When my son headed to Army Basic Combat Training (BCT), I had a lump in my throat. I didn’t know what to expect or when I would hear from him. I wasn’t even exactly sure what he would be learning at BCT.
If you are just starting your Army Mom journey, chances are that you are wondering what basic training is all about and how to communicate with your soldier.
Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a training course that all army recruits go through. It’s designed to help your child transform from civilian to Soldier.
Over a ten week period, new soldiers learn a variety of skills including how to shoot and march, as well as tactical and survival.
They will also be schooled on the basics of Army life and military customs.
It’s all a good thing. Our military is the best trained in the world!
Army Basic Training Communication
We get the most questions about communication when sons and daughters go off to basic training. Here’s the deal.
You will likely hear from your soldier within 72 hours to let you know they arrived safely. Don’t expect a long call. It will be short, scripted and to the point.
I think mine was about 1 to 2 minutes at most!
Soldiers spend about 4 to 10 days in Reception which is like a processing stage. Once that is complete, they get assigned to a unit and get their Basic Training address (yay!)
Once your son or daughter gets assigned to a unit, they should call or write you to give their unit address. Keep a paper and pen handy at all times in case that call comes. It will be fast!
It’s also possible that you may get a letter from the Commander within the first two weeks with the address information.
One they are assigned to a unit, phone calls are at the discretion of the Drill Sergeant (DS). Another consideration is the behavior of the class that your soldier is in. Behavior can also be a determining factor in whether phone calls are allowed.
Phone calls are a privilege and are not guaranteed at all.
Army Basic Combat Training Locations
These are the Army basic training locations. You can check the website where your soldier is to find out information about basic training and graduation.
- Fort Jackson: Columbia, South Carolina
- Fort Leonard Wood: Waynesville, Missouri
- Fort Sill: Lawton, Oklahoma
- Fort Benning: Columbus, Georgia
Basic Training Preparation Checklist
Know how to help your soldier prepare for Army Basic training by understand what they should bring and what to leave home.
Read the list at the GoArmy website.
Book Recommendations for Military Moms
If you are just getting started as an Army Mom, you’ll find these books helpful:
Reflections on God’s Word: Military Mom Prayer Journal by Army Mom Strong
The Heart of a Military Mom by Army Mom Strong and Elaine Brye
Be Safe, Love Mom by Elaine Brye
Psalm 91 Military Edition: God’s Shield of Protection by Peggy Joyce Ruth
Called to Serve: Encouragement, Support, and Inspiration for Military Families by Penny Ann Monetti
Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives by Jocelyn Green
Rachel says
I am a new army mom and still having a hard time with my son gone. He finished basic training but is still doing the same thing because that is his job training. He calls me in tears wanting to get out he feels he made a mistake signing up. He doesn’t want to be there anymore. This makes my heart sink because I’m
Helpless there’s nothing I can do for my son. I try and stay positive give him words of encouragement. This devastates me