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PARENTS AND FAMILIES
Parents and Family
 
 

What benefits are available to our family?
Each unit seeks to share information about benefits with Soldiers and family members, to include inviting family members to graduations. Most units also have a Family Support Group that provides support, information, and assistance to Soldiers and their families.

Will my son, daughter, friend or family member( also referred to as Soldier or Service member) be able to call home?
Yes, Soldiers have phone call privileges. If you do not hear from your Soldier please refer to the Battalion home pages.


What happens first when my Soldier gets to the post?
Your Soldier will first be assigned to a "reception company," which is a precursor to training. During their stay in the reception company getting their vaccinations updated, learning a little bit about the military, its ranking structure, and attending physical readiness training (PRT). His/her stay in the reception company will vary from a week to several weeks.

What are Sergeants like?
Most often, our impressions of Sergeants come from the movies and television. Sergeants are not like that! They have usually been in the Army for more than 10 years, so they know their job well. Sergeants are extremely well-trained, professional, and dedicated to training your Soldier to be the best in the world. They are trained not to hit or abuse your Soldier in any way. Soldiers are treated fairly, firmly, and with dignity. Abuse of any kind is not tolerated.

How is the Army dealing with sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is unacceptable and has no place in the Army. The Army maintains a zero-tolerance stance pertaining to sexual harassment or misconduct and requires all Soldiers to report any violation of this policy.

Where will my new Soldier be stationed after training?
All Soldiers are guaranteed a unit assignment after completion of advanced individual training AIT, however the Soldier may not know until one week prior to graduation of their next duty station.

May I visit my son or daughter during advance individual training (AIT)?
Yes, you will need identification before you can sign them out from the unit.

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Can I send my Soldier care packages?
Yes. There are several items considered contraband in advanced individual training. Please ask your Soldier about the items that are prohibited.

What happens if my Soldier gets sick?
Your Soldier is given the opportunity each morning to go on "sick call" so they can see a doctor for medicine. The doctor will give them proper health care. The doctors will contact the Chain of Command ( your Soldiers Commander/1SG) if they think it`s necessary. Your Soldier`s Sergeants are also medically trained to administer first aid. They will contact someone who can get an ambulance to the hurt or sick Soldier, if necessary.

How will he or she get home from advance individual training (AIT)?
The government provides for travel to the next duty station, Soldiers will be responsible for travel during Holidays (i.e. Christmas Leave).

What can I do to assist my son or daughter during advance individual training (AIT)?
The best thing you can do is to write as many positive letters as possible, as often as possible. Soldiers look forward to daily mail call.

What is a typical day like in advance individual training (AIT)?
AIT is very demanding and challenging. Soldiers are expected to respond quickly and to give 100% effort at all times. Most Soldiers adapt quickly to their new lives. It is challenging, however, because everything is new and Soldiers do not know what to expect.

  • 0430 - Wake up
  • 0450 - Accountability Formation
  • 0500 – Physical readiness training (PRT)
  • 0700 - Breakfast/personal hygiene
  • 0830 – Class begins
  • 1200 - Lunch
  • 1300 – Class resumes
  • 1700- Mail call
  • 1730 - Dinner Chow/ personal time
  • 2130 - Bed check

Yes. Soldiers will receive monthly pay by direct deposit.

How much free time will my new Soldier have during advance individual training (AIT)?
Soldiers duty day ends at approximately 1800 (6pm) each day, free time may increase as they progress through their training.

Will the Army change my son or daughter?
Yes. The Army will instill pride, self confidence, determination, responsibility, and discipline - characteristics that spell success in any field of endeavor. The scope of experience and maturity they have achieved will be obvious.

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As parents or supporters, how can we help?
By becoming familiar with the challenges that lie ahead, you can encourage your son or daughter to prepare physically and mentally. This will ensure a smoother transition into Army life and improve his or her chances for success.

Why don`t I recieve many letters from my Soldier?
Your Soldier is learning many new, impressive skills during his/her training. Each evening, after his/her daily training is completed, he/she will be given "personal time," during which he can relax and get ready for the next day. Quite often your Soldier is very tired from the work they`ve done, and just doesn`t have the energy to write very often. But please keep sending them letters anyway! They will enjoy reading about the happenings at home, and your words of encouragement are priceless to them.

Is my Soldier able to attend religious services while in training?
Yes, Soldiers may attend any of several religious services. The Army respects our First Amendment right to practice religion and Sergeants are available to shuttle trainees to various chapels.

What about graduation? Can I attend?
Yes, you are highly urged to attend your Soldier`s graduation ceremony. Please view your Soldiers unit page for more information.

If I attend graduation, where are the hotels I could stay at?
If you plan to stay more than a day in the area where your Soldier attends training, you should call the nearest city`s Chamber of Commerce for some recommendations about clean, safe accommodations during your visit.

