Hooah!! Welcome back for your Week TEN Training Update – and CONGRATULATIONS!
The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here—your Soldier has made it! After ten weeks of sweat, sacrifice, and pure determination, your loved one has successfully conquered the challenges of the Basic Combat Training (BCT) portion of OSUT! They’ve built a rock-solid foundation that will serve them for the rest of their Army career. They are now stronger, sharper, and more resilient than ever before—ready to face any mission or challenge that comes their way. This is a massive achievement, and you should feel bursting with pride because your Soldier has earned their place among the best!
Week 10 Expectations: Blue Phase
This week, your Soldier will experience a new level of independence as they prepare for their big day. They’ll spend the majority of their time cleaning equipment, polishing their barracks, squaring away their uniforms, and perfecting their drill and ceremonies for the Turning Green Ceremony. It’s all about attention to detail and showing off the discipline they’ve built over the past ten weeks. Before you know it, you’ll be there in person, cheering them on as they march across the parade field with pride and confidence! But before all the festivities take off, they have to overcome some fears and conquer the Confidence Rappel Tower.
The Confidence Rappel Tower
Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping experience—this week, your Trainee will conquer the legendary Confidence Rappel Tower! This thrilling event is all about building personal courage, trust, and unshakable confidence. Trainees will face their fears head-on as they climb towering rope ladders, balance across narrow rope bridges, and prepare to take the ultimate leap—rappelling down a massive 50-foot wall! It’s an incredible rush and a true turning point, as Trainees learn that with the right mindset and the right training, there’s no obstacle they can’t overcome.
The Confidence Tower isn’t just a physical challenge—it’s a mental and emotional victory. Every step, every climb, and every rappel strengthens their belief in themselves and their equipment. The cheers from their Drill Sergeants and battle buddies ring out across the field as each Trainee pushes through their fear and finishes stronger than they ever thought possible. It’s a huge moment of pride and an unforgettable memory that stays with them long after they leave training. Your Trainee is not just learning how to rappel—they’re learning that they can conquer anything!
Turning Green Ceremony
This week, your Trainee will reach a HUGE milestone—their official Turning Green Ceremony! This powerful event marks the moment they are formally recognized as a U.S. Army Soldier, and if they’ve met all of their graduation requirements, they will proudly be issued their U.S. Army patch. It’s an incredibly emotional, pride-filled moment—one you will remember for the rest of your life! Many families even get the incredible honor of personally placing the Army patch onto their Soldier’s uniform, symbolizing everything they have earned through determination, grit, and sacrifice. This is one event you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Family attendance is not just welcome—it’s highly encouraged! This will be the very first time you’ll see your Soldier since they began this life-changing journey, and the energy and pride in the air will be electric. If you’re unable to attend, don’t worry—graduation is right around the corner! You and your Soldier are nearing the halfway point of OSUT, and now is the perfect time to start planning ahead for graduation celebrations. If you’re coming to Fort Benning for the Turning Green Ceremony or graduation, make sure you register for your base access pass in advance by visiting:
Get ready for hugs, tears of joy, and one of the proudest moments you and your Soldier will ever share.
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. If you are unable to attend the Turning Green Ceremony, please consider sending them a letter to congratulate them on all they hae achieved thus far. This is a major milestone in your Soldier’s career.
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 Soldier has risen to the challenge. Next week, they’ll start the formal portion of learning the foundations of their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) as they roll into the Black Phase of OSUT.
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)