Hooah!! Welcome back to your Week Three training update. By now you may be wondering what this word Hooah means. Let me tell you! Hooah is a universal Army term that means just about everything. It can be a simple replacement word for “Yes”, “Understood”, “I’m excited” or almost any other thing you can think of. Hooah is the universal battle cry for the United States Army and a word that you will become very familiar with in your Trainee’s new found vocabulary.  

I know these last few weeks have been difficult, but don’t worry, you will be reunited with your Trainee before you know it. 

Week 3 Expectations – Red Phase

Week Three will be a very busy and exciting time for your Trainee. This week they will start to venture out from the Company area and overcome some fears and grow some confidence in their abilities.  They will conduct their first diagnostic Army Fitness Test (AFT), tackle the Obstacle Course, the infamous Warrior Tower, and the always exciting Gas Chamber.

Confidence Chamber

First up this week is one of the most anticipated combat scenarios of their time at Fort Leonard Wood, the Confidence Chamber, also known as the gas chamber. This is their first introduction to Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, and Nuclear (CBRN) training. They will learn how to properly wear the M50 Protective Mask (also known as Gas Mask) as well as employ a variety of cleaning supplies specifically designed to treat contamination.

The final practical exercise of this training event is the gas chamber, where your trainee will learn to trust in their equipment. Don’t be alarmed, this is a controlled environment! They will put on their gas mask, and enter a room filled with harmless but very uncomfortable tear gas. While they are wearing their mask, they will be unaffected by the teargas, but they will proceed to remove their mask and experience the effects of tear gas briefly before exiting the chamber. This experience helps them understand how to maintain their composure and remain focused on what needs to be done even when they are under distress.

The Confidence Obstacle Course

The Confidence Obstacle Course (COC) helps instill Army values, build confidence and raise personal courage between trainees. The Confidence Obstacle Course is designed to test trainee’s endurance, stamina and willpower to boost their confidence in their ability to perform under trying conditions.

The Confidence Obstacle Course is all about overcoming obstacles and, as the name implies, building confidence. It also requires the Trainees to face innate fears they may have such as a fear of heights.

Warrior Tower

Trainees will also get the chance to tackle the Confidence Rappel Tower also known as WARRIOR Tower. The Confidence Rappel Tower is an exercise typically done early where trainees can develop the personal courage and confidence in their equipment. This gives trainees the ability to realize they can overcome just about any obstacle thrown their way. Trainees must navigate through several obstacles at extreme heights, including climbing and traversing rope ladders and bridges, and rappelling down a 50-foot wall.

Letters From Home = Morale

Every letter you send to your Trainee is a significant opportunity to keep them motivated and focused on the finish line. Let them know how proud you are of their decision to serve. Also, make sure you ask them how they did on Warrior Tower and the Confidence Course. I am sure they will have some great stories to share with you.

Although Sandboxx letters arrive the next day with return stationery, a pre-addressed envelope, the return postage paid, photos, and a gift card feature, don’t feel like you have to use Sandboxx to send letters. We encourage handwritten letters and cards – these are so important.

The Making of Your Soldier

Stay tuned for more insights into Week Two and beyond. Follow us on social media for the latest updates, letter ideas, and more.

That’s a brief look at the intense but rewarding journey your Trainee  is on. Let’s keep supporting them every step of the way!

You can always find me via chat in the Sandboxx app or happiness@sandboxx.us — just ask for Kris, and myself or another teammate will get back to you as soon as we can.

Hooah!

SGM Kris Broadus, U.S. Army (Ret)