Get ready—your Trainee is charging toward the finish line of the Red Phase! This is their final week in the first phase of Basic Training, and they are starting to hit their stride. By now, your Trainee is deep into the rhythm of Army life: early mornings, intense training, and learning what it truly means to be part of something bigger than themselves. If you’ve had a Sunday call or received a letter, you might already notice the difference—their confidence is growing, their mindset is sharpening, and that Army pride is starting to shine through!
They are fired up to leave the Red Phase behind and move forward in their journey. Red Phase is tough, but it builds the foundation for everything that comes next. The excitement is real, and the momentum is building. Your Trainee is transforming before your eyes—and this is just the beginning! Stay proud, stay strong—big things are on the horizon!
Week Three Expectations: Red Phase
This is a huge week for your Trainee, packed with adrenaline, grit, and growth! They’re about to face some of the most exciting and challenging moments yet. First up: the Confidence Obstacle Course, where they’ll climb, crawl, and conquer towering obstacles that push their limits and build unshakable confidence. Then, it’s time to lace up their boots for a 5-mile road march, testing their endurance and mental toughness every step of the way.
But the real milestone? It’s their first night in the field—no barracks, no comfort zone, just their gear, their team, and the mission. They’ll be taking on the Hammer, the first of three intense Field Training Exercises (FTXs), where they’ll apply everything they’ve learned in a hands-on, tactical environment. It’s demanding. It’s gritty. And it’s the moment they start to feel like real Soldiers. The transformation is accelerating—and your Trainee is rising to the challenge!
Confidence Obstacle Course
The Confidence Obstacle Course is one of the most thrilling and empowering experiences your Trainee will face in Army Basic Training! Designed to challenge both the body and the mind, this course pushes every Soldier to confront their fears, trust in their abilities, and build confidence in themselves and their teammates. From towering rope climbs and balance beams to high platforms and narrow logs, each obstacle is carefully crafted to test agility, strength, and mental toughness. It’s not just about completing the course—it’s about conquering doubt, pushing past fear, and realizing what they’re truly capable of.
For many Trainees, the Confidence Course marks a turning point in their transformation. There’s something powerful about watching a fellow Soldier hesitate at the top of an obstacle—only to hear their battle buddies below cheering them on—and then seeing them leap, climb, or swing to the finish. The energy is electric, the camaraderie is real, and by the end of the course, your Trainee walks away a little taller, a little prouder, and a lot more confident. This is one of those “I can do this” moments that sticks with them for the rest of their Army career.
Five Mile Road March
The 5-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. Trainees 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 5-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.
THE HAMMER
At the beginning of week 3, your Trainee will conduct their first Field Training Exercise (FTX) which is known as The Hammer, where they will focus on basic fieldcraft and survival. To kick off the event they will conduct a 5 mile road march to the training area. During the Hammer, your Trainee may find themselves missing the cozy accommodations of the barracks and the chow hall. They will have the opportunity to eat Meals Ready to Eat (MRE’s) and will definitely be missing the hot chow they have become accustomed to. During this FTX, your trainees will learn how to dig hasty fighting positions, movement techniques, how to pull security in a tactical/wooded environment, and the proper use of hand and arm signals to communicate without using their voice. This will be the first overnight exercise in a tactical area.
During the Hammer, your Trainee may find themselves missing the cozy accommodations of the barracks and the chow hall. They will have the opportunity to eat Meals Ready to Eat (MRE’s) and will definitely be missing the hot chow they have become accustomed to.
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 this week, ask them if they enjoyed the Hammer. It’s a whole different level of camping than most have been exposed to! Also, ask them if they have made new friends while in Basic Training. If you don’t have the time to write as often as you’d like, consider selecting the Daily Drive as a letter add-on; this way, your recruit will receive daily mail to encourage them throughout their journey.
We know you’re likely feeling the distance by now, so remember to check out Fort Jackson Photography to learn how to access real-time training photos, order portraits of your trainee, and so much more.
The Making of Your Soldier
Stay tuned for more insights into Week Four and beyond. Next week they will venture out to the range for the first time and start thier introduction to Basic Rifle Marksmanship. 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 this week. 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)