Stress Cards and Cell Phones in Basic?!

2014-03-01T01:39:50-05:00

Apparently new recruits have "stress cards" in Air Force Basic and I believe Army Basic. Additionally, they get their cell phones on Sundays! How ridiculous is that?! Thoughts on this? I don't agree with stress cards or cell phones in basic. The enemy combatant doesn't care if you are stressed! I'm not sure about this new generation.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 1:43 AM

2014-03-01T01:43:36-05:00

Oh good Lord. Stress cards in combat.. lol that would be weird as well as basic. Come on now!

Response by SFC Michael W. made Jun 23 at 2014 12:16 AM

2014-06-23T00:16:48-04:00

The "Stress Card" is by far the DUMBEST thing I ever heard of! It went into effect right after I retired in '05 which is a good thing because if a soldier was doing something wrong and I'm correcting them and he/she pulls out a "stress card" I would be in front of the 1SG desk everytime! That's like when I made a soldier do pushups for something he/she did wrong and they tell me that I "cannot" do that or say I have to get down and push with them, they would push until the earth would move .25mph faster!

And why do they need their cellphones on Sundays or any days while in basic? The whole point behind basic training is DISCIPLINE! We are molding young troops out of the back-on-the-block mentality into sharp, professional, disciplined soldiers! Basic training helps develops that individual to work as a TEAM, it's not about calling home to family and whine and cry about you had to get dirty on a nice, sunny day or wet on a rainy one! Your 8 weeks should consist on soldiering...if you want to talk to someone back home then write a letter! If the military keeps up with this pace it will no longer be BMT (basic military training), it will be more like BST (Basic Social Training)!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2014 7:03 PM

2014-06-23T19:03:52-04:00

I heard from one of the newer airman that they got to use their cell phones for an hour each night during basic. I know if we were caught with one when I went through there would have been hell to pay.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Jun 23 at 2014 9:15 PM

2014-06-23T21:15:18-04:00

There are no "stress cards" in Army basic training where I am currently the Troop Commander for OSUT. The cell phones are a privilege only during specified phases and for usually 30 min in the evening. This privilege is easily revoked by myself when discipline becomes an issue.

Response by SPC Phillip Ludlow made Jun 23 at 2014 9:27 PM

2014-06-23T21:27:09-04:00

So i'd never even heard of a "stress" card untill my last year or two in the army. i mean really? embrace the suck, drive on. and as for cell phones, its a pity. i mean all those memories of standing in line at the payphone with my pre-paid ATT card, staring at the clock, hopeing you had made it early enough to make a call before free hour ended..and letters!! OMG the letters! you prayed you got one, and hated it the moment you saw it, 'cuz you were gonna get smoked.. or your could read it outloud.....

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2014 10:59 PM

2014-06-23T22:59:23-04:00

Just left Fort Jackson - there are no stress cards!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 8:16 AM

2014-06-24T08:16:32-04:00

SSG I got my phone once... Maybe twice at BCT the whole time I was there I was at Fort Jackson SC 2-60th Foxtrot just this last winter and no phones were given to us to use until we went on Holiday leave and a week before we graduated to tell our families we were graduating

Response by 1SG Mike Case made Jun 24 at 2014 8:49 AM

2014-06-24T08:49:45-04:00

I have never actually seen a stress card. I put that up there with everyone knows the guy who tied the buffer cord (look it up for you younger Soldiers) around his neck and threw it off the building, but it hit the ground before doing any damage, because of those long power cords they had.
As far as cellphones on Sunday, I do not see how that stops them from having discipline. I bet the Soldiers who went through in the 70's and 80's, thought I was a pansy for getting to use the payphones. The things we bitched about in Basic Training (and yes we all bitched) made it better for the person after us and now we don't like it because they get things we didn't have. This is the same arguement that hasalways been, the Soldiers after us had it so much easier and they are less disciplined.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 24 at 2014 9:47 AM

