Is there a way to figure out where my first duty station will be before I go to basic? Or do one of you have the power to check for me?

There’s no way to find out as you haven’t even passed basic training yet. Human Resources Command doesn’t even see you as an option to slot at a duty station until you are halfway through OSUT/AIT

The world and the Army is not about ‘power’ as you refer to it. Everything and most information is based upon one’s networking ability

Nope. The MOST you could do is have 3 locations CONUS on your preference wish list. This is NOT to say you will get any of them, but that IF such a position was to be available you might. You will have no idea where you are going until you pass all phases of OSUT and graduate. They do not even consider you for placement until that happens.

Don’t think anybody can since you haven’t even made it to Reception let alone your Training Unit..

Unless you had a guaranteed choice of assignment when you enlisted (which never happens), you won't be able to find out where you are going until right before you graduate from AIT. May the odds be ever in your favor.

SPC Kole Cordier, if your experience mirrors mine, there'll be no "wish list", and you'll get that info a few weeks before finishing OSUT; though experiences can vary. Let your wife know as soon as you can, once you know. That way she can be proactive. Your task is training--focus on that--let her take the lead on other things as much as she can.

I was allowed to call my wife as soon as I knew where I would go, and she took the ball and ran with it. She started doing her homework on the duty station, learned it's resources, who to contact, etc., initiated arrangement for household goods transport, and reached out to base housing so we had a place to go to once we arrived. Much will depend on you which your wife will not be able to fully take care of, but if she can get the ball rolling, it will make it easier on you to do your part.

Is it a lot to get on top of in a few short weeks notice, all while frequently out of communication from your spouse? Yeah, but it IS doable and its always best to get your ducks in a row as soon as its possible to do so.

Good luck.

Since it's not in your contract, at some point during OSUT you should get a "wishlist" to pick 3 CONUS and 3 OCONUS preferences I say again *preference*. Infantry branch still makes the final call and can send you wherever you are needed within the Army the only exception is if any of your family members are enrolled in EFMP you will be restricted to duty stations that have the facilities to provide care for your family.

To my knowledge, if it’s not in your contract (most of the time it’s not) then you have to wait until you complete basic. Then you’ll get your projections halfway through AIT/ OSUT. Your orders will come just before graduation

I’m sure someone has already said it but unless you got it in your contract it’s needs of the army and will be decided towards the end of OSUT.

No HRC sends you where you , your skill level and rank are needed .