My Soldier will be training in near future, what’s his grad date?
It is difficult to definitively say when your Soldier will graduate that far in advance. There are many factors that can move that date. Soldiers are instructed to call the person listed as their next of kin within 24 hours of arriving at the 30th AG Reception Battalion. Your Soldier will be assigned to the company he will train with after a week or so of in-processing at the reception battalion. (The time spent at the reception battalion can vary based upon things such as medical issues.) You will be able to find out the exact dates once you know the training company. Also, Soldiers in danger of not graduating are instructed to notify NOK around weeks 7-9.

How long will my Soldier be in basic training?
Basic Combat Training for all Military Occupation Specialties (MOS) in the Army lasts 10 weeks. Infantry and Armor OSUT lasts from 14 to 22 weeks depending on your soldier’s MOS.

What is "OSUT"?
Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT) combines Basic Combat Training (BCT) with Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in one location at Fort Moore. Soldiers stay with the same class throughout Infantry training. Unlike many other MOS, Soldiers do not have to move to another installation after BCT to complete AIT.

Will the Drill Sergeants hit my Soldier?
No. Soldiers are treated fairly, firmly, and with dignity. Abuse of any kind is not tolerated. Drill Sergeants are selected from the best Soldiers in the Army, and are highly qualified to train recruits.

What can I do to assist my Soldier during BCT or OSUT?
The best thing you can do is to write as many positive letters as possible, and as often as possible. Soldiers look forward to daily mail call.

What is a typical day like in BCT or OSUT?
BCT or Infantry OSUT is very demanding and challenging. Soldiers are sometimes expected to respond quickly and give 100 percent effort at all times. Most soldiers quickly adapt to the new life. It is difficult, however, because everything is new, and soldiers don't know what to expect.

Do you have any photos of my Soldier
Short answer is “maybe, but probably not.” More than 114,000 Soldiers pass our way each year and each day about 14,000 of them are in training somewhere on Fort Moore – 5,800 in basic training alone. With that volume of Soldiers, who are here for such a short period of time, it would be impossible to photograph them all. However you can get an idea of what your Soldier is experiencing by visiting the Fort Moore photo Website, https://fortmoore.smugmug.com/.

I went through basic training XX years/months ago, can I still order a yearbook?
Possibly. The contract has changed hands a few different times. Depending on when you were at Fort Moore you will need to contact either Leonard Studios (706) 687-5509 or Basic Video Productions, (210) 695-4979.

How long will my Soldier be in basic training reception?
The average length of time between home and being assigned to a basic training unit is 7-14 days. During this time your Soldier is traveling for 1-2 days and in processing for 3-4 days. However, keep in mind Soldiers only in process Monday through Friday, so if he arrives later in the week it will carry over to the following week. It’s also important to remember that this process can be longer for Infantry Soldiers attending the 14-week One Station Unit Training. This is because those units are filled with Soldiers with the same MOS, whereas 9-week basic training units are filled with Soldiers with a variety of different MOSs.

How often are basic training Soldiers allowed to call home?
Processing Companies will ensure that Trainees call home the evening of day 1 and the evening prior to shipping to basic training. This is to inform their families that they have arrived at Fort Moore and to inform their families that they will be shipping to training. Trainees will not call home the night of arrival. This is to ensure that they have an opportunity to reach someone at home and not wake family members in the early hours of the morning. Once Trainees have completed their Day 1 call, Processing Company Cadre will collect and secure all cell phones until the evening prior to ship. It is at Company Command Team discretion to allow Trainees to use cell phones during matters of extenuation to include: holidays, inclement weather, and Family emergencies. In any case, Trainee cell phone use will be under the close supervision of Cadre. Under no circumstances will Trainees be permitted to use cell phones for purposes other than calling home while assigned to the 30th AG Battalion. Cell phone use prohibitions include but are not limited to social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat. Prior Service Trainees assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company are authorized to keep their cell phones at the discretion of the Company Commander. Prior Service Trainees are not authorized to allow the use of their phones by trainees in an IMT status.

