In 1975 BMT selected 77 individuals as their initial Master Military Training Instructors, or more commonly known as, "Blue Ropes."  These instructors were limited to the top 10% of the instructor force.  In 1980, BMT began to select one individual from among this select group of individuals as its Blue Rope of the Year.  The competition for this honor is extremely competitive and intense, and the individual selected is recognized as the preeminent instructor in all of Air Force Basic Training.  In honor of this individual's selection, his or her name is affixed to the BMT Blue Rope of the Year Monument located at the West Entrance to the MTI Monument.