Basic Training: A Family Guide

Reception / Week 0

In-Processing

Recruits arrive, get haircuts, uniforms, medical screenings, and shots. Sleep is limited. Communication is almost nonexistent. Expect silence for the first few days — this is normal.

Weeks 1-2

Red Phase

Drill sergeants establish discipline and authority. Physical fitness testing begins. Recruits learn to march, follow orders, and adapt to military structure. Phone calls are rare.

Weeks 3-4

White Phase

Rifle qualification, basic combat skills, and land navigation. Recruits begin to find their footing. Short letters or brief calls may start coming through.

Weeks 5-6

Blue Phase

Advanced teamwork, tactical exercises, and longer field training. Recruits are more confident. Communication becomes more regular. Morale typically improves noticeably.

Weeks 7-8

Final Field / Victory Forge

Culminating event — a multi-day field exercise that tests everything learned. After this, recruits know they have made it. The finish line is in sight.

Week 9-10 (varies)

Graduation Week

Final inspections, family day, and graduation ceremony. Recruits may get a short pass. This is the moment families have been waiting for — plan travel well in advance.

Phone Calls

Recruits typically get one short call during in-processing to confirm arrival, then limited calls on Sundays (when earned through good behavior). Calls are short, often 5-15 minutes. Do not expect regular contact in the first two weeks.

Letters and Mail

Letters are the primary way to stay in touch. Write often even before you get a response. The mailing address format is typically:

Email (Army and AF)

Army and Air Force trainees may have limited access to a basic email system (DCO/webmail) during designated times. Messages are short and monitored. The Navy and Marine Corps rely primarily on physical mail. Ask your recruiter about branch-specific digital communication options.

Generally Allowed

• Handwritten letters and cards
• Stamped envelopes (self-addressed, for their return letters)
• Photos (standard print size)
• Motivational or religious items depending on branch policy
• Books or small paperback Bibles/religious texts (check branch rules)

Not Allowed

• Food of any kind
• Electronics, phones, or chargers
• Civilian clothing
• Cash or gift cards
• Anything requiring refrigeration
• Packages during the first two weeks (most branches)

Family Day (Day Before Graduation)

Most branches hold a Family Day event the day before the graduation ceremony. Families can spend a few hours with their recruit, often touring barracks or participating in unit events. Your recruit may be in uniform and is still under orders. Plan to arrive the evening before Family Day if you are traveling.

What to Bring

• Government-issued ID for base access
• Comfortable shoes (ceremonies involve standing)
• Camera or charged phone
• Cash for on-base shops or vending
• Weather-appropriate clothing (outdoor ceremonies)
• Vehicle pass if required (check base instructions)

After the Ceremony

Depending on the branch and orders, your service member may get a pass of several hours to a few days before they need to report for follow-on training. This is not guaranteed. Confirm with their unit beforehand. Celebrate fully but do not book long travel plans until you know the pass length.

Army: AIT

Advanced Individual Training (AIT) teaches the MOS (Military Occupational Specialty). Length ranges from a few weeks to over a year depending on the specialty. Some soldiers complete AIT at the same installation as basic (OSUT).

Air Force and Space Force: Tech School

Technical training for the AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code) takes place at various bases. Trainees typically have more freedoms than in BMT. Length varies widely by career field, from 6 weeks to 14 months.

Navy: A-School

A-School teaches the Navy rating (job). Some ratings also require C-School or pipeline training before reporting to a first command. Sailors may live in barracks or, in longer schools, off-base with a housing allowance.

Marine Corps: MCT / MOS School

All Marines go to Marine Combat Training (MCT) first — a 29-day course reinforcing combat skills. Infantry Marines complete Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) instead. After MCT, Marines report to MOS school for their specialty.

Coast Guard: A-School / Follow-On Training

After boot camp, Coast Guard members attend A-School for their rating, or in some cases report directly to their first unit as a non-rated seaman. Assignment orders typically indicate which path applies.

Leave and Orders

Service members receive their follow-on orders before or shortly after graduation. Some are granted leave between basic and specialty training. Orders specify the report date and location. This is usually the first glimpse of where permanent duty station assignments may eventually be.

Fort Jackson SC, Fort Leonard Wood MO, Fort Moore GA

Called Basic Combat Training (BCT). Infantry and armor trainees continue directly to OSUT (One Station Unit Training) at Fort Moore or Fort Jackson.

Lackland AFB, San Antonio TX

Called Basic Military Training (BMT). All Air Force and Space Force recruits train here. The base offers a structured family viewing area during graduation.

Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes IL

Called Boot Camp. The only Navy recruit training facility in the country. Families often fly into Chicago or Milwaukee. Winters near Lake Michigan are cold.

MCRD Parris Island SC, MCRD San Diego CA

The longest and most physically demanding basic training. East Coast and female recruits go to Parris Island; West Coast male recruits go to San Diego. The Crucible is the final 54-hour event.

Training Center Cape May NJ

The only Coast Guard recruit training facility. Cape May is a beach town but training is anything but a vacation. Graduation draws large family crowds in summer.

Lackland AFB, San Antonio TX

Space Force recruits complete Air Force BMT alongside Air Force recruits, then branch into Space Force-specific training for their specialty.