After graduating from Basic Combat Training (BCT), Soldiers transition to Advanced Individual Training (AIT), where they receive in-depth instruction in their specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). The length of AIT varies by job, ranging from approximately 4 to 52 weeks.
Transition to AIT
Following BCT graduation, Soldiers complete out-processing, gather their equipment, and check out of their unit. They will then report to their AIT location—either on the same installation or at a different base. Travel arrangements (flight or ground) are coordinated in advance, and Soldiers know their next destination prior to graduation.
For Soldiers graduating BCT at Fort Benning, Fort Leonard Wood and Fort Benning, the Army will transport your Soldier to AIT immediately following graduation. No need to worry about transportation, the Army will provide it for your Soldier.
If your Soldier is graduating BCT at Fort Jackson and their AIT location is east of the Mississippi River, you can request to take your Soldier to AIT via privately owned vehicle (POV). You will be able to depart Fort Jackson the day of graduation and start your trip to your Sodlier’s AIT location. If you don’t have the time to do that or your Soldier is going to a location a little farther away, don’t worry the Army will ensure your Soldier has transportation scheudled to get them to their AIT location.
Do Soldiers come home after basic training?
In most cases, Soldiers do not go home after BCT. They typically report to AIT immediately—often the same day or the next.
AIT is structured in phases that gradually increase responsibility and privileges:
- Phase IV (Black Phase): Focus on discipline, physical fitness, and MOS fundamentals. Limited privileges, but ofen more than basic training.
- Phase V (Gold Phase): Expanded privileges, including more personal time and potential off-post liberty, depending on performance and unit policies.
Weekend passes and are not guaranteed—they are earned and approved at the unit level. As Soldiers progress, they may receive increased phone access and limited travel privileges (often within a set distance from the installation).
How long is AIT?
Advanced Individual Training(AIT) ranges from 4 to 52 weeks depending on a Soldier’s MOS. After graduating from BCT, Soldiers will go to AIT where they will complete both the Black and Gold Phases before joining their unit.
AIT Army Graduation
After successfully completing their respective AIT, Soldiers will have a graduation ceremony to signify that they meet the requirements
AIT graduations are more intimate than the graduation ceremony for basic training. The graduating class will be much smaller and the ceremony may only last thirty minutes.
After the graduation ceremony is complete, Soldiers will complete the check-out process from AIT as they get ready to report to their next unit.
What happens after AIT?
After Soldiers graduate from their AIT School they are normally granted some leave, often no more than 10 days, before having to check-in to their next unit. They will be excited to report to their first duty station as they are now a fully qualified Soldier. If your Soldier is a member of the Army Reserve or National Guard, they will return home.