The U.S. Air Force is set to transform its Basic Military Training (BMT) by constructing two new training ranges designed to provide a realistic environment for airmen. This initiative aims to enhance training methodologies by incorporating mock runways and real aircraft, thereby aligning training with the core mission of the Air Force.
According to Maj. Gen. Wolfe Davidson, Commander of the Second Air Force, this move is part of a broader effort known as BMT Next. The initiative is designed to instill an “Airmindedness” attitude in every airman, emphasizing the importance of defending, operating, and generating airpower. “By progressing training from the drill pad to a simulated airfield, we give trainees immediate, hands-on context for their role in generating airpower,” Davidson stated.
The revamped training approach builds on previous changes, such as BMT 2.0, introduced in October 2022, which focused on enhancing physical fitness. The current phase, termed BMT 3.0, will incorporate these new training ranges, which are expected to enhance the foundational training experience significantly.
As part of the transformation, a new training program will be rolled out for military training instructors to ensure they are equipped to teach and mentor in this updated environment. This shift encourages airmen to identify with the Air Force’s overall mission rather than solely through specialized career training.
“The transformation ties their identity more closely to the Air Force mission to fly, fight, and win, and better acclimatizes them to what they should expect when they are tasked to support an Air Expeditionary Wing — the Air Force Unit of Action,” Davidson explained.
The BMT 3.0 program introduces a new baseline for graduates, requiring them to demonstrate physical readiness and foundational competencies in critical areas such as teamwork and accountability. Davidson emphasized that trainees will learn how their actions contribute to the mission rather than focusing solely on individual tasks.
Trainees will utilize basic concepts of airfield operations learned on the ranges to enhance teamwork and communication skills while solving increasingly complex scenarios under varying stress levels. This initiative does not aim to teach technical tasks like aircraft maintenance; rather, it seeks to provide trainees with a comprehensive understanding of airfield operations and mission generation.
The first training range will be established at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, utilizing an existing physical training pad. Davidson noted, “Our partnership with the 502d Air Base Wing has allowed us to put this build on an expedited timeline, reflecting the enthusiasm and need for this initiative.” Initially, the range will be slightly larger than a football field, with plans for it to eventually triple in size.
The phased BMT Next initiative will begin with mobile, containerized training stations at the Air Base Training Range. Subsequently, officials plan to construct a dedicated expeditionary airfield at the Pacer Forge site, which will simulate a forward-deployed environment focused on the DOGS concept.
The second training range, known as the Forward Air Base Training Range, will also be located at the Pacer Forge site, which has been in operation since late 2022 as part of a military deployment exercise during the sixth week of BMT.
Davidson describes the training progression as a “Crawl, Walk, Run” model, where foundational lessons represent the “crawl” phase, and initial exercises on the new ranges serve as the “walk” phase. The final “run” phase will involve a multi-day validation exercise where trainees must apply learned skills under simulated stress.
Future plans include a permanent version of the Air Base Training Range at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, featuring four mock concrete runways. This facility will allow multiple groups to train simultaneously without disrupting training schedules. The range will include 16 containerized training stations for various airfield tasks, such as arming fighter aircraft and casualty transfer.
Real, historic aircraft will be part of the training ranges to provide authentic, hands-on experience. Initially, the training will feature non-flying aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and C-130 Hercules, previously used for maintenance training. As the initiative progresses, decisions regarding the aircraft used at the Forward Air Base and the final Air Base Training Range may change.
The completion timeline for the training ranges indicates that the first training device will be operational by April 2026, with all planned containerized training devices expected to be ready by fall 2026. The first expeditionary airfield at the Pacer Forge site is scheduled for completion by October 2026, while the permanent Air Base Training Range will not be ready until 2031, as it is still in the planning phase.
This ambitious project represents a significant investment in the U.S. Air Force’s readiness and effectiveness, with an estimated cost of $30 million spread across the budgets for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Future plans for the bases’ long-term establishment may require an additional $50 to $75 million, which officials will propose in a Future Years Program Objective Memorandum.
“This entire effort is a direct investment in the readiness and lethality of our force,” Davidson concluded. “We are creating the foundational ‘Airmindedness’ and warrior ethos in our newest Airmen to ensure we remain the world’s most capable Air Force.”
