1. Your name : Erin
2. Where did your soldier attend basic training? Fort Jackson, SC
3. When did he attend basic training? Jan 4 2010-March 19 2010
4. How often did you hear from him? (Phone and letters): I received about 2-3 letters a week and usually a 15-20 min phone call every Sunday
5. How long was it before you heard from him the first time? About 3 weeks
6. How long did it take to receive a mailing address for him? About 3 weeks
7. Were there any restrictions on what you could send him? I stuck to sending him just letters and pictures
8. Were you sent information about family day and graduation? His mother did.
9. Did he have a family day? If so, please describe. Yes, Family day was amazing. The ceremony seems a little long, especially because you want to see your soldier. Once you are released to find your solider it is crazy! Its amazing to see the change and an awesome experience to share with them. For Family Day we had to stay on post but you can find a lot to do between bowling alleys, museums, shopping, etc.
10. Please describe the graduation ceremony. Graduation was great J It makes waiting those long weeks worth every second because you are sooo proud. Basically you go through a long ceremony again, go through all the companies and they are dismissed. You find your soldier and you sign them out. My fiance got an off post past but had to be back at certain time that night. Since he stayed at Fort Jackson for AIT also he got an overnight pass from Saturday afternoon – Sunday Afternoon.
11. Is there a website for his basic training unit? Is there a place to see pictures of his training online?
Yes they do have a website if you Google it, it is very easy to find. It gives you dates and pictures, etc but is rarely updated.
12. Any other tips or information?
Even though the wait is long it is all worth it! Be very supportive of your soldier he needs every bit of it.
Write as much as you can, they love to hear about what goes on at home and what your days are like, don’t forget pictures to, they love to see everyone they love back home. Just remember its only temporary and you’ll be with them soon again! Currently my fiancé is in AIT for 12 weeks. Let the countdown begin!
My wife will be graduating July 8th with the family day on the 7th. Due to my travel constraints I may not be able to land in Columbia until 0830 on the 7th. How long is the Family day ceremony, so I have an idea if i will be late once they are released. Thank you. Jeff
It typically doesn’t last very long at all on family day. It is more of giving out the rules, etc. for the day. Or at least this is how it has been for my friends (my husband didn’t get a family day).
Stacey,
Thanks. Can you give me ruff time frame in minutes? I just need to kow if I have a shot at getting there in time or should make arrangements to meet her else where. Thanks again. Jeff
You should still be able to meet her there. The briefs that I know of (from friends) were about 20-30 minutes long.
Family day ceremony ends at 10:00 i just got back from my husbands on the 25th of june. You will have all day to see her if you happen to miss it. Alot of people did miss the ceremony. It is EXTREMELY hot , and there is not much to do on base , everything is jam packed with other soldiers and their family. Remember on Family day they CAN NOT leave base… Enjoy your time and message if you have any questions!
Lackey,
Thank you so much. I got lucky and was able to get a room on base for the evening of Family day, so that will be nice. I’m 42 years old and I am getting butterflies in my stomach just waiting for this week to go by. Makes me feel like I am in high school again. So proud of her, as i am sure you are of your husband. Thanks again for the reply. Jeff
Hi, I was wondering since my boyfriend has to stay at Fort Jackson for AiT also, will he be able to get an offpost pass for Saturday and Sunday afternoon. thanks again. Plz reply synease
It will be up to his instructors after he inprocesses at AIT.