2014-06-24T09:47:03-04:00

That "Stress Card" Rumor has been around as long as I can remember. I would like to see some proof, an example, a written military instruction that is for real. Seen plenty of Bogus ones lately.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 8:57 PM

2014-06-24T20:57:57-04:00

No such thing in the 193rd here in Fort Jackson. The stress card does not exist and nor does the every Sunday phone call. Most Commanders give 2-3 phone calls in Basic. 1st Phone call is the 30 second hey mom and dad I made it to basic call, the 2nd call we give usually comes after they qualify in BRM or after there last APFT. This phone call is important because it helps let the family know if there Soldier is in good standing to graduate. I don't know where you heard all this stress card stuff and everyday phone call stuff out at but after being on trail for almost 2 years here in Jackson, I am pretty sure that no one does that here and I have drill sergeant buddies in other brigades and battalions.

Response by SSgt Christopher "TEX" F. made Jul 7 at 2014 4:30 PM

2014-07-07T16:30:03-04:00

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I have heard so many stories out there about these "stress cards" and the cell phone issue that it is hard to know what to believe, unless you have talked, first hand, with those who run the basic training camps. To everyone from the training camps who responded on this post and helped to quash this rumor, thank you.

After further research and reading the posts from the camp leadership, I can now call an affirmative B.S. on the "stress cards" being issued.

The cell phones seem to be a mixed issue, as I am reading varying posts from individuals who have, at some point throughout basic, seen or used them. This "call" remains open.

Additionally, on the "stress card" issue, I did find this interesting read on Snopes:

http://www.snopes.com/military/stresscards.asp

Are military recruits issued a stress card they can present to drill sergeants who are giving them a hard time?

Response by SSgt Christopher "TEX" F. made Jul 7 at 2014 4:33 PM

2014-07-07T16:33:30-04:00

(I don't know if this posted [correctly] earlier, so I'll repost it here.)

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I have heard so many stories out there about these "stress cards" and the cell phone issue that it is hard to know what to believe, unless you have talked, first hand, with those who run the basic training camps. To everyone from the training camps who responded on this post and helped to quash this rumor, thank you.

After further research and reading the posts from the camp leadership, I can now call an affirmative B.S. on the "stress cards" being issued.

The cell phones seem to be a mixed issue, as I am reading varying posts from individuals who have, at some point throughout basic, seen or used them. This "call" remains open.

Additionally, on the "stress card" issue, I did find this interesting read on Snopes:

http://www.snopes.com/military/stresscards.asp

Are military recruits issued a stress card they can present to drill sergeants who are giving them a hard time?

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 12:00 PM

2014-11-02T12:00:54-05:00

True, stress cards are all B.S. Everyone has to learn how to deal with stress and it's truly given and learned in the military. There is no time for stress on the battlefield, and I truly feel sorry for anyone that confronts stress or depression during battle because it's a very ugly place to be in war. I was in Army Basic at Fort Sill in 1981 and my battalion started furlough after week 4. Furlough started in week 4 with a one weekend afternoon off and build up to having the entire weekend off at week 7. I'm in my 50s' now, very highly educated, an extremely hard worker with very strong ethical viewpoints, and cell phones should be allowed during furloughs because it's the next best thing in being there when you can't be in person.

Response by SSgt Christopher "TEX" F. made Nov 2 at 2014 1:48 PM

2014-11-02T13:48:43-05:00

Update: My son graduated AF-BMT, not too long ago, and there are NO stress cards. The cell phones take the place of the paid phones now; however, they only get the customary phone call home when they get there to advise they got there safely, a call (in their next to last week to advise on graduation information) and a call in the last couple of days.

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Jan 30 at 2015 4:31 PM

2015-01-30T16:31:51-05:00

No damn way, total isolation but the weekly call, how else will they focus on the here and now...sorry, that is just non negotiable in my opinion.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 4:39 PM

2015-01-30T16:39:03-05:00

As another perspective, this is very different than how it's handled in the AF, where phones are locked up and only unlocked when it's the permitted call time. Even then, we're told that only voice calls can be made - no text, no pictures, no use of data.

