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 2 Expectations: Yellow Phase

Your Trainee has just completed their first week of Army Training.  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.

Week two will be a very busy and exciting time for your Trainee. This week they will get an introduction to First Aid as they explore Tactical Combat Casualty Care, conduct their first foot march, and tackle the Team Development Course.  

Last week’s exhausting time is the class room is over. This is the week when the excitement starts to build. The platoon will begin exploring outside of the company area and complete a series of training events designed to challenge them mentally and physically.

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.

Foot March

The 2-mile foot march is a significant milestone designed to build endurance, resilience, and camaraderie among Trainees. This march is not merely a physical challenge but a mental one, testing the limits of each Trainee’s determination and grit. Recruits carry their gear, typically including a rucksack weighing between 35 to 50 pounds, which simulates the load they might carry during actual missions.

The march usually takes place in various terrains, adding to the difficulty and realism of the training. Despite the rigorous nature of the march, it serves as a powerful bonding experience, where Trainees encourage and support each other, fostering a sense of unity and teamwork. Completing the 2-mile foot march instills a deep sense of accomplishment and confidence, marking a crucial step in their journey to becoming disciplined, physically fit, and mission-ready Soldiers.

Team Development Course

During the end of the week, your Trainee will complete the Team Development Course (TDC). The TDC is a series of physical challenges that require the Trainees to work as a team to move themselves and pieces of equipment from one side of an obstacle to the other. These obstacles can consist of water moats, walls, and a variety of other barriers that the trainees must work together to figure out how to navigate.

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. In your letter to your Trainee this week, ask them how their team did on the Team Development Course, or how the first road march went.  I am sure they will have some great stories to share with you.  Also, be sure to wish them luck on their first physical fitness assessment for next week. 

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

The journey is just beginning, and the road ahead will be tough—but your Trainee is rising to the challenge. Next week, they’ll face the infamous Gas Chamber and venture out for thier first night away from the barracks as they tackle the Hammer. Stay tuned for more insights as we walk this journey together.  Please note that training events can shift due to range availability or weather conditions.

In the meantime, follow us on Instagram and Facebook for inspiration, contests, and encouragement for your Soldier-in-the-making. And if you ever need anything, reach out to me through the Sandboxx app or email us at happiness@sandboxx.us—just ask for Kris, and I’ll be there.

We’re honored to be part of your family’s journey. Let’s keep the fire burning.

Hooah!

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