Heading to Ft. Leonard Wood for 88M AIT. What can I expect and what advice can you give me?

2018-05-12T12:05:58-04:00

I just graduated from BCT at Ft. Sill and will be attending AIT in Ft. Leonard Wood as an 88M. If anyone has any advice for me and what I should expect, I would greatly appreciate it!
Also, will I be able to wear my own boots if I bought them? And I heard that DS have been replacing Platoon Sergeants at certain AITs, has that happened yet there?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 12 at 2018 12:11 PM

2018-05-12T12:11:41-04:00

Why in the hell, do you want to start off in AIT in the wrong uniform? If you trash your issued boots, they may replace them- they sure won't replace a personal item. Also if they have DS, you sure are going to be their best bud for a long time, won't you.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made May 12 at 2018 12:34 PM

2018-05-12T12:34:22-04:00

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member: Your school at AIT will be demanding; but very exciting. You will learn a Lot; about your MOS in your AIT school.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 1:46 PM

2018-05-12T13:46:13-04:00

Drills have been coming back to air but they are going to act just like the platoon sergeants just with a nice fancy hat. The boots will be allowed as long as they are with reg (AR 670-1). No clue about the actual MOS training, but do what you're told, dont do anything dumb and keep your chin up.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 12 at 2018 1:52 PM

2018-05-12T13:52:03-04:00

Do what is expected of you from the instructors. Follow all the rules and be safe, I saw one accident when I went through 88M school in'77, no one was killed, but all three people were hurt. Wrecked the vehicle beyond repair.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 2:03 PM

2018-05-12T14:03:38-04:00

As a 74D, I slept in the same barracks as the 88M. Things may have changed slightly since I graduated November 2017, but most likely you won’t have many privileges until you phase up. During black phase, my battles wore their basic issues gear and were not allowed their phones. You get more freedom in gold phase, such as off-post passes and your phone 24/7. Make sure you pay attention in your classes though! Failing one test could potentially start you over with a new company because your training is only about 6 weeks and there’s so much to learn that they can’t slow down for you. Good Luck!

Response by SPC Virginia Morgan made May 12 at 2018 2:13 PM

2018-05-12T14:13:13-04:00

That is where I went. It's not bad just do what your told and learn.\

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 8:00 PM

2018-05-12T20:00:07-04:00

Continue to have the same composure and act as you did during the last phase of your basic training.

Response by CW3 Clayton C. made May 13 at 2018 7:46 AM

2018-05-13T07:46:23-04:00

It looks like you’re getting some good, and not so good, advice right now. I’m sure by now you’ve come to understand that the bad days outnumber the good days by quite a lot. Over time this can change for you. I have a very successful career. In the beginning, focus on mastering the basics of your craft. Don’t be concerned with which uniform your NCOs will wear or your fancy new boots. If the regulation confuses you, don’t put those boots on your feet until you ask an NCO about them. Your Platoon Sergeants or Drill Sergeants will treat you with dignity and respect. So don’t expect an NCO to treat you any special kind of way because they do or do not wear that sweet campaign cover. You’re still learning to be a basically trained Soldier. Master the basics, especially the small things.

Response by SGT Mark Stoneman made May 13 at 2018 8:41 AM

2018-05-13T08:41:03-04:00

Prepare for twice the amount of PT. Unless of course the Army has softened it's ways once again. I went to Ft. Leonard Wood after leaving Ft. Knox basic training which was considered in the top three for hardest basic training units. We got to Leonard Wood and our PT was twice as much as it was in basic. I hear though that's how it is anywhere you go. Your own boots? I'm not sure on all that. I would think that as long as they are military standard there shouldn't be an issue but then again you are still in the training phase of your military career so I am going to go ahead and say no. You should probably use the ones that were issued. As far as drill sergeants go. When I went we were the first group to try out the whole cadre thing. I was in Bravo company. Alpha and Charlie company still had drill sergeants. It was nice but don't get it twisted the cadre will still get in your ass if need be. Its just a little more relaxed and more focused on your training instead of all the yelling and screaming and smoke sessions which they make up for in your PT.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2018 9:58 AM

2018-05-13T09:58:00-04:00

Be in the right place at the right time in the right uniform. Do as your told. Keep your mouth shut and mind and ears open.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 13 at 2018 11:48 AM

2018-05-13T11:48:59-04:00

Not talking about you throwing issued boots away- your life will be centered around the Motor Pool, right- ever seen what brake/hydraulic/grease does to a uniform? If you boots (issue) get torn/mangled and you can show it's from doing your job, they often will let you direct exchange them at no cost to you.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2018 9:57 PM

2018-05-13T21:57:02-04:00

When I was there I was told I couldn't wear the boots I bought. We still had to look the same as everyone else. Kinda stupid if you ask but whatever. I had fun at lost in the woods. The time fly bad by. Just watch out out for carwash hill. It's a killer. We did pt twice a day for the first 3 weeks then down to once a day after our pt test.