My Soldier was injured during basic training what happens next?
Depending the on the extent of their injuries, Soldiers who get injured during basic training are usually allowed to continue training as part of the rehabilitation battalion until either the injury is healed or they are medically discharged. While in the rehabilitation battalion, injured Soldiers will do modified PT so as not to put more stress on their injury. If they remain in basic training they will join another unit at the point where they left off with their original unit. This means they will have a different date for family day and graduation. Please remember this is general guidance, YOUR Soldier will have the best information.

What happens if my Soldier fails a portion of BCT/OSUT?
If your new Soldier is unable to adequately pass a required event, the company commander will talk to the Soldier's Drill Sergeant and with the company First Sergeant and they decide what will be the proper action to take. If they think the Soldier can make it, they will allow him to stay in the company and let him retry the event he failed with another company, not affecting his graduation. If they feel the soldier is not at the same level with the other soldiers of the company, they may decide to recycled him to another company in earlier stages of training. This will set back his graduation date.

Does my Soldier’s basic training unit have its own Facebook page or Web site?
Some units do. Not all units have the time and resources to manage independent websites and pages. If your Soldier’s unit has these, they will be listed in the letter you receive from the commander. If they don’t, we will try to answer any question you might have on the Basic Training webpage.

How do I address envelopes to my Soldier in basic training?
Follow what your Soldier told you or what is sent in the commander letter, but as a guideline addresses usually look like this:

Rank(PVT, PV2, PFC, SPC) Last name, First name
Roster Number
X Co., X-XX Inf. Regt.
Street address
Fort Moore, GA 31905

My Soldier is in basic training, can I send him care packages and if so, what can I send?
The answer to this may seem simple, but it’s not. Much like parents, each drill sergeant has a different style, so they are the ultimate decision makers when it comes to what your Soldier can and cannot receive. Your Soldier will let you know on his first call or letter what you are allowed to send him. If he requests an item he can receive it.

Can I send newspaper clippings, pictures or a card that plays music to my Soldier, or just standard letters?
More often than not Soldiers can receive these items. They may “pay” for them with extra push-ups or sit-ups – especially for music/recorded voice cards – but they will get to keep them.

My Soldier told me to put a colored dot, symbol or some other marking on the outside of his mail. Why do I have to do this?
This is done to make the sorting of mail easier. Thousands of Soldiers receive thousands of letters each day, so anything to ease the process will help. Yes, your Soldier will get his mail if you forget to put the symbol or color, but remember he may pay for your mistake with extra push-ups or sit-ups, so follow your Soldier’s instructions carefully. If your Soldier didn’t tell you to do this you don’t have to put any special marking on the mail.

My Soldier said he isn’t receiving my letters. Do drill sergeants hold mail?
No, drill sergeants do not hold mail. The most common reason your Soldier may not be receiving your letters is because he’s only been in the system for a couple of weeks. Be patient. With thousands of letters going to thousands of Soldiers, it takes time to get everything to everyone. He will get your mail. Another possibility could be you addressed it incorrectly. If a number is wrong it might reach the Soldier, but it might get returned back to you instead.

If I overnight mail to my Soldier in basic training will he get it faster?
It is not recommended that you overnight anything to your Soldier. Paying the additional fees to overnight a package will only guarantee that the package arrives at Fort Moore overnight, but the post mail process is still the same – it takes time to get thousands of letters to thousands of Soldiers.

My Soldier took his cell phone to basic training. Will he be able to use it?
Although many recruiters tell Soldiers not to bring their cell phone to basic training, many Soldiers are allowed to use them when they earn phone privileges to call home. Cell phone use depends on the drill sergeants. Some drill sergeants allow them, others do not. If Soldiers are allowed to use them they will not have them at all times. The phones will be locked up with the Soldier’s other personal belongings and distributed when phone privileges are earned.

May my Soldier attend religious services?
Yes. Soldiers have the opportunity to attend religious services.

