1. Your name (as you would like it to appear on the website):  Kate

2. Where did your soldier attend basic training?  Ft. Leonard Wood, MO

3. When did he attend basic training?  Aug 2007 - Oct 2007

4. How often did you hear from him? (Phone and letters)  Phone was just about every Sunday about 2-3 weeks after he got there.  As far as letters, they came as he sent them.  I averaged about 3-4 letters a week depending.

5. How long was it before you heard from him the first time?  About 2 weeks after getting there and stating BCT, he got his first phone call - IT WAS SHORT - less than 5 min.

6. How long did it take to receive a mailing address for him?  Received his address the same time I got his first phone call.

7. Were there any restrictions on what you could send him?  NO FOOD!  I could send him pictures, but they could not included alcohol, tobacco, or nudity.

8. Were you sent information about family day and graduation?  Yes.  The information was pretty basic, so you really don't know what to expect until you get there, but as far as time and scheduling, it was correct.

9. Did he have a family day? If so, please describe. He did have a family day.  He was able to leave base for about 8 hours, but he did have to get signed out by a guardian (his mom).  He had to stay in uniform all day (of course when you are behind closed doors, the Army doesn't know better), could not consume alcohol or smoke.  He did have to report back to the barrack's by a certain time, it was after dinner, I know that.  **A lot of us stuck around to see their final formation for the night and we were able to see a little bit of what they do.  The DS was pretty cool about it, but there was a point when we did have to leave - but I would suggest when you take your loved one back to the barrack to stick around if they have a formation.  It definitely made me appreciate what he was doing while he's been away.**

10. Please describe the graduation ceremony. Graduation was, well, graduation.  Everyone comes in in formation and they go through the ceremony.  After the ceremony, we weren't able to meet up with him, but we did follow them over to where they were gathering before they boarded the buses for their AIT destinations.  It was not what I expected, so be prepared to act quickly.

11. Is there a website for his basic training unit? Is there a place to see pictures of his training online?  There was a website, but it was not updated!

12. Any other tips or information?  Write to your loved one everyday!  I know my DB (now DF) appreciated getting mail.  They didn't have a lot of time to read them, but at least he had something when they did have down time.  Also, phone calls will last anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes, it all depends on the DS and how the group did during the week.  There was a week or two that I did not receive a phone call, so don't get discouraged. 

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We are currently seeking writers to contribute about their soldier's experience during basic training. Since training, contact and the overall atmosphere can vary greatly from one basic training post to the next, I thought this would be helpful. If you would like to contribute your experience to help other Army family members, please email me this completed questionnaire. Thank you for your help!

Basic Training Questionnaire

RELATED LINKS:

Before He Leaves...What You Need To Know & Do As An Army Wife

Use this checklist as a general guide before he leaves for basic training. 

Christmas Exodus 

If your soldier's basic training and AIT includes Christmas, you'll want to learn all about Christmas Exodus. Hint: You'll get to see him again! 

Writing Letters During Basic and AIT

Learn all about your main form of communication with your Army soldier while he is training. 

What You Can and Cannot Send Your Soldier During Training

Find out what is permissible to send your Army soldier while he is in training and find out what will get him in trouble.