Starting Out Army: BCT Graduation & AIT

The second part of our series on Army Basic Training.

Each BCT graduation differs slightly from the others, so before making travel plans, check the base-specific BCT website for graduation information. Generally, graduations include formations, parades and ceremonies for the recruits and their families to celebrate their achievement.

“Graduation was amazing!” says Buchanan. “I just swelled with pride.”

To make the most of the occasion, book your travel and hotel plans early to make sure to get the best prices before places fill up, and be prepared to be flexible. Try not to have one “perfect” plan in mind. The military is infamous for last-minute schedule changes, and unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on outdoor seating areas.

“His gradation was in October, in South Carolina,” remembers Buchanan, “so I was totally unprepared for the cold front that came in.

Pack comfortable clothes (and shoes!) and bring along extra blankets and books to pass the time while you wait. Realize that recruits have limited free time, and have been surrounded by dozens of people, 24/7, for the past two months. It can be overwhelming to suddenly have all their loved ones vying for their attention, especially when all they want is a hot shower and long nap. Hard as it is, be patient and try to give them their space. It will make everyone’s graduation memories that much more fun.

AIT
Directly following BCT, soldiers report to their Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for further instruction on their specific job within the Army. Although some MOS codes, such as Infantry, Armor, Military Police and Combat Engineers, are lucky enough to attend both their BCT and AIT at the same base, many other specialties require recruits to report to one base for BCT and another for AIT.

“He left boot camp on a Friday morning and had to report to AIT that afternoon,” recalls Buchanan. “But then he was granted a weekend pass to spend off-post with us.”

There are more than fifteen AIT schools around the nation, for specialties like infantry, intelligence, engineering or artillery. The length of each of these schools differs based on the MOS it’s attached to, and rarely allow dependents to accompany soldiers. Check with his recruiter ahead of time to learn more details.

It’s true that BCT is a difficult and challenging time for Soldiers and their loved ones, but it can also make them realize what’s really important in life. “We’ve grown closer since boot camp,” explains Buchanan, “we don’t take our time together for granted.”  With a little advanced planning, and a lot of letter-writing, BCT can actually be a time for you both to grow stronger and closer.

Websites To Visit for More Information

Basic Combat Training Posts’ Websites for information on contacting your recruit, graduation information and other generally asked FAQs:

Basic Training in the Army – The Army’s website guiding potential recruits through the phases they’ll complete during BCT

Preparing for Boot Camp – What to pack, what not to send in the mail and other frequently asked questions families have before BCT

Army Community and Family Support Center – Serving as the Headquarters for Army MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation)

Military OneSource – Bookmark this site on your homepage to find answers 24/7 to your military questions

Military Child Education Coalition – Provides military parents with information on schools, parenting and the unique challenges of raising children within the military