Army - Basic and AIT?

I've just joined the Army, I'm going in as 68W (Medic) and so I'll be going to basic at Fort Leonard Woods and then AIT at Fort Sam Houston. I was just wondering if any of you who have been in (and especially to the bases that I'll be at) could give me any advice and a heads up to what it will be like, especially AIT, I've heard so many different things about what it will be like. When will I be able to have my cell phone and other liberties? I'm just getting nervous and want to know what I'll be getting into.

Allen J

I'm in AIT right now at Fort Gordon, GA. But several of my friends went to Sam Houston and I talk to them alot. Let me start with "the basics".

During basic training one of the most important things to know is how to deal with the drill sgts. Whenever you talk to them you must have another person standing next to you. The "battle buddy system" is as follows. 1 female and 1 female. 1 male and 1 male. 2 males and 1 female. 2 females and 1 male. So where ever you go you have to have some combination of the above or you will get in trouble. Also whenever you address a NCO (sgt, staff sgt, sgt 1st class, ect) you must be at the position of parade rest. That means you stand with your feet shoulder width apart with your hands behind your back with your left hand under your right hand and the thumbs interlocked.

About your cell phone. You won't have that at all during basic. you will probably get it back on "family day". which happens the day before you graduate. All my 68w friends have their cellphones right now so you'll get yours back once you get to San Antonio.

Don't be nervous. Leonard Wood is a pretty easy basic combat training camp. You're lucky you're not going to Ft. Knox or Ft. Benning those are the places that stuff goes down.

The hardest thing about basic for me was living in bay with 59 other people that I didn't know and didn't like. Alot of people don't shower and don't have regards for personal space. Just remember that you all came from different walks of life.

SFC_Ollie

You have no Liberty in Basic. You are there to learn to protect other peoples liberty. In AIT you will think you are in heaven after making it through basic. There you might have your cell phone rights, But not during duty hours.

Advice:
Do what you are told.
Do it when you are told.
Do it to your best ability.

And the Drill Sergeant doesn't really hate you. He hates everyone.

Oh And I loved the 20 months I spent at Leonard Wood. Of course I was a Staff Sergeant at the time.

Almost forgot, best of luck and my salute to you.

SFC
US Army
Retired

nighttime_ran

In basic your cell phone and any electronics will be put away.After basic you'll receive your stuff back.Once your in AIT you'll have to wait til your phase 2 to receive your stuff back.I was stationed in Fort Hood and spent 2 weeks on a duty at Fort Sam Houston and your going to like it allot.I would make friends with your roommates and be safe.Good luck.

Mike-O

In Basic,the longer you go without the DS knowing your name, the better. Just stay quiet and do what you're told without question. Try to blend in. As for AIT, it will be much more relaxed and you will be able to use your cell phone and other liberties.

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