How to Communicate with your Soldier at Basic Combat Training

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

Write Letters to Army Basic Training from your Smart Phone

Writing letters to your soldier is a good thing. Your son or daughter will love receiving mail and encouragement at basic training.

You can download the Sandboxx app to your phone. With just a couple taps on your phone, your image and message are converted into a physical letter that is printed and mail to your soldier.

Try it now. Download the SANDBOXX app!

The great thing is that these letters arrive to Army basic training within one to two days and will be in your soldier’s hands faster than if send it via regular mail. Your soldier will be so excited at mail call to get your letter.

I love Sandboxx because you can send a letter from wherever you are. Simple!

The best part?

Each Letter also includes a pre-addressed return envelope making replies simple.

Get Sandboxx now! You’ll love it!

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:

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