Hooah!! Welcome back to your Week Two training update—and yes, let’s talk about that word: Hooah! In the Army, Hooah is more than just a word—it’s a mindset. It means “Yes!”, “I got this!”, “Let’s go!”, and “I’m all in!” It’s the battle cry of confidence, grit, and pride—and trust me, your Trainee is shouting it with every step they take! Get ready, because it’s a word you’ll be hearing a lot from now on!
I know these past few weeks may have felt long and uncertain, but take heart—your Trainee is rising to the occasion and being shaped into something incredible. They’re in great hands, surrounded by professionals who are committed to building strong, capable Soldiers. And guess what? Time is going to fly!
Week Two Expectations: Red Phase
Your Trainee has just completed their first week of Army Basic Combat Training. They have successfully moved into the second phase of BCT, the Red Phase. Last week they spent a lot of time learning and getting acclimated to Army life. By now they are getting accustomed to the early mornings and long days. This week they will begin exploring outside of the company area and complete a series of training events designed to challenge them mentally and physically.
Week two will be a very busy and exciting time for your Trainee. They have transitioned into the second of four phases in basic Combat Training, the Red Phase. This week they will conduct their first diagnostic Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), the Combat Conditioning Course, Confidence Tower, and Medical Lanes Training.
Basic Training Phases
Yellow Phase- Week 1
Red Phase – Weeks 2-3
White Phase – Weeks 4-6
Blue Phase – Weeks 7-10
Combat Conditioning Course
This course is a thrilling mix of physical grit, mental toughness, and team-based challenges that pushes every Soldier to their limit. Designed to simulate the demands of moving through a combat environment, Trainees will climb over walls, crawl under barbed wire, haul heavy equipment, and dash through smoke-filled terrain—all while being cheered on by their fellow Soldiers and Drill Sergeants. The energy is electric, the pace is intense, and the objective is clear: build the strength and confidence needed to thrive on the battlefield.
But it’s more than just obstacles—it’s about building warrior spirit and resilience. Every grunt, every drop of sweat, and every muddy crawl brings your Trainee one step closer to becoming a battle-ready Soldier. The Combat Conditioning Course teaches them how to move fast, think on their feet, and never quit—no matter how tough the terrain. By the end of the course, they’ll be fired up, motivated, and ready to tackle anything that comes next. It’s one of the most unforgettable moments of Fort Sill Basic Training and a major confidence booster as they continue their transformation into America’s next generation of warfighters.
Confidence Tower
The Confidence Tower at Fort Sill is one of the most iconic and adrenaline-pumping experiences in Army Basic Training—a true rite of passage! Towering over the training grounds, this massive structure is where fear meets courage, and confidence is built one step at a time. As Trainees approach the base of the tower, hearts are racing and palms are sweaty, but the energy is electric. They’ll face obstacles like rope climbs, cargo nets, and the legendary rappel wall, where they must descend a vertical drop with nothing but a rope, their gear, and their grit. For many, it’s the first time they’ve ever done anything like it—and they come away transformed.
The best part about the Confience Tower isn’t just the physical challenge—it’s the moment Trainees realize they can do hard things. With Drill Sergeants coaching and battle buddies cheering them on, they overcome fear, doubt, and hesitation to conquer every obstacle. When they touch the ground after that rappel or swing across the rope bridge, they’re not just physically stronger—they’re mentally tougher and filled with pride. The Confidence Tower isn’t just an obstacle; it’s a symbol of growth, courage, and the first of many victories to come in their Army journey.
Tactical Combat Casualty Care
At the completion of this week, your Trainee won’t quite be ready to perform surgery, but they will have a profound knowledge of basic first aid in a tactical environment. The Army Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training is a vital program designed to equip Trainees with the skills necessary to provide life-saving medical care in combat situations. This training focuses on three phases of care: Care Under Fire, Tactical Field Care, and Tactical Evacuation Care. Trainees learn how to apply tourniquets, manage airway obstructions, treat chest wounds, and control massive bleeding—all critical interventions that can significantly increase survival rates on the battlefield. TCCC training is built on real-world combat medical data and is continuously updated to reflect the latest advancements in battlefield medicine. By integrating medical care with tactical considerations, soldiers are trained to provide effective treatment while maintaining mission effectiveness and situational awareness.
The primary goal of TCCC training is to reduce preventable deaths on the battlefield by ensuring that all soldiers, not just medics, have basic trauma care skills. By learning to respond quickly and effectively to injuries, Trainees can stabilize casualties until they can receive more advanced medical treatment. TCCC also fosters confidence and resilience, allowing soldiers to remain composed under pressure while treating wounded comrades. This training is an essential component of modern warfare, where immediate and effective medical care can mean the difference between life and death. Through rigorous hands-on exercises and realistic combat scenarios, the Army ensures that its personnel are well-prepared to handle medical emergencies in high-stress environments.
Letters from Home = Morale
Your words matter. Letters from home are fuel for the fight—they lift spirits, inspire grit, and remind your Trainee they are never alone. A few kind words from you can make all the difference. If you’re not sure what to say, start with encouragement, share some updates from home, or ask about what they’re learning.
Sandboxx makes letter writing easy—with next-day delivery, return stationery, pre-addressed envelopes, photos, and even gift card options. But whether you use Sandboxx or send a handwritten card, your support means everything. Every letter is a lifeline.
The Making of Your Soldier
Stay tuned for more insights into Week Three and beyond. Next week they will tackle the Confidence Chamber a.k.a. the Gas Chamber and then they will venture off for the first night away from the barracks as they concquer the Hammer. 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)