BCT/AIT, Red, White, Blue, Black and Gold… what’s with the colors?
This is the first of several segments containing specific information for new Army parents (this will help spouses. Granted each branch is going to run basic training a little differently and may call certain phases of training different things, but I have tired to keep the information general enough to be an aid to anyone who comes across the article and needs a quick crash course on what to expect when a son or daughter joins the Armed Forces.
This was initiated by me in response to a friend whose son recently went to BCT. She was left holding the bag and wondering what he would be facing and when she would ever talk to him again. I remember that feeling. I had a little more information available to me, but since our family did Army life backward (son joined first then husband), I know the blackout of information that exists for a lot of Blue Star parents.
The first thing I explained to my friend was that her son did not get off a bus and start BCT immediately. He has to go through in-processing first. I told her that my soldiers have said that in=processing is the “last big warm fuzzy hug” before BCT begins. Of course they jest. In-processing can and will have restrictions already in place on new recruits. Although it is usually less restrive than BCT will be there are no guarantees of phone calls and recruits will not be free to just wander around base and call at his will. Be patient. Also be aware that the first phone call usually lasts less than 2-minutes. It’s just a call to check in and let you know they have arrived. Nothing more is usually communicated during that time.
Below is a great synopsis of the phases of BCT and AIT. I found them in a handbook online. I think they are pretty accurate and unless things have changed drastically in the last year, I venture to say they are up to date.
…
Initial Entry Training is comprised of five phases. They are the Red Phase, White Phase, Blue Phase, Black Phase and the Gold Phase. The Red, White and Blue phases are part of the Basic Training program of instruction, the Black and Gold Phases are part of the Advanced Individual Training (AIT). In an OSUT or One Station Unit Training, a training cycle is about 13 to 14 weeks long and encompasses all five phases of training. OSUT is MOS specific i.e., Infantry, Armor, Artillery, and Military Police and once a solider has successfully completed an entire training cycle he/she is awarded his/her MOS and is ready for duty in any of our war fighting divisions.
These phases vary in instructional content and intensity of training. With the passage of each phase will come increased privileges for new soldiers. The Red Phase is also known as “Total Control” – during this phase there is always a drill sergeant with the soldiers from wake up until lights out. This control gradually lessens with each successive phase. In Basic Training, graduation takes place at the end of the Blue Phase. In OSUT and AIT, graduation occurs at the end of the Gold Phase. Generally, each phase change is marked with some type of ceremony or ritual to recognize the successful progression of the soldiers.
Stay tuned for the next Posting on what to expect when your son or daughter joins the Army.