Will my Soldier come home with me after he/she graduates?
Every Soldier`s situation is different. Many will go on to other schools such as Airborne or Air Assault schools, and will not have time to come home on leave. Make arrangements with your Soldier as they near this time.

What if I have an emergency where I absolutely have to contact my Soldier?
In an emergency, contact your local American Red Cross office, and they will relay the emergent information to your Soldier and his/her training cadre. In certain instances, such as a death in the family, your Soldier may be given leave to go home and attend the funeral. However, this may delay their training.

The American Red Cross 24-hour emergency contact number is 1-877-272-7337
http://www.redcross.org/External Link

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Where can I get other information about my Soldiers training?
Each units website is different, but a wealth of information more specific to the post is where your Soldier is stationed. You can browse through each post`s website for other interesting information.

Where do advanced individual training (AIT) Soldiers live while training?
Soldiers training live in various accommodations according to course size. Female Soldiers live separately from male Soldiers.

Are Soldier allowed to get a tattoo?
TRADOC Regulation 350-6 dictates that tattoo/brand policies apply to all Active Army, United States Army Reserve, and Army National Guard Soldiers whether non-prior service or prior service. As the" Soldierization" process continues, Soldiers gain knowledge of regulations and acceptable behaviors therefore it is strongly discourage for any Soldier in an IET status to obtain a physical marking (Branding or Tattoo) which may prohibit him/her from further military service.

What are the graduation requirements for advanced individual training (AIT)?
Soldiers are given guidelines specific to their military occupation specialty (MOS). Some requirements include but are not limited to; pass all of the academic requirements for their MOS, score 60-points on each event on the Army Physical Readiness Test events, show proficiency in Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills, complete Advanced Rifle Marksmanship refresher training, meet the minimum physical and mental requirements for service, and most importantly, demonstrate a willingness to live the Army Values.

What is the Hometown Recruiter Assistance Program (HRAP) and who is eligible for participation? How does a Soldier volunteer for HRAP?
HRAP allows qualified, highly motivated, and example-setting Soldiers an opportunity to assist a U.S. Army recruiter in or near his hometown following successful graduation. To qualify, a Soldier must be a volunteer must not be under suspension of favorable personnel actions to serve as an HRAP participant. They must be nominated by the chain of command and approved by the Battalion Commander.

Can Soldiers bring a spouse, fiancé, friend to live in San Antonio while their in training?
The Army does not authorize Soldiers in advanced individual training (AIT) (Phase IV and V) accompanied travel. The Government does not provide authorization for friend or fiancé travel. The AIT training schedule is demanding and time for visits is limited.

Where can I find information about advanced individual training (AIT) graduation?
Your Solider is the best source of information concerning his or her graduation, travel and leave plans, and follow-on assignments. Additionally, each unit’s web page lists a telephone number that you may call for the latest information concerning graduations.

Is there a limit to how many people can attend graduation for each Soldier?
There is no limit as to how many attend graduation, but be aware that some graduation venues have limited seating, it is important to arrive slightly early. There are times in some venues where it has been standing-room-only.


Contact Us
(210) 221-4228
3630 Stanley Rd, Suite 93
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234


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Contents
Dash What benefits are available to our family?
Dash What happens first when my Soldier gets to the post?
Dash Will my son or daughter be able to call home?
Dash What are Sergeants like?
Dash How is the Army dealing with sexual harassment?
Dash Where will my new Soldier be stationed after training?
Dash May I visit my son or daughter during advance individual training (AIT)?
Dash Can I send my Soldier care packages?
Dash What happens if my Soldier gets sick?
Dash How will he or she get home from advance individual training (AIT)?
Dash What can I do to assist my son or daughter during advance individual training (AIT)?
Dash What is a typical day like in advance individual training (AIT)?
Dash Will my new Soldier be paid while at advance individual training (AIT)?
Dash How much free time will my new Soldier have during advance individual training (AIT)?
Dash Will the Army change my son or daughter?
Dash As parents, how can we help?
Dash Why don`t I recieve many letters from my Soldier?
Dash Is my Soldier able to attend religious services while in training?
Dash What about graduation? Can I attend?
Dash If I attend his/her graduation, where are the hotels I could stay at?
Dash Will my Soldier come home with me after he/she graduates?
Dash What if I have an emergency where I absolutely have to contact my Soldier?
Dash The American Red Cross
Dash Where can I get other information about my Soldiers training?
Dash Where do advance individual training (AIT) Soldiers live while training?
Dash Are Soldiers allowed to get a tattoo?
Dash What are the graduation requirements for advanced individual training (AIT)?
Dash What is the Hometown Recruiter Assistance Program (HRAP) and who is eligible for participation? How does a Soldier volunteer for HRAP?
Dash Can Soldiers bring a spouse, fiance, friend with me to live in San Antonio while their in training?
Dash Where can I find information about advance individual training (AIT) graduation?
Dash Is there a limit to how many people can attend graduation for each Soldier?
Dash Contact Us
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