Finding your old basic training photos can be a nostalgic journey, reconnecting you with a pivotal time in your life. Many individuals who went through Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) at Lackland Air Force Base often wonder how to locate these cherished mementos, especially if they didn’t initially obtain a copy or if years have passed. At dfphoto.net, we specialize in preserving and sharing these historical images. While we don’t have every photo, we serve as a central hub for donated BMT flight photos, and we frequently receive questions about how to find these pieces of personal and military history.
Common Questions About Locating Your Basic Military Training Photos
Navigating the search for your basic training photos can bring up several questions. We’ve compiled answers to the most frequent inquiries to guide you through the process.
My Flight Photo Isn’t Online – Is It Lost Forever?
If you’ve searched dfphoto.net and haven’t found your flight photo, don’t lose hope. Our collection grows through donations from individuals like you who share their copies. It’s highly likely we simply haven’t received a donation of your particular flight photo yet. The best course of action is to periodically revisit our website and search again. We are constantly updating our archives as new photos are contributed. Patience is key as we rely on the community to build a comprehensive collection.
Can I Get My Air Force Records Through dfphoto.net?
dfphoto.net is specifically focused on basic military training photos. We do not maintain official Air Force records. For access to your official military service records, including details of your basic training, the National Archives is the authoritative source. Their website provides extensive information on how to request these records. You can find more information and begin your search at the National Archives website. This resource will guide you through the official channels for obtaining your service history.
How Can I Contribute My Basic Training Flight Photo to dfphoto.net?
We greatly appreciate contributions to our archive! Sharing your BMT flight photo helps others connect with their past and strengthens our collective military history. The “How to Submit A Photo” section of our website provides detailed instructions on how to submit your photo. We accept both mailed physical copies for digitization and emailed digital copies. Your contribution ensures that these valuable photos are preserved for future generations and potentially helps someone else find their own memories.
I Submitted My Photo – Why Isn’t It Online Yet?
We understand your eagerness to see your photo added to the collection. Due to the incredible volume of photo submissions we receive, there is often a processing time. Photos are processed in the order they arrive. Please be assured that we are working diligently to archive all submitted photos as quickly as possible. Your patience is appreciated, and sending duplicate submissions will not expedite the process. We are committed to making your photo available online as soon as we can.
What If I Have an Oversized Basic Training Photograph?
Oversized photographs are welcome! Please refer to the “How To Submit A Photo” section on our site for specific guidelines on handling and submitting larger photos. This section provides information on how to best prepare and send oversized items to ensure they are properly handled and digitized for the archive.
Are Flight Books the Same as Flight Photos? Can I Find My Flight Book Here?
Flight books and flight photos are related but different mementos from basic training. Flight photos are group pictures of your entire training flight. Flight books, often created by independent contractors, are more like yearbooks for specific flights and often feature individual photos and information. dfphoto.net primarily focuses on collecting flight photos. We do not have a collection of flight books. Typically, contractors did not retain copies of flight books, meaning the copies purchased by graduates and their flight mates are often the only ones in existence. However, some individuals have generously donated flight books to our collection. It’s important to note that flight books from Lackland AFB usually only featured a single flight within each book, so availability is limited.
Does dfphoto.net Have a Complete List of Everyone Who Completed Basic Training?
Unfortunately, no, dfphoto.net does not have a comprehensive list of everyone who has gone through basic training. While it would be an incredible resource, the sheer volume of individuals – nearly seven million have passed through Lackland AFB alone – makes such a list unmanageable and outside the scope of our photo preservation project. Our focus remains on collecting and sharing the visual history of BMT through flight photos. We are continually hoping to expand our photo collection to include more of the estimated 700,000 photos still out there.
Conclusion
Finding your old basic training photos can take time and persistence. Websites like dfphoto.net are valuable resources in this search, acting as community-driven archives. While we strive to make as many photos accessible as possible, our collection’s completeness depends on the generous contributions of individuals. Keep checking back, consider contributing your own photos, and utilize resources like the National Archives for related military records. Your piece of military history is worth preserving and discovering.
