Hooah!! Welcome back for your Week Seven update. Your Trainee has moved into the fourth and final phase of Army BCT. Before you know it, you will be seeing them at their graduation.
This week, they will take the End-of-Cycle Army Combat Fitness Test, visit the Hand Grenade Range, and visit the Omaha Range.
WEEK SEVEN EXPECTATIONS: BLUE PHASE
You may have noticed in your letters and calls with your Trainee that they are becoming increasingly excited about their upcoming graduation. They are eager to see you and have adjusted well to Army life. While some significant milestones remain, they are well on their way to earning the title of U.S. Army Soldier.
All of those early morning workouts are going to be put to the test as they take their ACFT. I am sure they are starting to notice a difference in their physical appearance and prowess.
ARMY COMBAT FITNESS TEST- ACFT
To start Week 7, your Soldier will take their final record Army Combat Physical Fitness Test (ACFT). They must pass the ACFT to graduate from Army BCT. This can be one of the most stressful events for your Soldier. This test will be a true testament to all the hard work your Soldier has put in every morning working out and running with their Drill Sergeants.
Remember there are six events on the ACFT:
- 3 Repetition Maximum DeadLift
- Standing Power Throw
- Hand Release Pushup
- Sprint-Drag-Carry
- Plank
- 2-mile run
HAND GRENADE RANGE
This week, they will also learn about their supporting weapons systems, such as the Frag Grenade and the M320 Grenade Launcher. Just like in the Rifle Marksmanship weeks, the Trainees will spend the day at a range where they will practice and qualify with the respective weapons systems. Trainees typically find the M320 and Frag grenade ranges to be a highlight of basic training. These explosive weapon systems will surely be a spectacle and give them some fun stories.
One of the most memorable events will be the first time they throw a live grenade. This is usually a very stressful time for the Trainees. They must face and overcome their fears while throwing their first grenade. All Trainees must throw two live fragmentation grenades, and they will earn a qualification badge for their accomplishments.
OMAHA RANGE
At the Omaha Range, the training will focus on the fire and maneuver tactics central to infantry Soldiers. The main training event is the Tactical Training Days (TTD 1-4), where the Trainees will learn to shoot, move, and communicate in two-person buddy teams. The Trainees will learn the basics of individual movement techniques (IMT), the tactical method of driving in combat. Then, they will go to the live fire range, wear protective vests, helmets, ear plugs, and eye protection, and begin practicing the lanes.
The live fire exercises (LFX) are some of the most stressful events a Trainee can experience as they are required to move and accurately fire live rounds while another Trainee does the same thing next to them. A Trainee must be constantly aware of their surroundings and keep their weapon pointed in a safe direction. Their drill sergeants continually supervise them, and once they complete the training, they have a tremendous respect for their weapons and confidence in their ability to employ them safely.
LETTERS FROM HOME = MORALE
This will be an incredibly memorable week for your Trainee. They will never forget the first time they threw a live grenade. Be sure to ask them what it was like; they will have some stories to tell. Also, be sure to ask them about their ACFT. Their motivation level surges as they prepare for next week’s big event, The Forge.
Don’t forget—you can access real-time training photos, order portraits of your trainee, and so much more through Fort Jackson Photography. They make the perfect graduation gift, with various gifts and photo bundles.
Don’t have the time to write as often as you’d like? Consider adding an Exchange gift card to your following letter. Then you can rest assured your trainee has everything they need to be successful each week at training. The paper gift card is sent with your Sandboxx Letter and delivered directly to your trainee on base so they can use it immediately.
THE MAKING OF YOUR SOLDIER
Stay tuned for more insights into Week Eight and beyond. Follow us on social media for the latest updates, letter ideas, and more.
That’s a brief look at the intense but rewarding journey your Trainee is on. Let’s keep supporting them every step of the way!
You can always find me via chat in the Sandboxx app or happiness@sandboxx.us. Ask for Kris and another teammate, or I will reply soon.
Hooah!
SGM Kris Broadus, U.S. Army (Ret)