CSO, CMSSF inspire newest Guardians, Airmen during BMT graduation week

Published Oct. 21, 2024
By Staff Sgt. Adam R. Shanks, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) -- U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman set high expectations for the graduating class of enlisted Guardians and Airmen during a Basic Military Training ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Oct. 17.

U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman poses for a photo with a Guardian who recently graduated Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 17, 2024. More than 800 Guardians and Airmen assigned to Flights 643-660 marched in the 737th Training Group’s graduation parade for which Saltzman was the reviewing official. The ceremony is one of three U.S. Air Force and Space Force Basic Military Training graduation events and signifies the transition from trainee to Airman or Guardian. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Cotto)

This marked the first time Saltzman has presided over a BMT graduation ceremony since becoming CSO. He was joined by the Space Force’s most senior enlisted leader, Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna.

On Oct. 15, Bentivegna aided in the new Guardian’s patching ceremony, a tradition unique to the Space Force. The soon-to-be Guardians received their first Space Force patches to be worn on their uniform, which were previously worn by another active Guardian, to symbolize their shared connection to service. These patches were delivered alongside hand-written notes from fellow Guardians that welcomed them to the U.S. Space Force.

U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman speaks to the audience in attendance at a Basic Military Training graduation ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 17, 2024. More than 800 Guardians and Airmen assigned to Flights 643-660 marched in the 737th Training Group’s graduation parade for which Saltzman was the reviewing official. The ceremony is one of three U.S. Air Force and Space Force Basic Military Training graduation events and signifies the transition from trainee to Airman or Guardian. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Cotto)

The next day, Bentivegna joined the coining ceremony, where each graduate receives their first challenge coin, a tradition among service members to show unit pride and esprit de corps.

At the graduation, Saltzman spoke directly to the graduating Guardians and Airmen, beginning with delivering a special message to the families in attendance.

“It’s great to see all the families joining us today … Seven and a half weeks ago, you entrusted us with our nation’s most valuable treasure – your loved ones,” Saltzman said. “Your support has pushed these Airmen and Guardians to complete their Basic Military Training and to join the world’s greatest Air Force and Space Force.”

Recognizing the families, Saltzman emphasized the importance of their support and how their Guardians and Airmen appreciated their encouragement. He then turned his attention to the formations of new service members that filled the parade field.

More than 800 Airmen and Guardians assigned to Flights 643-660 march in the 737th Training Group’s graduation parade, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 17, 2024. More than 800 Guardians and Airmen assigned to Flights 643-660 marched in the 737th Training Group’s graduation parade for which Saltzman was the reviewing official. The ceremony is one of three U.S. Air Force and Space Force Basic Military Training graduation events and signifies the transition from trainee to Airman or Guardian. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Mallard)

“To the graduates; I am so proud to be standing here before you,” Saltzman said. “You, who have stood up and answered the call to service … Each of you had a different reason for joining, but I think you’ll find that by the end of your time in service – whether it is just the initial commitment or a 30-plus year career – your memories will be more about the people you met along the journey, than the jobs you held.”

Saltzman emphasized that their transition from BMT to their services was only the first of many transformations they will go through. He spoke about the changes both services are going through to address an era of Great Power Competition, noting how graduates will help drive that change.

“We expect you to meet the current threat but also to evolve and meet the future threat, too,” Saltzman said. “We expect you to be the innovators that recognize when change is needed and to have the courage to speak up and lead. We expect you to be bold and collaborative problem solvers with the capacity to engage, analyze and debate new ideas … ideas that shift the status quo.”

Finally, Saltzman led the formation in their Oath of Enlistment, marking the beginning of their journey through the Space Force and Air Force enlisted ranks.

Since the Space Force’s creation in 2019, enlisted Guardians have trained alongside Airmen at BMT, and that partnership continues today. While both services’ training lasts seven and a half weeks, future Space Force enlistees receive service-specific training curriculum to prepare them for the unique challenges Guardians face.