essentially prepared for a deployment with a bag drag, hazmat training, weapons qualifications, and everything you might need prior to shipping out,” Redaja said. “When they complete PACER FORGE Provisional, we know they have a baseline understanding of what an operational environment can look like.”
“To develop tomorrow’s Airmen and Guardian Warfighters, modernization is necessary and continuous. The 737th Training Group is committed to integrating innovative technology to build effective warfighters and ensure we lay the solid foundation for mission-ready Airmen and Guardians,” Wilson said.
As the operational force evolves, BMT will continue adapting and preparing Airmen and Guardians to deter aggression and if necessary, defeat the adversary in defense of our nation.