During the 7.5 weeks while your loved one is at BMT, he/she will be authorized to use his/her cell phone or pay phones to make outgoing calls to family members. Trainees are encouraged to maintain their cell phone service while at BMT and to bring a calling card.
You'll have several chances during basic training to call home, but making a phone call is not a right. It's a privilege that has to be earned.
Basic Training
While family members are free to move to the same area, they will not be allowed to see the soldier any more often than if they lived far away. Visitation during basic training is only allowed for family day and graduation.
You may not be given a phone number to call your service member during their time in boot camp, but they will likely be able to call or text you while they are there. During boot camp, phone calls are often unscheduled so you may want to carry your cellphone with you at all times whenever they call.
So, it's better to wait until your recruit finishes basic before you send any packages. Ordinary mail, however, is always allowed. A letter from home can encourage your recruit during the demands of basic training. If you do send a letter, use a plain piece of paper and an envelope.
In basic training, you take group showers. There's no way out of communal showers. They're required. Everyone in your barracks will enter the shower room assigned to your barracks when commanded.
Don't send pornography or 'pin-up' or nude photos, off-color or racist jokes or comics. These items can get your soldier, sailor, marine, airman or guardsman in serious trouble. Don't send packages of goodies. Basic is not the time for 'Care Packages”.
Are cell phones allowed in Basic Training? There are no cell phones allowed in Basic Training. This is a consistent rule for all of the military branches: Do not expect your service member to be able to call you, text you, or receive your messages when they are in Basic Training.
If you enroll in boot camp, expect to be on duty seven days a week, though you might get several hours of personal time on Sunday since it's a day with lighter responsibilities.
You will be able to move with your spouse when they are done with basic training and school. When you join the service, you have to leave your family behind until you complete your basic training and schools. After that, your family will be able to join you on your duty assignments.
This is what governs how we treat trainees and the principles of training. US Mail is protected and no drill sergeant will read your mail.
Recruits are allowed to have pictures of their loved ones, in fact, they may be allowed to hang one or two on the outside of their locker [The details of this are definitely subject to the opinions of each Drill Sergeant]. Include a photo from of home, family, friends, or motivational photos or quotes.
You'll get a lot of chances to make friends at boot camp. Keep an open mind, respect others, and be kind. Last but not least, remember that you're not alone and that both your fellow recruits and instructors are there to support you.
Yes, you do get paid in Basic Training on the first and fifteenth of every month. The amount depends on your rank. See salaries by rank on the Money & Pay page. You're welcome to send money home via cash or check.
Army Basic Training Red Phase
Red phase is the starting phase and is typically considered the hardest part of training. The entire phase, which is 3 weeks long, is devoted to constant calisthenic exercises, and you will be spending much of your time in the push-up position.
In all the branches' basic training programs, bedtime is usually 2100, or 9 p.m., except during times of special events, such as night exercises. In basic training, lights out means go to sleep. It does not mean talk to your buddies, study or write a letter home.
The Army is the only branch of the military that honors the Holiday Block Leave for all recruits who are in basic training. This allows the drill sergeants and instructors to have a break during Christmas and prepare to come back for the New Year ready to train.
Trainees are authorized access to their personal cell phones during the fourth week and at the end of the seventh week of training to firm up travel arrangements with family and guests.
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.
Soldiers in Basic Combat Training will have mail call every day that the US Postal Service delivers mail. We encourage you to send uplifting cards and letters to Soldiers in training.