A military judge, Lt. Col. Matthew Van Dalen, found Staff Sgt. Christopher Jackson guilty of having sex with two women trainees and telling one to lie if investigators asked about them.
Prosecutors sought a sentence of six months in jail and a bad-conduct discharge, while Jackson's defense attorney sought mercy, and a chance for him to remain in the Air Force.
In addition to spending a little more than three months in jail, Jackson, 29, will do 30 days' hard labor at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, be reduced in rank to airman first class and forfeit $1,500 in pay.
“These are poor decisions that I made, and I'm ready to accept the consequences of my actions,” Jackson, a 10-year veteran, said through tears during a lengthy statement.
One of 30 basic training instructors at Lackland to be investigated for misconduct with 56 female recruits, Jackson initially faced 13 years' confinement in a general court-martial.
The Air Force charged him with having unprofessional relationships with two women, engaging in sex with them and obstruction, but chose to try him under a special court-martial, which limits jail time to one year.