When I went through BMT we made a weekly call. Now my understanding is that the AF trainees make two calls total during the course of 8.5 weeks.

Response by SSG Christopher Parrish made Jan 30 at 2015 4:41 PM

2015-01-30T16:41:07-05:00

Well when I was in BCT cell phones didn't exist unless your last name was Trump.

I think it is a huge distraction, unless that soldier can already recite their CoC, general orders, and get a go on 75% of Skill Level 1.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 30 at 2015 4:50 PM

2015-01-30T16:50:02-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, absolutely not. I went through BCT in '69-'70 and there were no cell phones. We all survived and were none the worse for wear. I think it's absurd. I got through all my other training without one as well.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jan 30 at 2015 6:14 PM

2015-01-30T18:14:23-05:00

You have got to be kidding me? Cell phones in basic training. How about televisions, ipods, perhaps manicures? If we soften it up enough everyone will want to come? Free advertising? You mean the 10,000 commercials the Army runs a year are not enough advertisement? It is a bad idea and will only foster more individualism in the ranks. I think there may be enough of that already.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 6:28 PM

2015-01-30T18:28:36-05:00

They should not have brought them in the first place. Massive training distractor. During their free time, they need to be studying up on their soldier skills, writing letters home, practicing D&C, laundry, anything but being allowed their phones. If they bring them, lock them up in the closet with the rest of their civilian gear. If they want to make calls, then they need to earn that coveted 5 minute block of time to call home on the payphones that should be out back behind the barracks.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 6:40 PM

2015-01-30T18:40:55-05:00

I think it takes away from the discipline and the focus on training. I vote no, no cell phones in BCT.

Response by MAJ Monique Ruiz made Jan 30 at 2015 7:45 PM

2015-01-30T19:45:31-05:00

I say no cell phones. There are a distraction. I was in basic in 2002 and didn't have a cell to begin with. It didn't kill me. The Army has definitely become soft. I was good with the old system (cursing, yelling, KP,...).

Response by SSgt Kevin Chavez made Jan 31 at 2015 1:44 AM

2015-01-31T01:44:42-05:00

Kids these days are so attached to their devices, it makes them physically ill to no have it. I wonder how it would effect the recruiting numbers to have an out right ban when you fly out to MEPS?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 1:50 AM

2015-01-31T01:50:34-05:00

I agree with the majority of you that social media and phone use during basic training would be a huge distraction. And for those that think we are only encouraging it because 'we' made it without ours - if it works why try to change it? Basic training is to retrain and prepare individuals for the challenges that they may have to face in the future. Social media and phones are NOT going to save lives. I feel that basic training has changed enough catering to new members and not focusing on the true intent. We are not helping the next generation by making basic or any other training easier or more convenient for them.

Response by SSG Michael O'Malley made Jan 31 at 2015 1:59 AM

2015-01-31T01:59:00-05:00

I don't see the reason for having a cell phone in BCT. This goes right along with the "stress" cards they tried to give new recruits too. What was so wrong with isolation and discipline. Isn't the point of BCT to instill the core values and to make you a better soldier?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 3:05 AM

2015-01-31T03:05:30-05:00

I agree that while in Basic there needs to be NO cell phone use. I have a cousin that recently shipped to Basic in January 2015 for 11B and almost everyday I see him posting selfies and status updates on Facebook. My first thought was WHAT IS HE DOING WITH A CELL PHONE in basic!? What makes it worse is everyone in my family is encouraging him to post more because "they are missing him". Everytime I see a post by him I just get really mad and wonder what has happened to discipline in the Army.

