Hooah!! Welcome back for your Week Nine training update. To start week nine, your Soldier (notice that we didn’t say trainee, now that your loved one has gone through their Rite of Passage ceremony).    

WEEK NINE EXPECTATIONS: BLUE PHASE

Week nine is a week of reflection on all the achievements made during the Basic Combat Training journey. It will also be filled with time cleaning and preparing the area for the next class.  

You may notice that your Soldier can call you and spend more time on the phone with you than before. They have earned those privileges by achieving and overcoming every obstacle that was put in front of them.

RECOVERY

For most of this week, your Soldier will spend time servicing their weapons and equipment, which they will not be taking to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) with them. They will clean their helmet, canteen, weapons, and other equipment used during their BCT experience.  

They will also focus on preparing the barracks for the next incoming class. This is a tedious process, and the Drill Sergeants will ensure that the barracks are pristine before departure. They will have a final inspection of their Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU), which they will wear for their BCT Graduation.

One of the most exciting parts of this week is practicing for their impending BCT Graduation Ceremony. This is what they have been working for since they arrived at BCT. The realization that they have finally achieved their goal is very exciting. They are getting increasingly excited every day to finally see their family and show you the transformation they have made.

LETTERS FROM HOME = MORALE

ONE MORE WEEK TO GO!! It is almost time to be reunited with your Soldier. I can’t imagine the excitement you are feeling. Next week, you will see your Soldier for the first time since they started their journey to becoming Soldiers. As graduation approaches, visit Fort Jackson Photography to choose from Army apparel, merch, and more to find the perfect gift for your future Soldier, just in time for a family weekend.

If you can’t make it to graduation, there is still time to send your future Soldier a final Letter congratulating them on this incredible accomplishment. You can include an Exchange gift card as a last-minute graduation gift.

THE MAKING OF YOUR SOLDIER

Stay tuned for more insights into Week Ten and beyond. 

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 as soon as possible.

Hooah!

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