LIFE AFTER BMT
From the first day, life is better for a few reasons:
-They have their cell phone back
-THEY are happier about being done with BMT, which makes their whole demeanor more positive
-You don’t have to wait for weeks before you talk to them again
-The phone calls aren’t limited to “15 minutes”
-Video chatting (on your phone or on your laptop)
-Did we mention they have their cell phone back!?!
-If you decide to visit them, it doesn’t have to be 7 weeks in the future.
There is an informational page powered by AFWM that’s specifically for Tech School called “Air Force Tech School Support.” Please head over there to find out more information about your spouse’s JOB and Tech School location!
Some commonly asked questions/concerns regarding SPOUSES and TECH SCHOOL:
How soon can I visit my spouse at Tech School?
The technical answer is: anytime. The thing is, during the first week they have a bunch of in-processing to do (paperwork, briefings, etc) and are quite busy. They have classes as well. Your Airman/Guardian is also NOT allowed to leave the base or wear civilian clothes, and has a curfew the first (few) weeks of Tech School because they are in the Initial Training Phase (ITP). To phase-up to the Advanced Training Phase (ATP), they have to pass (2) room inspections and (2) open ranks inspections. This may take a few weeks. Therefore, it’s best to visit your spouse AFTER they have acquired ATP (when they may wear civilian clothes, leave the base, and have no curfew on the weekends.)
If you decide to stay at a hotel when you visit your Airman/Guardian (on OR off base), they must fill out a “hotel letter.” They will know what this is. It’s a good idea to communicate with your spouse about the status of the squadron for a particular weekend ahead of time. Sometimes a squadron/dorm can get in trouble and be put on “lock-down.” This means they may not be able to leave their dorm and/or base.
Can I move to the Tech School base to live with my spouse or can my spouse live with me during Tech School?
The answer is -it depends-. For the most part, a ‘week’ of classes is 5 days. If your spouse’s Tech School is 40 days long, it means that the school is about 8 weeks long (weekends and holidays are not counted). With that said, if your spouse’s Tech School is over 20 weeks long, the military can pay for you to move out to the Tech School. If your spouse’s Tech School is 20 weeks or less, the military will not pay for your move out to Tech School. Now, if your spouse’s Tech is over 20 weeks and you want to move out there; YES your spouse is able to live with you, BUT must be in the appropriate phase. For the most part, ALL Airmen must pass 2 room inspections and 2 open ranks before they are allowed off base, and the privilege of wearing civilian clothes. It can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks before your Airman/Guardian “phases up” and is able to live with you off base. This is also something you want to discuss with your spouse. This is school, they will need to study for tests and go to class [of which there are various shifts]. Some of the authority figures think that family being at Tech School will be a “distraction,” so just keep in mind that your spouse is working and going to school. On the other hand, it isn’t uncommon for families/spouses to move out to the Tech School location even if their Tech is 20 weeks or under. The military does not pay for this move. Your Airman/Guardian will not be able to move in with you if the school is 20 weeks or less. The same stipulations apply:
1) During the first phase, Airmen/Guardians cannot leave the Base.
2) Airmen/Guardians must remain in OCP’s unless they are in their dorm room.
3) Airmen/Guardians must pass 2 room inspections and 2 open ranks in order to “phase up.”
4) Airmen/Guardians are allowed off base and have no curfew on “non-school” nights while on ATP (Advanced Training Phase aka “phase 2.”)
Will I be able to drive my spouse to Tech School?
No. Your spouse must leave by “government-issued transportation” whether it be bus or plane.
How soon will my Airman/Guardian find out where the first duty station is?
Most likely your spouse will find out during Tech School. It can be as early as 2 weeks in, and as late as right before graduation from Tech School. Keep in mind that an “assignment” (“I’m going to Hawaii”) is not the same as official orders (“I’m going to Hawaii for 3 years, leaving on **date**, Wife can come with me”). The official orders come close to graduation time.
Click HERE to join our AFWM Spouse Group. Please note that ONLY spouses are allowed in this group. An AFWM admin will message you prior to accepting your request. Please be sure to check your “message requests” and “filtered requests” in your messages to ensure you see this message.
