Air Force Basic Training Beast Week 5: What to Expect

Air Force Basic Training Beast Week 5: What to Expect

Week 5 of Air Force Basic Training is known as BEAST week, which stands for Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training. This week is a simulated combat scenario that marks the end of the Basic Military Training portion of the program. Trainees are sent to Medina Annex where they live for the week and compete with their flights in scenario training, using the skills they've learned throughout basic training.

This week includes pugil stick training and a CLAW mission, testing the trainees' individual skills and their ability to work as a team.

What is Beast Week?

BEAST week is a physically and mentally challenging week of training that prepares trainees for deployment. It's designed to test their resilience, teamwork, and ability to operate in a combat environment. During this week, trainees will face simulated combat scenarios, including:

• Pugil stick training
• CLAWS mission
• Field exercises
• Stress testing
• Teamwork challenges

What Happens During BEAST Week?

BEAST week is a highly demanding week of training that requires trainees to push themselves to their limits. Trainees will be tested on their physical fitness, mental toughness, and ability to work as a team. They will also be exposed to a variety of simulated combat scenarios, giving them a taste of what they might face in a real-world deployment.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of what happens during BEAST week:

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

Trainees arrive at Medina Annex and are given a briefing on the week's activities. They are also assigned to their flights and given their equipment.

Day 2-4: Training and Evaluation

Trainees will participate in a variety of training exercises, including:

• Pugil stick training: This is a form of close-quarters combat training using padded sticks. Trainees will learn how to defend themselves and attack an opponent.
• CLAWS mission: This is a simulated combat scenario where trainees must work together to complete a series of tasks. Trainees will be tested on their ability to communicate, coordinate, and execute orders under pressure.
• Field exercises: These are simulated combat scenarios that take place in a field environment. Trainees will learn how to navigate terrain, set up defensive positions, and conduct patrols.
• Stress testing: Trainees will be exposed to a variety of stressors, including sleep deprivation, noise, and simulated combat scenarios. This is designed to test their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
• Teamwork challenges: Trainees will be given a variety of challenges that require them to work together as a team. This is designed to test their communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills.

Day 5: Graduation and Return to Main Base

Trainees graduate from BEAST week and return to their main base. They will have completed the Basic Military Training portion of their Air Force training and will be ready to move on to their technical training.

Tips for Success During BEAST Week

BEAST week is a challenging week of training, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can succeed. Here are some tips for success:

• Stay physically fit: BEAST week is physically demanding, so make sure you are in good shape before you arrive. This means being able to run, do push-ups, and sit-ups.
• Develop your mental toughness: BEAST week is also mentally challenging, so you need to be able to handle stress and pressure. This means being able to stay focused, even when things get tough.
• Work as a team: BEAST week is all about teamwork, so make sure you work well with your flight members. This means being able to communicate effectively, cooperate with others, and solve problems together.
• Be prepared for anything: BEAST week is unpredictable, so be prepared for anything. This means bringing the right equipment, following instructions, and being ready to adapt to changing circumstances.

BEAST week is a grueling experience, but it's also an incredibly rewarding one. By completing this week of training, you will have proven your resilience, teamwork, and ability to operate in a combat environment. You will also have gained valuable experience that will serve you well throughout your Air Force career.