Response by SPC Buddy Primrose made May 14 at 2018 2:04 PM

2018-05-14T14:04:41-04:00

It's not bad at the 88m training. Just remember that if you don't know ask, and that goes for your boots too. However, my first guess is if the boots are not issue then you will not be wearing them unless you have a medical reason for them. Also all the Sargents in my training company where DS, male and female, save for the Top. Personal I enjoyed going to AIT you're going to do the same type of things that you did in bct, but you get to drive really big trucks. Just pay attention to details and seriously don't back into anything, or drive into anything. Keep in mind that your going to be driving a lot at your unit if you're lucky so learn everything you can before you leave AIT.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 1:29 AM

2018-05-23T01:29:19-04:00

I’m an 88m in Hawaii with just pay attention and not worry about boots until you get to your unit there you will hit the ground running really learning your job

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 2:07 PM

2018-05-23T14:07:28-04:00

You’re allowed to wear your own boots once you pass a certain phase of AIT , I went to leonardwood for motor t operator school also. A.co

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2018 3:57 AM

2018-05-24T03:57:22-04:00

Hey I had bct at ft sill also like 10 yrs ago and then went to lost in the woods. Just pay attention learn our trade (yes I'm an 88m) give ur courtesies and you will be just fine. Like everyone else said dnt worry about fancy new boots.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 5:00 PM

2018-05-25T17:00:25-04:00

Yes you can wear your own boots you buy and yes they have replaced a few platoon Sgt’s with Drill Sgt’s, and my advice is just listen and learn, you’ll do fine

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2018 12:52 AM

2018-05-26T00:52:17-04:00

I just want to comment and say things have changed so much in 30 plus years. When I went to AIT we had DS, no cell phones at that time so I can't even comment on that. As far as uniform, I was able to wear jungle boots, jump boots, or standard issue. As long as they were polished. Wasn't nearly as bad as basic, but still remember, you are in the training phase!

Response by SPC Angela Bolster made May 28 at 2018 7:35 PM

2018-05-28T19:35:12-04:00

I went there in October '08, it was actually a blast after basic. Charlie company rocked. Word of advice, don't try to sneak around cadre will catch you. Do your job and learn, it will fly by. It was 9 degrees in the feild when we went, make sure y'all keep fire guard. We drove 915s but never did when I got to my unit. If you get to drink at the bowling alley, don't mess with the AIT MPs, 88Ms will get kicked out first. Just stay in line, you'll do fine.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2018 10:41 AM

2018-06-26T10:41:02-04:00

I just graduated from there this past Thursday! It’s not as bad as everyone says. Really it is what you make it so just give it your all and do your best and it will fly by. There is a lot of running so be prepared for that.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Jun 26 at 2018 11:23 AM

2018-06-26T11:23:29-04:00

PVT Jones,
To be honest with you, your boots are the least of your concern. You should be concern about learning what your job is going to be for whatever long you enlisted for. Even though you'll be on a slightly relax mode in AIT, you still should be conducting yourself as a professional, meaning rendering the proper respect to your superiors, especially NCOs around you.
Going back to the boots, why would you want to bring and wear a nice pair of boots in school? 88Ms is not only about driving/transporting equipment. I'm sure you'll acquire knowledge on the mechanical basics of the ones you will be operating...meaning, you'll get dirty.
Also, you will run into some prior service members that came from other MOS so, be careful who listen to. Not all, but some have certain attitude about the military so, don't get any bad habits or you'll get in trouble. You will be there to learn a job while maintaining good order and discipline, nothing more.
I'm really glad the Army went back to DS. Nothing against the AIT Platoon Sergeants, but I was never on point about that. I like the DS because they keep you and your peers in line at all times. So again, don't worry about the boots, put them to side. Go there, listen to the information that's been put out, always remember Customs and Courtesies, make sure you know where you need to be, and maintain excellent discipline. Good luck!

Response by SPC Jonathan King made Aug 4 at 2018 11:26 PM

2018-08-04T23:26:14-04:00

When you backing up a trailer remember turn towards trouble. In a 915 you start turning when your tires are at the yellow line.

Response by SPC Ken Sawyer made May 28 at 2019 5:24 PM

2019-05-28T17:24:26-04:00

Lol when I went it was called 64c-10 motor transport school and it was 2 weeks lockstep then after that you progressed at your own speed. Loved the convoy course and the rough terrain course. I graduated in just over 3 weeks and became a peer instructor for a few weeks until my orders were cut. To head to Hawaii to the 25th S&T B co

Response by SGT Jack McGilvery made Jun 30 at 2019 11:41 AM

2019-06-30T11:41:42-04:00

Hey congrats and I hope you enjoy ft. Leonardwood as much as I did :)
This may not help much due to I was there in 86’,
However it was a lot like basic but without all the “drilling”.... the cadre made it interesting and fun to learn how to drive all the equipment in extreme conditions... we had a drill sgt. over us and he was into boxing and running... so therefore every cycle, there were boxing matches against the marines there and ssg Barner’s boxers never lost a fight ...
it’s hard not to graduate and later in life you’ll see those cadre again in your Career (that was awesome seeing them again)...
After the school you either was sent to Germany or Korea (I went to Germany for 4 years after)
I know it’s a lot different now but always Remember these times you will never forget, so have a blast and do everything you can get your hands on..

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made Aug 4 at 2020 9:48 AM

2020-08-04T09:48:41-04:00

There is a reason the post is called “Ft. Lost in the Woods, Misery.”

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2020 11:11 AM

2020-11-29T11:11:13-05:00

Make sure you have some warm clothes. It is a good post. Lots of MPs, engineers, truck drivers and a few Marines.

Response by SPC(P) Donald B. made Jan 11 at 2021 12:19 AM

2021-01-11T00:19:56-05:00

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?

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Jan 11 at 2021 10:16 PM

2021-01-11T22:16:35-05:00

Stay out of the clubs. :)

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2023 11:42 PM

2023-06-21T23:42:39-04:00

I leave for 88m ait in a week I've heard it's 6 weeks and the website say 7 weeks yet the forms say I'll be gone for 8 weeks anyone know what it really is thanks