AIT ins-and-outs for families
This is a continuation of my post where I address a few key items that some new military families may have. These are all from an Army perspective, so if you need more branch specific information I always suggest contacting your soldier’s recruiter or a local recruiter. They are usually a good source of information and they are good resource brokers!
AIT stands for Advanced Individual Training and it’s training that is specific to your soldier’s Military Occupation Specialty (MOS). All soldiers go through Basic Combat Training. Even if they have a job that is not combat related they must go through a basic level of training for obvious purposes. After BCT your soldier will go on to AIT. I believe in most instances this usually happens immediately following BCT.
Some MOS’s will have a joint BCT/AIT. Infantry, for example, offers this combination. When BCT ends the Company may offer a family day where you can visit with your soldier over a weekend. He may or may not be allowed to leave base or get an overnight pass. It all depends on the chain of command and any restrictions put on your soldier for various reasons. This will not be his graduation. When BCT and AIT are combined the graduation happens at the very end of the AIT cycle.
The time spent in AIT is dependent on the MOS. Listed below are the various AIT schools. Spouses may or may not PCS with their sodlier to AIT depending on his orders. If he will be at the station for more than 20-weeks then you qualify for PCS unless there is an exception for another reason (and if you are new to the Army you need to know one thing… never count on anything until it’s in your hand and you have a death grip on it… and even then it will more than likely change.)
This list is taken from Goarmy.com
Learn the skills needed to help support our Soldiers’ well-being as a human resource specialist.
Learn the high-tech missile systems that help defend our troops on the battlefield.
Learn about the latest armor systems that make our heavy forces decisive and effective.
Learn to keep Army helicopters in top operating condition and ready for action.
Learn how to detect and defend against nuclear, biological and chemical agents.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FIRE ACADEMY
Learn fire protection fundamentals: fire behavior, fire alarm communications, fire prevention, emergency medical care and more.
From building bridges to conducting graphic analysis, learn the unique skills of being an Engineer Soldier in the Army.
Get inside field artillery systems and learn electronics, communications platforms, weapons and more.
Learn how to provide accurate finance and accounting support to Soldiers.
Learn to become part of the foundation of the Army. Infantry Soldiers are experts in combat and are always ready.
Learn to become the eyes and ears of the Army by gathering intelligence from various sources.
Learn law-enforcement skills for war, peace, stability and support operations as a Military Police Soldier.
ORDNANCE MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE SCHOOL
Learn how to maintain Army weapon systems and equipment.
ORDNANCE MUNITIONS AND ELECTRONICS MAINTENANCE SCHOOL
Learn the specialized skills for handling, storing and disposal of hazardous devices to protect our troops.
Help ensure mission success by supplying Soldiers with food, water, petroleum, repair parts, ammunition and other field services.
Get an in-depth look at the school that teaches communications technology.
Keep the Army moving and learn how to operate and maintain Army trucks, material handling equipment and watercraft.
Our next topic is “What if my soldier is injured in training.” This is s topic I am painfully familiar with but we will explore all options and flesh it out a little.
