Fort Moore | Infantry OSUT

Hooah!! Welcome back for your Week Six update. Hopefully your trainee has been paying attention, because they will use what they’ve learned so far to pass the Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM) qualification course. This will be the last week of this phase and upon successful completion of this week’s tasks, they will advance into the Blue Phase.

WEEK SIX EXPECTATIONS: WHITE PHASE

By this time, your trainee has gained more confidence through their challenging training. Their platoon is only as strong as its weakest member. Week Six is a very important time in your Trainee’s time here at Fort Moore. They will begin the week with a continuation of their ruck march conditioning progression by completing a 6 Mile Foot March to the Qualification Range.

SIX MILE ROAD MARCH

By now your Trainee has surely got their new boots broken in. If they haven’t, they surely will be after their first 6 Mile Road March. The ruck march will challenge your Trainee both mentally and physically. Trainees are required to carry 35 lbs in their rucksack and carry their assigned weapons system. They will have to do a 7 and 10-mile ruck during the remainder of their time with us.

RIFLE QUALIFICATION

During this week your Trainee will put everything they have learned in Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM) to the test, Trainees must pass the BRM qualification course, which consists of firing 1 round standing, 9 rounds in the unsupported prone position, 10 rounds from the supported prone position, 10 rounds kneeling supported firing position, and 10 rounds in the standing supported firing position at pop-up targets that range in distance from 50 meters to 300 meters.

To earn their marksmanship badge, trainees will have to hit 23 to 29 out of the 40 targets. Trainees hitting 30 to 35 targets will qualify for the sharpshooter badge. An expert badge will be awarded to those trainees that hit 36 to 40 of the 40 targets.

ACFT ASSESSMENT

To close out the week, your trainee will take their second Army Combat Fitness Test assessment. This will be a very difficult task as they are mentally and physically exhausted from all the time at the range with BRM. By now, however, they will likely start to see some notable difference in their physique and stamina. They should be able to report a noticeable increase in their performance as compared to their first assessment. This improvement in performance is an important aspect of reinforcing the benefits of an active lifestyle and routine exercise. Your trainee should be proud of their progress and focused on getting even better for the next test.

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 next phase, the Blue Phase. They know the halfway point is approaching, but there are still some very difficult tasks ahead. Be sure to ask them how they did on their ACFT and please make sure you ask them how they qualified at the range. They will be eager to tell you!

Remember, Sandboxx letters arrive the next day with return stationery, a pre-addressed envelope, the return postage paid, photos, and an option to add a gift card. But 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 — 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)