memory work

As we all know, BMT is not just working out and getting yelled at.  Yes, there is a lot of both of those, but there are also actual classes that trainees take, and things we all have to memorize to pass.  I realize BMT was designed for people to go in not knowing jack shit and pass, but it makes it all that more less stressful to know a little of it before you go.  I wouldn't walk into training singing the Air Force song or anything crazy, but just keep the stuff you memorize stored in your brain.

For instance, the reporting statement.  If you know it, don't let on until after your MTI formally teaches it to you.  Walking in, reporting like you know what you're doing, draws unwanted attention.  "Sir/Ma'am, Trainee Smith reporting for duty." Super easy, right?  Keep it in mind, instead of freaking out when you get there not remembering the order of the words.

Another thing is the Enlisted and Officer ranks.  We have to know them ALL, along with their respective pay grades.  Before tonight, I hadn't looked much at any of them, but reading my Air Force Guide Book tonight, I recited them for like half an hour and now I pretty much know them.  Easy right?!  Here's what I can immediately conjure from memory:

Enlisted:
Airman Basic - E1, no insignia
Airman - E2, one chevron
Airman First Class - E3, 2 chevron
Senior Airman - E4, 3 chevron
Staff Sergeant - E5, 4 chevron
Technical Sergeant - E6, 5 chevron
Master Sergeant - E7, 5 regular chevron, one inverted chevron
Senior Master Sergeant - E8, 5 regular chevron, 2 inverted chevron
Chief Master Sergeant - E9, 5 regular chevron, 3 inverted chevron
First Sergeant - E9, 5 regular chevron, 3 inverted chevron with diamond
Command Chief Master Sergeant - 5 regular chevron, 3 inverted chevron with star
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force - 5 regular chevron, 3 inverted with US seal

Officer:
Second Lieutenant - O1, one gold bar
First Lieutenant - O2, one silver bar
Captain - O3, 2 connected bars
Major - O4, gold leaf
Lieutenant Colonel - O5, silver leaf
Colonel - O6, eagle
Brigadier General - O7, one star
Master General - O8, two stars
Lieutenant General - O9, three stars
General - O10, four stars

That's all from half an hour of reading something.  Imagine memorizing all of that under the stress of BMT, though - that would be super hard with all of the adjusting your mind and body will be doing.  It is possible to pass knowing nothing, and I'm sure a lot of people doing it, but I'm saving myself a little stress with memorizing small things for BMT. (: