MTIA: BLACK STRAP MTIs

Once an individual completes the grueling fourteen-week long Military Training Instructor School (MTIS), he or she is presented the coveted campaign hat and AETC instructor badge and is referred to as a "Black Strap" instructor.

Let there be no doubt about it, the "Black Strap" instructor is the backbone of the MTI Corps. While "Blue Rope" instructors seem to receive unbridled adulation, it is the "Black Strap" instructor who is the workhorse of the Basic Military Training School. While these instructors do not possess the "Blue Rope," do not be fooled into thinking they are less qualified, that would be a mistake. These instructors are very talented and are extremely proficient. Their results in Parade, Honor Flight competition, or individual evaluations are no less impressive than a Blue Rope instructor. Furthermore, the percentage of "Black Strap" instructors who earn the acclaimed AETC Master Instructor rating rivals all other instructor categories.

In short, BMT could not exist without the selfless devotion and commitment of the "BLACK STRAP" instructor because they quite simply carry BMT on their backs. In honor of the blue collar MTI, we dedicate this section!

(Blue Rope Instructors can be found on the Blue Rope Page,
Instructors prior to 1967 can be found on the Original MTIs Page)