US Army Fort Jackson Basic Combat Training (BCT) for the Mom and Solder in Training (SIT)

06.18.18

I am writing this blog to share what I have learned in just 7 days about being a mom to a US Army Soldier in Training (SIT). Not sure who came up with acronym SIT, but you will find that a lot on the fb groups for moms and families of those going to basic training. This is not the gospel, just my version.

My son signed up for Army Reserves to start after he graduated high school. There are some students who go between their junior and senior year of high school, they call that split something - there is an abbreviation for that too, will add when I find it.

Since my son was Reserves, they do what is called a hometown shipper program. This meant he completed all of his MEPs requirements previously and between the date he enlisted and leaving for BCT, he met with his recruiter frequently for PT (physical training), weight checks, knowledge transfer, etc. We never received a ton of information it felt like from the recruiter on what to expect, I had to ask for the little amount of information I received. We received his flight details approx. 5 days before his ship date. So the hometown shipper for Guard/Reserves means, the morning they ship out/report they can go to the recruiter office to check in but can be driven to the airport by family and seen off from there. The recruiter stayed to verify he went through security at the gate. Active Duty enlistees report to MEPs for final testing, then stay with a group in a hotel overnight, next morning they do an additional swear in, quick goodbyes, then travel as a group to the airport (per accounts from other Active Duty parents). Don't forget the papers that your soldier signs to enlist, these have important dates on them - including graduation from BCT.

Packing to Leave for BCT. The list we received basically said a change of underwear, clothes on your back, travel size toiletries (check TSA website for rules.... no more than 3 oz in clear plastic bag, etc.), we sent phone and charger of course, $50, ID card, bank card, I put a few snacks in the bag for the plane. That was about it. After reading and learning, some soldiers took loose leaf paper, ink pen/pencil, stamps, envelopes, chapstick. Wish I would have sent those things, but they can purchase all of that with the advance in pay they receive or you can mail it to them when you figure out their address.

Now that your solder has arrived to Fort Jackson, they are considered in reception. This is a process that can last on average 4-10 days. This is the haircuts, vaccinations, get your gear, fill out paperwork, start PT, not sure what else phase. They get you ready to go before you are picked up by your Company (which is part of a Battalion which is part of a Brigade). My son arrived on late Monday evening to Fort Jackson and was picked up on Friday morning by his company. He had his phone briefly during these 3.5 days. The girlfriend got a few texts and mom got one, "Love you too!" I have read of kids getting blisters during these few days and possibly being held back for medical clearance (which could mean graduation might be delayed). Have also read on more than one group that the lady doing boots (shoe fitting) is not very nice, and a couple of kids with the wrong size shoes (which of course would lead to blisters, make them miserable, etc. - tell them to make sure their shoes fit!).

During this reception time I found some fb support groups which helped me figure out some need to know information or what I needed to ask. As a disclosure, fb groups moderated/admin'd are not my favorite places to hang out (a little power goes a long way! haha!) but in general it was useful at times, especially when I needed some empathy. Also made me jealous because other moms were getting calls/pictures and I wasn't. Most of the fb support pages also have a "files" section, take your time to browse through those. A lot of the info you are looking for is already there.

What I did pick up I needed to know/do: Find out the company ASAP (required to write, platoon is not required to send mail). Make hotel reservations ASAP (rooms sell out quick, remember the papers your solider signed when they enlisted? Their BCT graduation date should be listed on there. Family day is a always a Wednesday and graduation day is a Thursday (for travel that means arrive Tuesday night). Their graduation date could change based on their time spent in reception, PT testing, any medical issues. There are a host of other reasons it could change once they move past reception as well - so when making plans get insurance, ask about refund policies, etc.

So on day 2 of my son being gone I made the hotel reservations. Now, I got my hand slapped on a fb group for doing that (whatever!!!), but you know what?!?! Those that waited 4 more days were unable to get a room on base (that is the goal), since the soldiers have to stay on base Wednesday that is where you want to stay!). Book now though! I booked on the day after my soldier left, four days later there is no vacancies on base! Lots of people said wait til you hear from your soldier - nope! If I know/speculate the date, I can change my reservations later. On the same token, if you don't get on base reservations the word is to keep calling daily since SIT get recycled. So yes, their graduation date could change for a variety of reasons but make reservations ASAP once you know the anticipated date.

Companies (4-6 companies in a battalion, about 4 platoons in a company) pick up from reception on Friday, Monday or Tuesday. After my son was picked up on Friday, he was able to make a brief 10 sec call (they call it scripted), to say he arrived safely. The fb group was able to provide the battalion picking up for the week (for an example, ours was 1st BTN, 34th INF REGT, 165th BGD). How they know that, not so sure. Not sure if these people moderating live on base or are DS (drill sergeant wives or ?). Anyway, that is need to know info for your address to write to. When I talked to my son, I asked what company right away. That was the piece of info I didn't have and needed to know. He knew and was able to tell, I was also able to say a quick I love you and proud of you (and about peed my pants in excitement that he called!).