For cell phones in AIT, I think trainees should not be allowed to have their cell phone during the day. This will allow them to focus on learning their job instead of texting people. When I was in AIT we were allowed to have cell phones but if you were caught with one during the day you got smoked by the DS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 9:44 AM

2015-01-31T09:44:48-05:00

It is a major distraction. I work at reception and I've seen what happens first hand. We are only required to give them one phone call when they first arrive. There have been occasions where the good idea fairy has given an extra phone call and every time it turns into double the quiters. These kids are looking for change, that's why they're here.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Jan 31 at 2015 10:43 AM

2015-01-31T10:43:11-05:00

NO all the way. They should not be allowed to even bring cell phones. We were allowed an address book and that was it. A 3 min phone call was earned or given on a major holiday.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Jan 31 at 2015 10:43 AM

2015-01-31T10:43:37-05:00

Cell phones in Basic Training is a huge distraction to the Drill Sergeants and instructors that are training these young recruits to become Soldiers. When I shipped to basic in 92 we had everything that we was civilian related minus religious items taken away and locked up until we completed basic training. We stood in line to use pay phones to call home on Sundays and we had a time limit. This taught us patience is a virtue and provided us with another form of self discipline. Recruits are there to be trained not to take selfies and continue with their civilian life. Oh wait and we wrote letters because e-mail did not exist either.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 31 at 2015 11:04 AM

2015-01-31T11:04:15-05:00

Yea, take'm to Basic. Then get'em locked up in their civilian gear. They can retrieve after Basic is done!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 31 at 2015 11:15 AM

2015-01-31T11:15:19-05:00

What are the pro's, what are the con's?

First and foremost a phone is a communication device. While in basic, what do you need a communication device for? Who does a recruit need to communicate with other than their instructors and the other recruits?

There's a reason we "rip recruits from their homes" and send them half way across the country. There's a reason we segregate them from the people they knew and strictly control their access to the outside world.

Overall, we do all this to minimize "outside" distractions. This allows recruits to focus on their training.

So that answers the "Cons" question.

What are the pros?

I am so far removed from Boot Camp, and for me a phone is just a phone that I just can't comprehend it being an extension of myself like my son does.

Maybe there are some advantages. Just because I don't know them doesn't mean they don't exist.

My gut SCREAMS "oh hell no!" especially for basic. But just because we've always done something this way, doesn't mean it always has to be done that way. The military like everything else has to evolve. It is constantly evolving. Whether it is the type of training we are receiving, the type of weapons we are using, or what we are wearing.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 11:48 AM

2015-01-31T11:48:21-05:00

I just completed Basic at Benning and we got our phones three times the entire cycle for 5 min a time so I think it depends on where you go

Response by 1SG Thomas Mistretta made Jan 31 at 2015 11:58 AM

2015-01-31T11:58:08-05:00

Soldiers in Basic Training are allowed to bring their cellphones. After the leave the Reception Station, the phones are collected and stored in the contraband storage. Soldiers are allowed use of the phones periodically (usually during phase transitions, and before Christmas Exodus, and Graduation).

Yes, I didn't have a phone in Basic (1980), but then again, when we were allowed to call home on Pay-phones (which are extremely hard to find, if available) there were long waits.

We've accepted other forms of technology and progress in the military, this is just another step in that direction.

The BLUF is that they do not have it with them 24/7. It is controlled by the DS and BCT policy.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-01-31T12:06:13-05:00

Pretty sure I'm going to be the minority opinion on this, but I conditionally have no problem with basic trainees having access to a cell phone. We already let soldiers call home via payphone for very short periods of time on Sundays, so why not just replace the payphone with their own cell phone? Give the trainee a minute on the phone and then back into the DS's custody it goes. This seems simpler and I think the majority of the people voting no here are giving in to a knee-jerk reaction.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 3:43 PM

2015-01-31T15:43:40-05:00

I went to army basic as a SSG back in 2012. I can tell you the DS's allowed the privates to have them for the short phone calls we used to have to pay for with phone cards. If the phones are used for only that I'm good with it.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 6:42 PM

2015-01-31T18:42:04-05:00

No, even in 2013, in Air Force basic our cell phone use was restricted to phone calls only, no pictures, texts or social media. They were kept in a locked cabinet in CQ when we weren't allowed to use them. These pictures from basic amaze me, it takes away from the focus and discipline of the training environment to always have a phone available.

