RSP - Red Phase

Your first weekend at RSP is “Red Phase.” In this intensive first few days, you’ll learn basics you need to know right away—like Army structure and ranks, saluting and forms of address, your physical fitness assessment and more, that may include:

  • RSP Introduction
  • Resilience Training (one of three)
  • Sexual Harassment, Assault, Response and Prevention
  • Equal Opportunity
  • Drill and Ceremony 
  • History of the Army National Guard

Some of these terms and topics may not make sense yet, but you’ll pick things up quickly. Here is a brief example of some of the items you’ll be learning during Red Phase:

Customs and Courtesies

Military life has rules. You’ll get ahead of the game if you learn them early. As you learn the Army structure, chain of command and rank insignia, you’ll quickly learn how to follow the rules and extend the proper courtesies to fellow Guard members.

Saluting

You should always salute Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers if you’re outside in the open with no overhead cover. Do this whenever you’re in uniform. On the other hand, you should not salute NCOs or enlisted personnel. You’ll learn more about this as you continue your training, but make sure you remember to salute officers if you encounter any at Basic Combat Training (BCT). Whenever you’re speaking with any superior officer or NCO, make sure to stand at attention until given the “at ease” order.

When in doubt, promote. If you don’t know whether to salute or not, always salute. Likewise, if you’re not sure how to address someone, go with the higher form of respect and say “Sir” or “Ma’am.” A non-officer may correct you, but you won’t have insulted him or her.

Reporting Procedures

“Reporting” is the name for what you say when you report to a senior officer for any reason. When you report, take off any headgear, if you’re indoors (unless under arms), turn your head and eyes toward the officer, stand at attention and salute. If the officer has summoned you, say: “Sir/Ma’am, Private Smith reports as ordered.” If the officer has not summoned you, just say: “Sir/Ma’am, Private Smith reports.”

Remember that the subordinate Soldier always initiates the salute, and holds the salute until it has been acknowledged by the officer.

Battle Book

One very useful tool you’ll receive early on in your Guard career (if you haven’t already) is the Battle Book. It has a planner along with a wealth of information about the Guard. Bring your Battle Book with you to each drill—it’s a great place to store your handouts and important papers.

Fitness

Physical fitness is an essential part of your Guard career from the moment it begins. You’ll take several fitness tests at Initial Active Duty Training (IADT). The first tests are in your home state less than 30 days before you ship to BCT. You’ll have to pass another test at the end of BCT in order to graduate. Finally, when you arrive at AIT to begin MOS training, there will be another fitness test (again, you’ll have to pass). During BCT and AIT you will also have diagnostic fitness tests to gauge your progress.
Click here to visit the Fitness Section of the site and focus your efforts!