Frequently Asked Questions for Family Members of Soldiers
Please review the following questions and answers with your family.
As the family of an Army National Guard member, you have entered a new and exciting
time in your life. Naturally, you have many questions. As you have seen,
the "New Soldier Guide" answers many questions and starts Soldiers
on the right paths as they step into their new lives. During the transition,
parents or guardians will play vital roles in supporting and encouraging
new Soldiers. At any point, you may contact your Soldier's RRNCO with questions.
Following, are answers to some of the most frequent concerns:
Will my son or daughter be able to call home from Basic Combat Training?
Normally, phone calls are for emergencies, though Soldiers can earn special
phone call privileges.
How long can I expect my new Soldier to be in training?
Basic Combat Training lasts approximately nine weeks. Advanced Individual
Training generally runs seven to nine weeks. In AIT, Soldiers receive
job-specific skill training for their Military Occupational Specialty.
Will the Drill Sergeants hit my son or daughter?
No. Soldiers are treated fairly, firmly, and with dignity. Abuse of any
kind is not tolerated. Drill Sergeants are selected from the best Soldiers
in the Army, and they are highly qualified to train recruits.
How is the Army National Guard dealing with sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is unacceptable and has no place in the Army National
Guard. The Army National Guard 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 in the Army National Guard are guaranteed a unit assignment
when they enlist.
May I visit my son or daughter during BCT?
Yes, there is a visitors' day, typically just prior to graduation.
What can I send my new Soldier in the mail at BCT?
Frequent letters are recommended. See "What to bring to BCT" for
a list of acceptable and prohibited items.
How do I notify my son or daughter in the event of an emergency?
Immediately notify your local Red Cross chapter with pertinent information,
and they will arrange to contact your son or daughter. Additionally,
make sure your Soldier leaves his or her Army National Guard unit phone
number with you before leaving for BCT.
What happens if my new Soldier fails a portion of BCT?
If your new Soldier is unable to adequately pass a required event, he or
she may be required to repeat and master that portion of the training.
This could delay graduation.
What happens if my son or daughter is injured during training?
Should any injury occur, your son or daughter would receive appropriate
medical treatment. Your RRNCO can help facilitate contact with your child.
Depending on the nature and extent of the injury, there could be a delay
in graduation.
Can my new Soldier attend college while in the Army National Guard?
Yes. The Army National Guard believes that education is one of the keys
to building a successful future. Additionally, the Army National Guard
has excellent educational benefits that can help your Soldiers. Serving
part time with the Army National Guard will give your new Soldier the
time to go to college full time. See the Resource Directory for more
information.
How will he or she get home from BCT?
The government provides for travel home, just as they provided for travel
to BCT.
What can I do to assist my son or daughter during BCT?
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 BCT?
BCT 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. This website helps prepare
you and your son or daughter to adapt to the Army National Guard life
and to prepare for BCT. The page From Citizen to Soldier in Nine Weeks
answers many questions.
Will my new Soldier be paid while at BCT?
Yes. Soldiers will receive monthly pay by direct deposit. If your son or
daughter does not have a checking account, please help him or her open
one before leaving for BCT.
Will my son or daughter have his or her head shaved?
No. Male Soldiers will have their hair cut to Army standards. Female Soldiers
will not be required to get their haircut if it can be styled so that
it is above the collar while in uniform.
How much free time will my new Soldier have during BCT?
Soldiers receive approximately one hour of free time each day, which may
increase as they progress through their training.
May my son or daughter attend religious services?
Yes. Soldiers have the opportunity to attend religious services.
Can my new Soldier become an officer if he or she wishes to do so?
The Army National Guard offers several paths to a career as an officer,
including Reserve Officer Training Corps, the U.S. Military Academy,
Officer Candidate School, and other commissioning programs. An Army National
Guard career counselor can advise your son or daughter on all the opportunities
available.
Will the Army National Guard change my son or daughter?
Yes. The Army National Guard 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.
As parents, 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 National Guard life and improve his or
her chances for success.