Response by Kevin Cramer made Jan 31 at 2015 6:51 PM

2015-01-31T18:51:50-05:00

No, military is getting to soft on new recruits for allowing it. To much social networking going on. Don't change something that has already worked for century's!

Response by CPT Shane D. Metz made Jan 31 at 2015 7:36 PM

2015-01-31T19:36:03-05:00

You have got to be kidding...Cell phones in Basic...what is the Military coming to. I remember when I went to basic in '89...we barely had time on Sunday to make a call after doing laundry, cleaning and folding clothes and preparing for the next week...We did not even know we had a day room till we were in week seven of basic.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Jan 31 at 2015 7:37 PM

2015-01-31T19:37:22-05:00

No. It's basic training. Keep that stuff out til after training is done.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 7:53 PM

2015-01-31T19:53:12-05:00

Only under strict supervision on Sunday during personal time. Voice calls only, but not all until the end of red phase. This could be another incentive to do the right thing. I first thought not no but HELL no. After reading some of the comments here I guess I lightened up. The only reason I would allow them period is to prevent them from having to buy a calling card which is a huge rip off. It would also eliminate the maintenance cost of the payphones on training posts.
I believe BCT has already gotten too soft. And too many Soldiers are getting by without meeting the standards. I have a Soldier that has been out of Basic and AIT for less than 6 months, she can't pass an APFT and believes that if she goes to the DR or claims to be hurt she can get by with it. It was never explained to her that she has to meet the standards. She was allowed to squeak by and get pushed out to the Army as another graduate. She constantly addresses me as Sir and when our BDE CSM came in the maintenance office she had no idea what his rank was. This Soldier was not ready to be a Soldier. She should have been recycled or sent home.
If they are allowed to have a cell phone any time they want, they will be even more distracted. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and whatever else they are on can wait until after graduation. I promise you, no one has ever died from "notenoughsocialmediaatosis" BCT should immerse you in the Army. With the exception of letters Aa phone call once a week (which is way more than I got) they should be cut off the world. Give them good quality training and don't bend or overlook the rules. Some have stated that morale will be better if you let them have the phones. To that I ask; where do we stop? If we let them live in a dorm and make it Basic Combat University morale will go through the roof. How well trained do you think they will be?

Response by PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) made Jan 31 at 2015 9:01 PM

2015-01-31T21:01:31-05:00

Not just no, but HELL NO! During boot camp these kids need to keep their attention on training and learning what their future will be not using a cell phone to talk to the world!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 9:35 PM

2015-01-31T21:35:28-05:00

No!!! Give them a phone call to say they made it safely, and another to notify home of when graduation is! I cannot stand how much cell phones are pulled out in the work place and training!

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jan 31 at 2015 9:46 PM

2015-01-31T21:46:03-05:00

I think under certain circumstances. With technology rapidly growing, I understand that our environment changes rapidly. I remember my first summer at West Point, we had a certain time period we could use the phones, I think that type of scenario is ok, especially with family emergencies and such.

but definitely it is a privilege, and as such can be revoked if trainees are not adhering to rules or the standard.

Response by SFC Royce Williams made Jan 31 at 2015 10:05 PM

2015-01-31T22:05:28-05:00

No way! They need all that time to focus on becoming a Soldier not worrying about Susie j rottencrotch or Jody.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jan 31 at 2015 10:15 PM

2015-01-31T22:15:39-05:00

hello no, the point of basic is to have your ass kicked in an highly regulated environment, cellphones, no!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2015 4:23 AM

2015-02-01T04:23:13-05:00

Fuck no

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2015 3:42 PM

2015-02-01T15:42:13-05:00

No they should not. I believe it is nothing but a distraction from the tasks at hand. Trainees need to focus on what they are learning, which could be what saves their lives some day, or their buddies lives and not what's on their facebook/twitter/myspace or whatever. Fort Benning, Infantry OSUT.... no way now how did we have anything like a phone or computer or any of that. Kept us focused, we weren't worried what was going on, except when we got out mail(which was awesome). I feel that I learned much more than what I would have with my phone. I'm going through CBRN reclass and we have access to our phones all the time here, and I will admit they are a huge distraction from classes and practical exercises.

