Air Force boot camp graduation is a weekend long event, however, days 1 and 2 are the ceremony days. On day one, families watched the trainees run and the Coin Ceremony. They were then allowed to spend time on base with their trainee. On day 2, the visit gets much better, with time off base at the end of the event. This is the day the trainees have been pushing for, working towards and holding on to, it’s their first hurdle in their new journey towards an Air Force career and it is quite an accomplishment.
Air Force Graduation Ceremony
This is the day everyone has been waiting on. Families will want to arrive early to the parade grounds to get a good seat. There are parking areas on either side of the Parade Grounds; however, cars parked on the side of the grounds in front of the Gateway Club will have a long walk. There is closer parking behind the seating area.
Families should have a map showing where their trainees’ flight will be located. This is helpful in choosing seating so that a better view is obtained of the trainee.
Ceremony Activities
Once the activities start, it is full-force ahead. An announcer will guide the services over the PA system so that guests know what is happening on the field at all times. The most amazing thing is the sense of patriotism felt by being there and being a part of the ceremony.
Flags of every state and of all the flights are carried in by trainees and the marching band follows them. This display is a sight that is worthy of many pictures. The patriotism leaves many people with lumps int their throats.
Next, the flights march in. This is the last march these young men and women will take as trainees. Soon, they will be full Airmen. The trainees are in full dress blues, looking sharp and ready for their instructions. The announcer explains how they will march past the stands and in what order the flights are listed.
The March of Airmen
The flag procession is in the middle of the squadrons and as they pass each section, everyone stands in reverence to the flag and to the trainees, who will soon be Airmen. Once all trainees have been around, they return to their formation on the field.
Their instructor has them march forward closer to the crowds. At this point, the emotion is almost overwhelming as they raise their right hands to declare their oath to the military. When finished, they are released and once again must be ‘tapped’ to leave formation. The trainees are now Airmen. Hugs and tears are a commonality among the families.
Visiting the Barracks
After graduation ceremonies there is time to visit the barracks to see how the trainees have lived for the past 8 weeks. There is also an orientation for parents or spouses and their airmen to learn more about the next steps in the journey, their pay, and other relevant topics. It is not mandatory and most of the airmen are just ready to get off base for the first time.
Town liberty lasts until 8:00; however, time must be counted for them to walk back to the barracks, so 7:30 is a safer bet. San Antonio is large and traffic should also be taken into consideration. The Airmen also have a Saturday pass that is off base. If they received honors they will get a final Sunday pass before getting orders for tech school.
Time for Good Bye
Saying goodbye at the end of the weekend is a difficult task. Tears will no doubt be shed, but they should be tears of pride and joy for the dedication these young men and women have shown thus far. Many don’t make it through the basic training process. These are the ones who had the tenaciousness to tough it out and prove they are worthy to defend the Stars and Stripes, just as their forefathers before them did.
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