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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.)