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 Chamber, one of the most memorable events of their time at Fort Sill. 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!
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.
Confidence Chamber
First up this week is one of the most anticipated combat scenarios of their time at Fort Sill, the Confidence Chamber (also known as the gas chamber). This is their first introduction to Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, and Nuclear (CBRN) training. They will learn how to properly wear the M50 Protective Mask (also known as Gas Mask) as well as employ a variety of cleaning supplies specifically designed to treat contamination.
The final practical exercise of this training event is the gas chamber where your trainee will learn to trust in their equipment. Don’t be alarmed, this is a controlled environment! They will put on their gas mask, and enter a room filled with harmless but very uncomfortable tear gas. While they are wearing their mask, they will be unaffected by the teargas, but they will proceed to remove their mask and experience the effects of tear gas briefly before exiting the chamber. This experience helps them understand how to maintain their composure and remain focused on what needs to be done even when they are under distress.
The Hammer
By the end of Week 3, your Trainee will tackle the Hammer Field Training Exercise (FTX). This is the very first major field challenge your Trainee faces—and it’s where the transformation truly begins. Taking place early in Basic Combat Training, the Hammer marks the first time they leave the comfort of the barracks and head into the field to operate like real Soldiers. Over 2 days and 1 night, your Trainee will live, move, and train in a tactical environment. They’ll practice squad movements, react-to-contact drills, and experience the raw realities of field life—eating MREs, digging fighting positions, pulling security shifts, and sleeping under the stars. It’s gritty, it’s intense, and it’s designed to build confidence and teamwork from the ground up.
This isn’t just about learning tactics—it’s about forging resilience. Trainees are pushed outside their comfort zones, working as a team to complete mission-based scenarios while under constant pressure. They’ll carry heavy gear, stay alert through late-night watch rotations, and learn to rely on one another through every challenge. By the end of the Hammer FTX, they’ve not only learned how to operate in the field—they’ve taken their first true steps into the world of the U.S. Army. It’s a milestone every Soldier remembers, and it lights the fire for everything that comes next.
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. If you’re not sure what to say, start with encouragement, or ask them how they did at the Gas Chamber and the Hammer. I am sure they are grwoing with excitement as they transition into the White Phase.
Sandboxx makes letter writing easy—with next-day delivery, return stationery, pre-addressed envelopes, photos, and even gift card options. But whether you use Sandboxx or send a handwritten card, your support means everything. Every letter is a lifeline. Also, be sure to ask them if they have made any new friends while they have been in Basic Training. Next week they will begin to start Basic Rifle Marksmanship.
The Making of Your Soldier
The journey is just beginning, and the road ahead will be tough—but your Trainee is rising to the challenge. Next week will be all about overcoming fears and growing confidence as they’ll get an introduction into Basic Rifle Marksmanship. Stay tuned for more insights as we walk this journey together.
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)