Basic Training Review Complete

Air Education and Training Command Wednesday released the findings of its review of Air Force basic training in light of the sexual abuse and misconduct by Military Training Instructors at JBSA Lackland, Tex. Maj. Gen. Margaret Woodward who led the investigation identified five major deficiencies outlined in 22 findings and recommended 46 corrective measures. AETC plans to implement all but one recommendation—to shorten basic training—which was already being reviewed under a separate study, AETC commander Gen. Edward Rice explained in a press briefing, Nov. 14. The report highlighted insufficient oversight, poor instructor selection, lack of emphasis on responsibility, barriers to reporting, and inadequate policy and guidance as the key institutional factors contributing to the breakdown in discipline. “Leadership stands out as the most important area to address,” stated the report’s summary, arguing that it can “overcome weaknesses in institutional safeguards.” Officials decided not to segregate Air Force basic training, but will instead institute four-person instructor teams including at least one female MTI for every two flights to increase peer-accountability, according to the report. Over the last 60 days, Woodward’s team conducted 215 interviews, surveyed 18,000 Air Force personnel, and conducted focus groups with trainees, instructors, and spouses. They also visited USAF’s Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB, Ala., four Air Force tech schools, and an Army basic training site for comparison, in addition to conferring with Navy and Marine Corps training leaders. (For some earlier coverage on this issue, see Sexual Assault and Woman Will Lead BMT Unit) (AETC Report to SECAF and its accompanying Appendix A, both released to reporters Nov. 14, 2012)