I’m Sergeant Major (Retired) Kris Broadus—but you can call me Kris. I’m honored to walk alongside you over the next 10 weeks as your Trainee begins their transformation into a U.S. Army Soldier through Basic Combat Training (BCT). With 25 years of experience leading America’s sons and daughters, I now dedicate my time to helping Army families and friends understand and embrace the incredible journey their loved ones have started.
Each week, I’ll give you a front-row seat into the milestones, challenges, and triumphs your Trainee is experiencing. From day one, they’re being pushed to new limits—mentally, physically, and emotionally—on their path to earning the title of U.S. Army Soldier. This won’t be easy, but with your support and their determination, greatness is within reach.
Transformation Begins
Your Trainee has left Reception and officially arrived at their BCT unit—this is where the transformation truly begins. In Reception, they traded in their civilian life for Army greens, got haircuts, medical checks, and learned the foundational expectations of uniform wear, grooming standards, and barracks upkeep. It’s the first step in becoming part of something bigger than themselves: a Soldier in the United States Army.
This phase is a tough adjustment. Many are without phones for the first time, surrounded by new faces, and immersed in an environment unlike anything they’ve ever known. It’s normal if they sound uncertain or overwhelmed—it’s all part of their growth. Their first big test? The legendary First 100 Yards—a powerful welcome to the High Ground.
The First 100 Yards
The First 100 Yards is the first event they will conduct as a Company. Here at the High Ground, Trainees experience their first taste of physical challenges coupled with team building events. The goal: become a U.S. Army Soldier. Simple yet not easy, their cadre ensures every effort is given towards this goal.
Upon arrival at the drop off point, Trainees are divided into Platoons and given a brief introduction to drill and ceremonies. Once in formation, they will be introduced to their Cadre and given a history lesson on their new unit.
Upon completion of their resupply mission, each troop will compete against each other in a series of challenges. These events include a head-to head sandbag race, medical evacuation race, and a tug of war competition. The Drill Sergeants will be competing right alongside the trainees during these competitions and everything else they do throughout the First 100 Yards. This is a significant experience to be so close to their new Drill Sergeants who will lead them for the next 10 weeks.
Week One Expectations: Yellow Phase
This week kicks off Yellow Phase, the first of four in BCT—Yellow, Red, White, Blue. Week One is all about laying the foundation: Army values, discipline, and attention to detail.
Trainees spend much of this week in the classroom, learning the Army Values—Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage – by using the acronym LDRSHIP. They’ll have to be a bit more creative when it comes time to learn the Warrior Ethos, which states:
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
Meanwhile, Drill Sergeants closely monitor and correct every action, instilling accountability and unit cohesion. This is the start of their transformation from civilian to Soldier.
The typical day for your trainee will begin with a 0500-hour wake-up, and physical readiness training (PRT) starts at 0530 hours. Once the morning’s exercise is complete, they will move on to breakfast and personal hygiene time. The day’s training usually will start promptly at 0800. The day will be full of training activities and lessons. A typical day for your Trainee will commence at 2000, and they will have an hour of personal time. This is when they can write letters home and prepare for the next day. Lights out is at 2100, and trust me, they will be ready to go to sleep for some well-deserved rest.
By the week’s end, I am hopeful that you will get that ever so anticipated phone call from your Trainee. During the duration of BCT, your Trainee will be given the opportunity to earn phone call privileges on Sundays. Phone calls are a privilege and they can be taken away just as they are earned for platoon infractions or mistakes.
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
The journey is just beginning, and the road ahead will be tough—but your Trainee is rising to the challenge. Next week will be all about overcoming fears and growing confidence as they’ll tackle Victory Tower and the Gas Chamber. Stay tuned for more insights as we walk this journey together.
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. Ask for Kris and another teammate, or I will reply soon.
Hooah!
SGM Kris Broadus, U.S. Army (Ret)