Fort Benning

U.S. Army Fort Benning and The Maneuver Center of Excellence

BCT FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions


When will I hear from my Soldier?
Your Soldier will call within 24 hours of arriving at the 30th AG Reception Battalion. They will call a second time once they are assigned to their training unit; this is when they will provide their specific unit information and mailing address.

How do I mail letters?
Wait for your Soldier’s second call or the official Commander’s letter. Follow this format:
Rank (PVT, PV2, PFC, SPC) Last Name, First Name, (Roster Number)
X Co., X-XX Inf. Regt.
Street Address
Fort Benning, GA 31905

  • Pro Tip: If your Soldier asks for a colored dot or symbol on the envelope, include it. It helps mail sorters process thousands of letters faster.
  • Care Packages: Only send what your Soldier specifically requests. Drill Sergeants have final say on what is allowed.
  • Delivery Time: Do not "overnight" mail. It still must go through the standard post mail process, which takes time.
When sending mail to your Soldier, the most important rule is to keep it simple and supportive. While letters, stamps, and small appropriate personal photos are highly encouraged, care packages are strictly regulated to maintain the training environment. You may generally send unscented hygiene items, moleskin for blisters, and religious materials, but do not send food, snacks, or homemade treats, as these are considered contraband and will be confiscated. Electronic devices, over-the-counter medications, tobacco, and magazines are also prohibited. All packages are opened by the Soldier in the presence of a Drill Sergeant to ensure safety and compliance. Because mail is hand-sorted across the installation, it can take up to 10 business days to reach your Soldier.

Can they use cell phones?
Phones are a privilege. They are collected and locked away once training begins. Drill Sergeants may grant phone privileges for holidays or emergencies at their discretion. Positive, frequent letters are the best way to assist your Soldier.

Training & Milestones


How long is training?
Infantry OSUT is 18 weeks. This combines Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

What happens if my Soldier is injured or fails a test?
The Army's goal is to see every Soldier succeed. Injured Soldiers may move to a rehabilitation unit to heal before resuming training. If a Soldier fails a requirement, they may be "recycled" to an earlier week of training to try again, which will change their graduation date.

What is a typical day like?
Training is demanding and challenging. Soldiers are expected to give 100% effort at all times. They are treated fairly, firmly, and with dignity; abuse of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Ceremonies & Graduation


Can I attend the ceremonies?
Yes. There is no limit on guests and no tickets are required. Most families wear "Sunday best" or business casual.

  • Turning Green: Marks the end of the BCT portion.
  • Turning Blue: Marks the end of AIT; Soldiers receive their Blue Infantry Cord.
  • Family Day: A day for Soldiers to reunite with loved ones (following Turning Green and Turning Blue ceremonies).
  • Graduation: The formal ceremony held the day after Family Day.

Where can I find photos?
While we cannot photograph every individual, you can see general training photos at https://fortbenning.smugmug.com/.

I went through basic training XX years/months ago, can I still order a yearbook?
Possibly. The contract has changed hands a few different times. Depending on when you were at Fort Benning you will need to contact either Leonard Studios (706) 687-5509 or Basic Video Productions, (210) 695-4979

Travel After Graduation


Can my Soldier travel home with me after the ceremony?
This depends on their status and next assignment. Active Duty Soldiers typically move directly to follow-on training or their next duty station. National Guard and Reserve Soldiers may have the option to travel home with family, but all travel plans must be finalized during the unit's designated Travel Arrangement Day before graduation.

Who pays for the travel?
Depending the on the extent of their injuries, Soldiers who get injured during basic training are usually allowed to continue training as part of the rehabilitation battalion until either the injury is healed or they are medically discharged. While in the rehabilitation battalion, injured Soldiers will do modified PT so as not to put more stress on their injury. If they remain in basic training they will join another unit at the point where they left off with their original unit. This means they will have a different date for family day and graduation. Please remember this is general guidance, YOUR Soldier will have the best information.

What if plans change?
Up until graduation day, a government-purchased ticket can be returned to the travel section if a Soldier’s plans change. However, once graduation is complete, the Soldier is responsible for following the travel plan they coordinated with their unit.

Emergency & Support


  • Family Emergencies: For serious illness or death in the family, contact the Red Cross to send an official emergency message to the unit.
  • Religious Services:All Soldiers have the opportunity to attend religious services.
  • Inclement Weather: Ceremonies at Pomeroy Field are outdoors. Please monitor this page for location or time changes due to unforeseen circumstances.