The Reception Battalion

As the name implies, the Army Reception Battalion is where you begin the transition from civilian life to becoming a Soldier. Here, you will get your first taste of military life. You'll live in an Army barracks, eat in an Army dining facility and begin to learn the Army values and ways.

Your stay at the Reception Battalion is brief, but it is important. Your military records are established here. These files (medical, financial and personnel) will follow you throughout your military career. Read them carefully and ask your interviewer any questions you may have. This is the only way you can be sure your records are correct.

The Reception Battalion processing is a shock to some Future Soldiers. Hundreds of individuals are processed each day. Time is short, and being at the right place at the right time is crucial. But if you maintain a positive attitude, it should go smoothly.

Your Reception Battalion processing will include:

• General orientation.
• Uniform issue and fitting.
• Issue identification tags.
• Personnel records processing.
• Identification (ID) card issue.
• Army core values card issue.
• Eye and dental check.
• Immunizations (shots).
• Initial pay.

• Broad military subjects including the seven core Army values; leave and pass policies; privately owned vehicles policy; pay and allowances; service obligation; allotments; survivor benefits; and Service member's Group Life Insurance.
• On post facilities such as: postal service, legal assistance, medical, recreational, religious services, and post exchange.
• Visitors and Family issues to include: medical and financial care of dependents, movement of dependents, and Family correspondence.
• You'll also have classes in barracks upkeep, physical training (exercise), drill (marching) and other subjects that will help you adjust to Army living and prepare you for BCT.

Pay telephones are provided at the Reception Battalion, but it is unlikely you'll have time to make any calls. It might be advisable to tell friends and Family that you'll be pretty busy the first few days, and that if they don't hear from you right away, they shouldn't worry.

Now you're ready to begin your Army training. In most cases, your training will be conducted in two phases. In BCT, you'll learn the fundamental skills of soldiering. In Advanced Individual Training (AIT), you'll learn the skills needed to perform your military occupational specialty.

Some Soldiers will have a different form of training called One Station Unit Training or OSUT. In OSUT, all the training is tailored toward a specific job skill, combining BCT and AIT into a program which usually lasts 14-18 weeks.