Hooah!! Welcome back for another update on your Soldier’s transformation from civilian to Infantry Soldier. Your Soldier is getting closer and closer to graduation every day. I know you miss them and can’t wait to see them. I promise, it won’t be long.
WEEK FIFTEEN EXPECTATIONS: GOLD PHASE
The early mornings continue with physical fitness as a daily routine. This week will be split between preparing for Urban Operations and the Enhanced Fire Team Live Fire (EFT). When preparing for Urban Operations, your Soldier will spend a lot of time in a simulator. The simulator replicates the urban environment in a three dimensional perspective. This is when all of that experience they had playing video games prior to joining the Army may pay off.
ENHANCED FIRE TEAM LIVE FIRE
The Enhanced Fire Team Live Fire (EFT) is assuredly the most intense training event for both Soldiers and their Drill Sergeants during Infantry OSUT. As a live fire exercise, the Soldiers will be maneuvering with live rounds and engaging targets down range. Unlike previous live fire exercises, this exercise does not take place on a flat and open range.
EFT is conducted on a range built in the training area to simulate a real combat scenario. This means that rather than clean barriers and well defined lanes to move through, your Soldier will have to maneuver through more organic cover and concealment such as trees, rocks, and fallen logs. Your Soldier must apply everything they have learned about weapons safety, marksmanship, movement techniques, and communication to navigate the lane and complete it successfully.
The Drill Sergeants and Cadre of the Company are also following along close behind the Soldiers. They will monitor the Soldiers at all times to ensure that they are not veering off course or venturing into any unsafe situations. Successfully completing EFT gives your Soldier the confidence that they can work with a team in the most stressful of situations and accomplish their goals. It takes a lot of focus, control of emotions, and cool headedness to get through EFT, but once it is complete, there is not much left in Infantry OSUT that can phase them.
LETTERS FROM HOME = MORALE
When you write your Letter this week, congratulate your Soldier on completing one of the most stressful events of OSUT Infantry Training this week. Consider sending your Soldier the Daily Drive with your next Letter so they receive words of wisdom and motivation 5 days a week.
We will be back next week with an update as your Soldier gets a full introduction to Urban Operations.
THE MAKING OF YOUR SOLDIER
Stay tuned for more insights into Week Sixteen 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 Soldier 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 — just ask for Kris, and myself or another teammate will get back to you as soon as we can.
Hooah!
SGM Kris Broadus, U.S. Army (Ret)