I have a family emergency and need to reach my Soldier in basic training, who do I call?
If it is truly an emergency a Red Cross message can be sent to the Soldier. Red Cross emergency communications services keep military personnel in touch with their families following the death or serious illness of an immediate family member, the birth of a Soldier's child or grandchild or when a family faces other emergencies. The West Central Georgia chapter of the Red Cross services Fort Moore, http://www.wcgredcross.org/.

My Soldier is in basic training and when I have a question about his pay or another financial issue, who can I call?
Due to the sensitive nature of financial information, it is advised that Soldiers takes care of pay issues rather than spouses or parents. If you experience an issue, explain the situation to your Soldier the next time you speak with him and he can then tell his drill sergeant he has a financial issue that he needs to rectify. Red Cross messages cannot be sent for pay issues.

What time is the turning blue ceremony/family day/graduation ceremony?
The times for these ceremonies will vary by unit. Your Soldier’s specific information will be in the commander letter. If you are unclear YOUR Soldier is the best source for this information.

Can I take pictures/video at my Soldier’s graduation and around the installation?
You are authorized to take pictures and video around Fort Moore unless otherwise posted or you are specifically asked not to take pictures/video. The one caveat is the gates. Please do not photograph or video any of the access control points as this could be a security threat.

What should I wear to my Soldier’s graduation ceremony?
While there isn’t a dress code, and you will see the entire spectrum of clothing options, it’s generally recommended that you wear Sunday church attire.

Is there a limit on the number of people who can attend a family day or graduation ceremony?
No there isn’t a limit. Soldiers may have as many guests (family and friends) as they want to attend these events. No tickets are needed.

My Fiancé's/boyfriend's family is not able to attend the family day or graduation ceremony. Can I go?
Yes, just ask his family for the commander letter. That way you have all the information you need for the family day and graduation ceremony.

Can I purchase souvenirs from Fort Moore and specifically from my Soldier’s unit?
Most, if not all, basic training units sell t-shirts and other souvenirs at the graduation ceremony. Families are also allowed to purchase items at the National Infantry Museum gift shop.

Can my Soldier go home with his family after graduation?
Yes. Upon completion of the graduation ceremonies, your new Soldier receives a short period of leave. He is free to go home with you, unless follow-on training is scheduled.

Spending time with family after graduation
Soldiers are generally given a pass to spend time with family; however, the availability and amount of time is determined by his chain of command. You will find out more details during Family Day.

Where will my new Soldier be stationed after training?
This will depend upon your soldier's Infantry MOS and on the needs of the Army. Soldiers without a guaranteed assignment option are advised of their duty station toward the end of OSUT.

May my Soldier attend college while in the Army?
Yes. The Army believes that education is one of the keys to building a successful future. The Army encourage Soldiers to take classes and provides a lot of benefits to help the Soldier. As a Soldier arrives at his first duty station, while they are in-processing, one of the requirement is to go through the education service. They take a briefing with them, where they get explain how the educational center works, how he can get access to programs at accredited colleges, universities and vocational schools, and all the benefits they provide to the them and their families. The Army has a financial assistance program that can help as well.

After basic training can my Soldier ride/fly with me to his next duty station and who pays for his ticket?
Toward the end of training, usually about two weeks before graduation, Soldiers will decide if they need government transportation to their next duty station if they’re active duty, or home if they are National Guard or Reserve. This does not apply to Soldiers taking leave or participating in the Hometown Recruiter Assistance Program. Those Soldiers can arrange their own travel plans through family or airlines. Reimbursement for Soldiers for their travel home or to the next duty station is on the basis of mileage from Atlanta to their next assignment. It may or may not be equal to what they actually paid for their travel. They get reimbursed at their destination. For active duty, that means direct flight to their next duty station and NOT transportation for leave (vacation) or hometown recruiting. If a Soldier’s plans fall through, they can still receive government transportation to their next duty station up until graduation day. Also, up until graduation day, a ticket can be returned to the travel section if the Soldier decides to change his travel plans and go with family. No charge to the Soldier or Army Reserve if we turn the ticket back in.