The day after (Saturday) he was picked up by his company (for his cycle, on Friday two companies picked up, and on the following Monday three companies picked up) was the day I received the Sandboxx text message inviting me to join. Sandboxx is a free to download app (or website) that you can use to send letters to your soldier. When you clicked on the link in the text message and registered (I had already downloaded this app and registered in anticipation of receiving this), your son displayed as Kin with his complete address. At that point I learned what platoon he was in. Sandboxx can be expensive, a single letter is $4, there are other packages available. Once when I have sent a letter it did not charge me - said it was sponsored by some company I didn't recognize. With Sandboxx you can attach one photo, they print off the letters and they are fedex'd to the Fort (along with all others presorted by battalion/company/etc.). There is another website called Write2Them (http://www.write2them.org). I haven't used it yet but plan on checking it out now that I have the full address. Someone said there is a package for $30 for the month unlimited, plus you can invite family and friends. On my list to do! Update: Write2Them seems pretty good. Easy to sign up and basically is just sending an email to an address they create. I like it so far.

So the Battalion has their own Facebook page, and if you are lucky your company with have their own fb pages. These seem to be ran by the DS (Drill Sergeants) and/or their wives. About 3 days into our cycle, there was activity on the page where they posted the address, some general rules, what to send/not to send, even a few pictures of the SIT arriving to the company (pretty sure I have read they call this a Shark Attack), haven't really researched that yet). Seems like you can find the links to these public fb pages on the private support group pages. Lucky so far in the fact my son's company has an active fb page - some pages have been inactive for over a year, or don't run a page at all. Lots of the private fb pages keep saying, "Stalk don't talk" on the official Fort Jackson pages, don't tag your SIT in photos. There is also a website called basictrainingphotos.com that posts photos. They are arranged by battalion, I've not seen any uploaded of my soldier's battalion yet - most people say takes 1-2 weeks before they upload any photos and that it is worth paying the extra ~$4 for the high resolution images.

Now what? Waiting. Writing. Waiting. Stalking facebook to see if there is anything I missed or anything going on. Waiting. Writing. Things left to do include finalizing details of the trip to SC - renting a van, figuring out what Owen wants to eat, loose itinerary for travel to and fro (we are about an 8 hour drive and 6 of us going). More waiting. Will add to this as I learn more, seems that getting your bearings the first two days of leaving to go to reception are the most crucial.

Marching Band Parent 101

Unless maybe you yourself participated in marching band in high school, you are probably clueless on how it works. Well, at least I was when my first child joined. I went to a school where band was not the club to join. Diff story here at Orleans though where approximately 1/4 of the student population is in band or guard. Below is a few tips and thoughts on how to help your student and yourself.

1. Deodorant. I really shouldn't have to explain this BUT these kids work hard and get sweaty. These uniforms MIGHT get dry cleaned once a year. Buy it for your kid. Remind them to wear it. Send extra to keep in their uniform bag. Remind them to bathe too. 

2. Hydration and Nourishment. Again, these kids work hard. It is a lot of physical activity. Send a water jug with them. Make sure they eat or have a snack for a long practice. Competition days you can send them a lunch bag with extras. 

3. Long Black Socks. Not ankle socks, not Nike emblem, just plain black long socks. Think grandpa style to your knees. Yeah, that will work. Send a clean pair each week too.  (Sock color will vary by school.)

4. Fundraise. I know we all hate fundraisers but it costs a lot of moolah to run a marching band program, and your student marching band fee only covers a small portion. We welcome creative and new ideas to bring in the bucks. Help us sell, help us work events, or if you are loaded we can give you a nice letter stating we are a not for profit.

5. Watch. Omg, what these kids can do is amaze-balls. Memorize and play music while navigating a football field of flags and not falling down!? You should be impressed. I'd like to see you try it. Show up and cheer them on. Come watch a practice and see how many it times they run a set to perfect it. Your heart will swell with pride for kids that aren't even yours.

6. Time. Make sure your kid is there on time. Give some of your time too. There is always plenty of work year round - props, uniform maintenance, organizing events. Be a warm body to offer a word of encouragement to the students and the staff. The hours are long and crazy and the pay is pennies. It takes a small army on competition days to get it together and back, we could use a few more good men (or women).

I'm sure I'll think of more and add to this, time for bed - uniform fitting starts tomorrow morning.