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HISTORY of the USAF MTI |
On 31 July 1943, the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command (AAFTTC) prepared for inactivation. Its resources and its technical and basic military training missions transferred to Army Air Forces Flying Training Command (AAFFTC). At the same time, the War Department re designated AAFFTC as the Army Air Forces Training Command (AAFTC). The command now included over 600 training installations and more than a million people.
On 14 Nov 1949, the new Air Training Command (ATC) became directly responsible for 17 active training bases, 5 of which are designated for Enlisted Basic Training (see the History Page under Basic Training for more details). NCOs and some selected Airmen were trained to guide the new recruits from civilian to military life. These individuals would do more than just teach drill. As such, the term "Drill Instructor, Drill Sergeant or DI" did not seem appropriate, so the Air Force named their new instructors - Military Training Instructors (MTIs).
The process of selecting the proper uniform designations and headgear to readily identify these MTIs took many years. Below is a history of the changes that took place.
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During the transition from Army Air Corps to United States Air Force, MTIs were identified by the striped helmet they wore. Once the USAF was firmly in place, the Air Force continued to evolve the uniforms and headgear of its personnel to separate it from its Army beginning's.
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Prior to 1967, MTIs wore shoulder boards called "Tiger Stripes" along with the ATC instructor's badge shown below to distinguish them as Military Training Instructors.
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The Instructor's badge is an honored and prized symbol of an individual that has completed the intensive training required to become an MTI. The original badge was designed to include Wings for the Air Force and a Torch signifying the light of learning. The MTI Instructor's badge mimicked the ATC logo. In the 60's, before the Blue Rope, many instructors qualified as "Master Instructors". Many of these instructors graduated from the Academic Instructor School at Maxwell AFB as one of the prerequisites to achieving ATC Master Instructor status
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The Ridgeway hat is the traditional FATIGUE hat as seen in the 50's and 60's in Korea and Vietnam. To ensure their hat was sharper looking than their trainees, the MTIs would stiffen their hats by stretching them over coffee cans and spraying them with starch. When wearing the utility uniform, the Instructor badge was taken off the uniform and placed on the front of the Ridgeway hat.
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The PITH helmet, similar to the type used by the US Postal Service, is excellent head gear for hot and humid climates, as this light weight pressed fiber or plastic helmet does not make contact with the head. It is suspended over the head like a safety helmet, allowing the air to circulate around the head.
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The second generation MTI badge was nicknamed "The Cookie". This was around, enamel filled cloisonné badge that displayed the name of the command. A star was also added to the center of the torch. ATC Master Instructor status was identified with MASTER on the cookie under the torch.
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On 31 August 1967, MTIs switched over to the familiar BROWN Smokey Bear hat used by the Army and Marines. This hat is a veteran of numerous campaigns in the field, steeped in tradition and in active service in various styles from 1850 through 1939, the campaign hat is an appropriate symbol for the MTI.
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In 1974 the current dark blue campaign hat was approved for use. The blue hat is a unique addition to the USAF Instructor's uniform and we are the only Service that uses this color.
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The Air Force eventually authorized a distinctive hat for female MTIs. The design was taken from the Australian Bush hat. Prior to this, female Instructors were distinguished by an aiguillette around the shoulder of their uniforms. This hat was an important addition to the female instructor's uniform and it gave them the distinction and credibility they richly deserved.
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In 1975 as part of its ongoing recognition program, BMTS created the Blue Rope program. Individuals selected for this coveted honor were permitted to wear the Blue Rope on their campaign hat, signifying that they were the top ten percent of the instructor force.
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In September of 2003, BMT reintroduced the "straw hat" that was used for a short time in the mid-80's. These campaign hats are light weight and breathe well. After testing, BMT has determined that they will be a permanent addition to the special duty uniform of the MTIs.
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In September of 2004, BMT started a new program in which a limited number of instructors were issued Black Ropes to wear on their campaign hats. These individuals are designated as Squadron Trainers for new MTIs. (Black Rope program was discontinued in 2007)
The present campaign hat evolved from the straw or felt "Hardee Hat" of the 1850's. The present day modified "Montana Peak" was adopted in 1911. On 1 July 1971 - Proficiency Pay was implemented in the amount of $50 per month. On 29 October 1974 - The Air Training Command motto "Prepare the Man" was discontinued. On 1 July 1975 - Nine female Military Training Instructor volunteers were assigned on a permanent basis to supervise males in the 3702 BMTS and 3708 BMTS. Dates that each service started to wear the campaign hat:
Marines - 1956....Army - 1964....Air Force - 1967 (Brown), 1974 (Blue)
No matter what hat, what uniform, what badge or what base - We are all Air Force MTIs