Phone Access
One brief call on arrival day to confirm safe arrival, then Sunday calls when earned through good behavior. Calls are typically 5-15 minutes. Do not expect contact during the first two weeks.
Military Family Resources
Basic Training:
A Family Guide
Your loved one just shipped out. Select their branch below for a week-by-week timeline, communication rules, mailing address format, graduation tips, and what comes after.
Called
Basic Combat Training (BCT)
Duration
10 weeks
Location
Fort Jackson SC, Fort Leonard Wood MO, Fort Benning GA, Fort Sill OK
Army Training Timeline
What your recruit is going through, week by week.
- 1
Reception / Week 0
Recruits arrive, receive haircuts, uniforms, medical screenings, and immunizations. Sleep is limited. Communication is almost nonexistent. The initial silence is normal and expected.
- 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 and must be earned.
- 3
White Phase
Rifle qualification, basic combat skills, and land navigation. Recruits begin to find their footing. Short letters or brief calls may start arriving. Confidence begins building.
- 4
Blue Phase
Advanced teamwork, tactical exercises, and longer field training. Recruits are more confident. Communication becomes more regular. Morale typically improves noticeably.
- 5
Victory Forge
The culminating multi-day field exercise that tests everything learned. After completing Victory Forge, soldiers are considered BCT graduates. The finish line is in sight.
- 6
Graduation Week
Final inspections, Family Day, and the graduation ceremony. Soldiers may receive a short pass before reporting to AIT. Plan travel and lodging well in advance, especially at Fort Jackson.
Staying Connected
Communication rules are set by each branch. Understanding them early prevents unnecessary worry.
Army trainees may have limited access to DCO (Defense Connect Online) webmail during designated times. Messages are short and monitored.
Mailing Address Format
PVT SMITH, JOHN
Company X, [Platoon] / [Unit Name]
Fort [Name], [State] [ZIP]
Your recruit's recruiter will provide the full mailing address before ship-out. OSUT (One Station Unit Training) soldiers train and complete AIT at the same post, Fort Benning for Infantry and Armor, Fort Sill for Field Artillery.
Care Packages
Most branches restrict care packages heavily in the first two weeks. Confirm with your recruit's unit before sending anything.
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 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 and Graduation
Fort Jackson is the largest BCT base and hosts thousands of family members each graduation cycle. Book hotels in Columbia SC at least 8 weeks out. Family Day is held the afternoon before graduation. Arrive the evening prior if traveling from out of state.
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
- Vehicle pass if required (check base instructions)
After the Ceremony
Depending on the branch and orders, your service member may receive a pass of several hours to a few days before reporting to follow-on training. This is not guaranteed. Confirm with their unit before booking extended travel. Celebrate fully but do not book long trips until you know the pass length.
What Comes Next
Basic training is just the beginning. Every service member goes to specialty training before arriving at a first duty station.
Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
AIT teaches the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Length ranges from a few weeks to over a year depending on the specialty. Some soldiers complete AIT at the same installation as BCT through OSUT, which combines both courses. AIT provides more freedoms than BCT, and family visits may be permitted on weekends in later phases.
A Note on Housing
Recruits in basic training do not need housing help yet. When PCS orders arrive for a first duty station, our agents understand VA loans, BAH, and military timelines.