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Special duty special edition: MTIs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
In order to fill its myriad mission requirements, the Air Force employs service members in specialized positions to perform a specific duty. These special duties allow Airmen to step outside their conventional role and experience a completely new side of the Air Force.

One such position is the military training instructor, a position once filled by Master Sgt. Brent Warren, superintendent of the air terminal operations center with the 436th Aerial Port Squadron.

Warren served as an MTI from March, 2006, to May, 2010, at the 322nd Training Squadron and Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training course at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Warren became an MTI at a time when manning levels at Basic Military Training were markedly low. During his two years leading flights "on the street," Warren transformed approximately 1,300 trainees into mission-capable Airmen.

"The trainee was always my top priority; I wanted to push them to be the best they could be," said Warren. "I felt like my flight was a reflection of myself, so I pushed them to carry themselves accordingly."

The first step to becoming an MTI begins with the MTI Recruiting Team. Potential MTI's must conduct a series of interviews with the MTIRT, undergo evaluation by a psychiatrist, score high on physical training tests, and display exemplary military standards and conduct. Obviously, Warren says, the job is not for anyone.

"It is an environment of teamwork, but there is intense competition to see who can produce the best flight. It will put a strain on your time and relationships, so [potential MTIs should] be prepared for the long hours and stress."

If accepted into MTI School, service members permanently change station to JB San Antonio-Lackland to begin training. MTI School teaches the fundamentals of BMT instruction. Classes teach burgeoning MTIs to effectively teach and manage large groups while maintaining discipline and order. Marching, customs and courtesies and dress and appearance are some of the core curriculum taught in MTI School. In addition to classroom instruction, students are assigned an MTI trainer who is responsible for acclimating new MTIs to their new position.

After completing the in-class portion of the training, student MTIs are attached to a flight where they are mentored by an experienced, fully-qualified MTI. Warren said this portion of training took the greatest physical and mental toll.

"The first half of MTI training is manageable, but during the second half, I found myself confirming each morning the reason I was joining the MTI corps; that's why you have to know why you are joining. What got me through it was a dedication to building the best Airmen possible."

The skills Warren learned during MTI School helped him face the variety of challenges BMT presented. Once on the job, Warren was tasked with transforming flights of approximately 50 civilians into Airmen capable of meeting the mission requirements of the Air Force. He was required to instill knowledge in the classroom and discipline "on the street." Warren said the job kept him on his toes.

"There is no typical day at BMT; an MTI will constantly be surprised by what their trainees say and do," said Warren. "An MTI has to be motivated and willing to learn if they are going to keep up with the fast-paced environment at BMT."

These lessons can open new doors for MTIs down the road. More than an attractive addition to a resume, MTI duty is an experience that often has a lasting impact on those who fulfill it. Such has proved true for Warren.

"It was difficult, but absolutely worth it. I am a more effective supervisor because I learned to pay attention to the basics; I am not afraid to make the corrections that others may fail to make. I walk a little taller knowing I have served as an MTI."