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 the fourth and final phase of BCT, The Blue Phase.

This week they will finish up with BRM qualifications and take the journey on their second Field Training Exercise (FTX), it’s called the Anvil.

WEEK SIX EXPECTATIONS: WHITE PHASE

To kick off Week Six of BCT, trainees must pass the BRM qualification course. This course 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.

Once the unit is complete with BRM at the range, they 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. They take simulated fire, tear gas, and grenades as they move through their area of operations. They will also begin to 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 given in the form of either meal ready to eat (MRE) or field chow.

Training Circular (TC) 4-02.3 provides guidance to 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 brought in from the DFAC can be the only rest that your trainee gets all day. Hot chow isn’t only about getting some down time. Although some find discovering the treats inside an MRE and experiencing the flameless heater to be cool 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 comes to an end, the Soldiers change gears from field exercises to their Land Navigation Training. They were introduced to the principles of Land Navigation previously during classroom instruction, but now they take their knowledge to the training area and apply what they have learned. In a four person team, they 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 simply small orange boxes mounted atop a metal post, and they are difficult to find in a large wooded area. Your Soldier must be precise in their calculation and movement in order to find the correct point and earn credit to pass the course.

The benefits of the Land Navigation training permanently increase a Soldier’s situational awareness and ability to figure out where they are in a variety of situations. Their awareness of cardinal directions, terrain features, and measuring distance will all be greatly improved by what they learn on the land navigation courses. 

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 there are still some very difficult tasks ahead. Be sure to wish them luck as they will take their end of cycle Army Combat Fitness Test next week. They will also get the chance to visit the grenade range. 

Are you including Stamps with your letters? This makes replying that much easier for your busy recruit, since they won’t have to track down a stamp. 

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)