Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP)

Before you ship to Basic Combat Training (BCT), you'll attend the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP). These weekends will be your introduction to BCT and will get you started and keep you on track, mentally, physically and emotionally while you prepare for your career in the Guard. RSP drills give you an opportunity to start getting comfortable with the terminology and protocols that are part of Guard service—and you'll be getting paid for the time you spend at RSP.

There are six phases of RSP training:

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:

  • RSP Introduction
  • Rank identification and Reporting Procedures
  • Drill and Ceremony
  • History of the Guard

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. And you’ll get ahead of the game if you learn them early. Learn more about Red Phase. 

White Phase Stripes for Skills 

The subjects taught in the White Phase Stripes for Skills portion will prepare an E1 Soldier to pass the Stripes for Skills examination. Combined with the successful completion of the Armed Forces Physical Test (APFT), you'll then become eligible for promotion to the rank of E2. Subjects include:

  • Fireguard and Guard Duties/General Orders
  • Basic Military Communication (Phonetic Alphabet and Numbers/Military Time)
  • Land Navigation
  • First Aid

You'll learn all about the importance of the Army Physical Fitness Test, and how your fitness level can have a tremendous impact on promotions, special schools and just about every part of your Guard career. Learn more about White Phase Stripes for Skills. 

White Phase 

Depending on the number of months between when you enlisted and when you ship to BCT, the length of your White Phase in the RSP will vary. During this phase, you’ll learn more about the Guard and more of what you’ll need to know to succeed at BCT. In addition to physical training, instruction in this phase will include:

  • Proper Wear of the Military Uniform
  • Army Values, Soldier's Creed and Warrior Ethos
  • Employ Camouflage, Cover and Concealment
  • Tactics
  • Disassemble, Assemble and Perform a Function Check on Various Weapons

During the White Phase, you'll continue to focus on physical training and cover Soldier skills that will further prepare you for Basic Combat Training.

Learn more about White Phase.

Blue Phase 

At your final drill before shipping to Basic Combat Training, in addition to physical preparation, you’ll cover all the final details that have to be taken care of before you leave. But you can get a jump-start on these items by learning what to expect before, during and after BCT, such as:

  • Inspections
  • What Every Trainee Wants to Know About Basic Training
  • Final Preparations for BCT

Learn more about Blue Phase.

Green Phase 

Green Phase courses are designed for recruits in the Split Training Option (STO) Program. After you graduate from Basic Combat Training and during your senior year of high school, you'll gain advanced leadership and career opportunities, and a chance to stay current on skills like:

  • Urban Area Operations
  • Convoy Operations
  • Navigation Techniques
  • Disassemble, Assemble and Perform a Function Check on Various Weapons

Learn more about Green Phase. 

Gold Phase 

Once you’ve completed both BCT and Advanced Individual Training Advanced Individual Training:
(AIT) Following Basic Training, Soldiers attend AIT to learn a military job skill. Depending on the specialty, training ranges from 1 month to 1 year. (AIT), you might return to RSP for one final drill—known as Battle Handoff—before joining your regular unit and beginning work in your MOS. You’ll meet representatives from your unit and learn where and when your next drill will be. Before you leave, you’ll learn about the Unit Sponsorship Program and get a final HOOAH talk about holding yourself to the high standards of fitness and behavior you’ve learned at RSP and Initial Active Duty Training.

  • Bonuses/Your Financial Readiness
  • Battle Hand-Off
  • Army structure/Chain of Command

Learn more about Gold Phase.