Hooah!! Welcome back for your Week Eight update. Your Trainee has moved into the third phase of Army Armor OSUT. Before you know it, you will be seeing them at their Turning Green Ceremony.  

This week they will go to the Hand Grenade Range, and conduct a Buddy Team Fire Exercise.

WEEK EIGHT EXPECTATIONS

You may have noticed in your letters and your calls with your Trainee, they are becoming more and more excited about their upcoming Turning Green Ceremony. They are eager to see you and have adjusted quite well to Army life. While there are still some significant milestones left to overcome, they are well on their way to earning the title of U.S. Army Soldier. But first they still have a few significant milestones them must conquer before you are reunited.

HAND GRENADE RANGE

This week they will also learn about their supporting weapons systems during this week 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 are sure to be a spectacle and give them some fun stories to tell.

One of the most memorable events will be the first time they throw a live grenade. This is normally 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 accomplishment.

LIVE FIRE EXERCISE

At the range this week, the training will be focused around the fire and maneuver tactics central to Soldiers. The main training event is the Tactical Training Days 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) which is the tactical method of moving in combat. Then they will go to the live fire range, put on their protective vests, helmet, 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 is doing the same thing next to them. A Trainee is required to constantly be aware of their surroundings and must keep their weapon pointed in a safe direction. They are constantly supervised by their Drill Sergeants and once they complete the training, they have a greater respect for their weapons and confidence in their ability to employ them safely.

TURNING GREEN CEREMONY

The Fort Moore Turning Green Ceremony is a celebration of the mid-way point of your Soldiers OSUT graduation and signifies their completion of the Basic Training portion of their OSUT Training.  Traditionally the activities will follow this timeline.  Be sure to verify with your Soldier to see if there are any changes or updates. You also want to make sure you have reservations is you are planning on attending.

Friday 08:15AM – Family Day Brief.  The location is dependent on the unit.

Friday 09:00AM – Turning Green Ceremony location is dependent on the unit.  The Ceremony will last roughly 1 hour.

 Your Soldier will have a three-day pass but must abide by the following schedule:

  – Friday following Turning Green, soldiers will be released to their families.

  – Saturday 09:00 AM Soldiers will physically check in at their Company Training Area and will be released until next report time.

  – Sunday 09:00AM Soldiers will physically check in at their Company Training Area and will be released until next report time.

  – Sunday NO LATER THAN 08:00PM your Soldier will report back to the Company. Failure to report on time will result in a disciplinary action. 

There is no limit to the number of guests that can attend the ceremony and tickets are not required.  It is open to anyone who has access to Fort Moore. Please ensure that anyone entering Fort Moore installation pre-registers and acquires a Visitor Pass by visiting the Visitor Center or the following link.

LETTERS FROM HOME = MORALE

This will be an extremely memorable week for your Trainee. They will always remember the first time they threw a live grenade. Be sure to ask them what it was like, I am sure they will have some stories to tell. Also, be sure to ask them about their ACFT. Their motivation level is surging as they prepare for next week’s big event, The Forge.

Remember, Sandboxx letters arrive the next day with return stationery, a pre-addressed envelope, the return postage paid, photos, and an option to add a gift card. But if you don’t have the time to write as often as you’d like, consider adding an Exchange gift card to your next letter. Then you can rest assured your trainee has everything they need to be successful each week at training each. The paper gift card is sent with your Sandboxx Letter and delivered directly to your trainee on base, so they can use it right away.

THE MAKING OF YOUR SOLDIER

Stay tuned for more insights into Week Nine 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 — just ask for Kris, and myself or another teammate will get back to you as soon as we can.

Hooah!

SGM Kris Broadus, U.S. Army (Ret)