As a split op heading to 88M AIT, what can I expect at AIT (e.g. privileges, phone, etc.)?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 21:02:12 -0400

I’m a split op and I attended Basic Training at Fort Jackson last year and leave for AIT as an 88M in September, I was just wondering if I could get any feedback on what to expect a t AIT and privileges I’ll receive, such as being able to use my phone etc.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2018 3:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 15:13:06 -0400

Cannot say about 88M, I went there for Engineers and we usually got Sundays off, twice they gave us a pass to go off post ( I never went, why spend money on a hotel and food). I have spent some time up until 2015 at Ft. Lee and I think they allow them phones during their off time but not during the duty day while training.

Response by SSG Paul Strobaugh made Jun 14 at 2018 9:46 PM

SSG Paul Strobaugh — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 21:46:16 -0400

Typically, AIT is much like being at your regular unit. You'll still have some of the basic training structure, i.e. barracks, daily PT, marching to/from, etc., but after class concludes for the day you should be on your own time and able to use your cell phone. Weekend passes are probably the norm now for AIT (non-OSUT) programs, so you should have plenty of "you" time. (With a battle buddy, of course.)

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2018 9:49 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 21:49:13 -0400

Thank you for the feedback!

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2018 10:12 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 22:12:26 -0400

The privileges are usually based on what point in training you are (how long you’ve been there), academics, APFT, a a couple other aspects. AIT is going through a little bit of an overhaul with the reintroduction of Drill Sergeants there but the weekend privileges should stay about the same.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2018 8:08 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 20:08:29 -0400

I was able to have my phone, laptop, cigs, and even a guitar once I got phase V which was just reciting a couple creed's and passing a PT test.

Response by SPC Deyton Privette made Jun 27 at 2018 8:30 PM

SPC Deyton Privette — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 20:30:26 -0400

Be ready for anything but expect nothing, ait you Will probably have your phones on the weekend, or if you're like me when I was in 88 land ait we got them only in gold phase on the weekends. You'll get a few passes but think of it like school, do what you need to do, study, and you'll be ok

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jun 28 at 2018 8:43 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 20:43:24 -0400

I was reclass, so my experience was very different from what you'll encounter. But from guys I know who did 88M AIT--and as you can read here--experiences vary. For some it was slack; for others it was strict.

One thing to keep in mind is the Army is looking to return drill sergeants to AIT, so my suggestion is go into it with the mindset that this is still MILITARY training. Prepare accordingly.

Response by SPC Ruby Guadian made Jun 30 at 2018 2:53 PM

SPC Ruby Guadian — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 14:53:58 -0400

Stay awake.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2018 11:45 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 23:45:31 -0400

Pay attention in class like always but soak up everything you can on the pads. They don’t give to much driving per troop so value that time and learn the truck. Make wide turns and don’t be scared just cautious and you will do fine. The phones depend on the company and we got weekends off to sit in our rooms and clean. That’s pretty much it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2018 6:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 18:27:57 -0400

I just completed AIT with 58th Trans B Co. It's not bad at all - after Gold phase (when you pass the Module A test in week 3) you'll get your phone on the weekends and your laptop all week, but only if you're in good standing. That includes passing your APFT, no negative counselings, and passing your room inspection. We get on post weekend passes from 0900-1500 and 2 off post passes from 1300-1800.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 2 at 2018 10:28 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 22:28:08 -0400

You EARN Privileges, there should be no gimme's. Basic Answer- up to your DI chain of Command

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2018 8:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 20:27:46 -0400

You will not get special privileges due to you being split op. Your chain of command will brief you when you’re allowed to use your phone along with what privileges you’ll have. Each Company is different.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2018 9:42 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 21:42:38 -0400

Depends on which company you’re in. Phone usage happens within each company, but some are more strict than others.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2018 11:01 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 11:01:02 -0400

Wish I could tell ya it’s the same as when I went through but I hear that they replaced the Platoon Sargent’s with Drill Sargent’s and that things will be more strict and if you do get your phones it’s usually only on the weekends after I believe 2-3 weeks

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2018 3:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:34:47 -0400

its Really going to depend on your company that you land, your leadership, and your peers around you. If y’all can be disciplined and not goof off, I’m sure your leadership will be more inclined to give you more passes and time to your selfs when given the opportunity. If not, don’t expect too have any passes or fun.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2018 5:15 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 17:15:08 -0400

hey man, I went through 88M AIT in Alpha Co. It was great. basically, do what your told, and don't suck at driving. Forget what you know about driving and just try to listen to every little thing you are told. if one instructor doesn't quite connect, don't be afraid to ask another one.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2018 1:28 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 13:28:24 -0400

It's been over 20 years when I went to basic and AIT at Ft. Leonardwood, No. Back then it was just one phone call everyweeked after the first 3 weeks of basic training. And then, everyone cared about writing letters to one's friends and family. It keep up the morale. A lot has changed since then with technology etc. At AIT it was more flexible then. So I'm sure today, it even more laxed. Like time off in the evenings. I'm sure you'll be fine. Just pay attention to details.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 31 at 2018 2:13 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 14:13:28 -0400

When I went to Fort Leonard Wood, it was basically a continuation of basic, only a little more freedom.

Response by SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. made Aug 31 at 2018 10:52 PM

SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 22:52:28 -0400

so how did it go PFC Private RallyPoint Member My hunch is by now you are out of AIT (or nearly finished)

Response by SPC(P) Donald B. made Jan 10 at 2021 7:12 PM

SPC(P) Donald B. — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 19:12:03 -0500

Hopefully 88M AIT went well!
As a fellow Veteran and Owner/Operator of a company I am definitely curious, are you by chance Guard / Reserve and open to Civilian employment to put those 88M skills to use or know anyone who is?
Same question for SGT Private RallyPoint Member, SPC Private RallyPoint Member, SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth, SPC Private RallyPoint Member, SPC Private RallyPoint Member, SPC Private RallyPoint Member, SGT Dave Tracy, SPC Deyton Privette, PFC Private RallyPoint Member as I am trying to hire fellow MilPers / Vets First!

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jan 11 at 2021 12:19 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 00:19:50 -0500

Cake. Lots of cake. And massage after PT.