Hooah!! Welcome back for your Week Six update. This is the last week of the White Phase. After this week, they will successfully move into BCT’s fourth and final phase, The Blue Phase.

This week, they will complete their BRM qualifications and embark on their second Field Training Exercise (FTX), the Anvil.

WEEK SIX EXPECTATIONS: WHITE PHASE

Trainees must pass the BRM qualification course to kick off Week Six of BCT. This course consists of firing 1 round standing, nine rounds in the unsupported prone position, ten rounds from the supported prone position, ten rounds kneeling supported firing position, and ten rounds in the standing supported firing position at pop-up targets ranging from 50 meters to 300 meters.

Once the unit is complete with BRM at the range, it will move into the culminating event of the White Phase and go back into the field for a 48-hour exercise known as the Anvil.

FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE – THE ANVIL

The Anvil Field Training Exercise builds squad tactics, medical training events, and CBRN (Chemical Biological Radioactive Nuclear) attacks. Participants move through their area of operations and are exposed to simulated fire, tear gas, and grenades. They will also expand their understanding of land navigation and map reading skills.

More time in the field means trainees will experience a deeper understanding of field hygiene. There is no running water or access to the dining facility (DFAC) during these field exercises, so meals are either meal-ready to eat (MRE) or field chow.

Training Circular (TC) 4-02.3 guides soldiers on field hygiene and sanitation so that soldiers can remain healthy and fit in the field and are capable of accomplishing their mission in any environment.

After being out in the field for even a couple of days, getting hot chow from the DFAC can be the only rest your trainee receives all day. Hot chow isn’t only about getting some downtime. Although some find discovering the treats inside an MRE and experiencing the flameless heater to be incredible experiences, field problems can be pretty black, so the smell of food – even in MRE form – can be pretty euphoric.

LAND NAVIGATION

As the week ends, the Soldiers change gears from field exercises to their Land Navigation Training. They were previously introduced to Land Navigation principles during classroom instruction, but now they take their knowledge to the training area and apply what they have learned. A four-person team will work together to use a compass, a protractor, and a Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) map to find their way between specific numbered points in the training area. These points are small orange boxes mounted atop a metal post and difficult to find in a large wooded area. Your Soldier must be precise in their calculation and movement to find the correct point and earn credit to pass the course.

The benefits of Land Navigation training permanently increase a Soldier’s situational awareness and ability to figure out where they are in various situations. What they learn in land navigation courses will significantly improve their awareness of cardinal directions, terrain features, and distance measurement. 

LETTERS FROM HOME = MORALE

This will be a very exhausting week for your Trainee, but one that is full of pride as they transition into the final phase, the Blue Phase. They know the finish line is approaching, but some challenging tasks are still ahead. Be sure to wish them luck as they take their end-of-cycle Army Combat Fitness Test next week. They will also get the chance to visit the grenade range. 

In your Letter to your trainee today, ask them about their favorite – and least favorite – MRE they had to eat while in the field. After leaving the field, you could also ask how great that first hot meal was. 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.  

THE MAKING OF YOUR SOLDIER

Stay tuned for more insights into Week Seven and beyond. 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. 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)