Response by SPC Wendi Mogensen made Feb 1 at 2015 4:10 PM

2015-02-01T16:10:22-05:00

I do not think that this is a good idea. When I went through basic we had to earn our freedom and privelges. Phones are definitely a provide. I remember looking forward to Sunday afternoons for my 2 minute phone call home!!!!

Response by SSG Willis Baker made Feb 2 at 2015 8:35 PM

2015-02-02T20:35:55-05:00

Not NO but Hell NO. You can put all the reason why in between those two words.

Response by MSgt Timothy Johnson made Feb 2 at 2015 9:36 PM

2015-02-02T21:36:39-05:00

I do not support having cells in basic. For one it is totally distracting and a safety and security risk. If the services had real basic phones with limited options I might reconsider. The phones could be tracked and actually turned on and off as authorized by local commanders. We have a lot of regulatory catching up to do with new technology.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Feb 2 at 2015 10:42 PM

2015-02-02T22:42:34-05:00

My answer would be no for plenty of reasons however, I have to follow the TRADOC Regulation that states in Blue Phase that IET Soldiers are permitted to have phones and it's for a limited small time. It is a privilege and must be earned because it will easily be taken away. It's not guaranteed that the phones will be given out each night, if not weekly due to training requirements or discipline issues by platoon or individual. Even if it's only for 10 min a night, that time taken away can be a big factor on the outcomes of their job performance and conduct. Usually the drill sergeants find someone or something wrong and will take cell phone time away. For some, they simply do not want to call home because it will distract them from reasons why they may have joined. That is only a few if any, each cycle.

The way I view having a cell phone in BCT/AIT or OSUT is both rewarding and backfiring. Starting in Blue Phase (Week 9 of training for OSUT) a quick phone call maybe the morale booster that an IET Soldier needs to stay positive going into AIT for weeks 10-16. Letters in the mail can provide the same but, on a different level of motivation. To simply hear one's voice is far more appeasing than to read a letter from home. Even when an IET Soldier can hear the words being spoken by mom, friend, family in their minds as they read the letter, it is not the same though as we all know. Again, nothing wrong with letters and that is what I had while in OSUT many, many years ago.

Now the way cell phones cause such a big distraction in an IET environment is enough that such a privilege should be limited to only so many calls during the entire cycle. IET Soldiers will call home and get mixed support from family and friends about enlisting. Doing this only creates anger, frustration, low self-esteem, mediocrity, and a sense of failure for some. Having to hear about the drama, issues, and negativity perceptions from people back at home will usually be a factor on whether the IET Soldier will continue to train or simply refuse to train. Too many times, parents or friends bring up conversations that just ruin an IET Soldier's dreams or enough that it effects their performance and behavior conduct. They begin second guessing themselves on why they enlisted and every excuse comes about on reasons to quit and go home. I have heard them all by now and some are absurd if not plain provocative in nature. It's what I get to hear weekly from non-trainers here.

IET Soldiers have enough already to learn and more distractions make it nearly impossible to turn them around to train. I would prefer a quick call once or twice during AIT phases to let parents or families know how their IET Soldier is faring. We have to insert them in an environment to train them on something they may experience in their careers while deployed. Not hearing from parents isn't the end of the world. Last I knew, all IET Soldiers were 18 yrs or older and made their own decision to enlist. They can have their cell phone back later when they graduate. I get the pleasure to remind them that they enlisted to be a US Soldier and to train to become one. If a cell phone is just too much that they can't live without it than they need to look into another profession.

Response by SGT James Elphick made Feb 3 at 2015 11:11 AM

2015-02-03T11:11:21-05:00

Definitely have to say NO to recruits having cell phones on them at all times during Basic. With that being said, it might be alright for phones to be handed back during whatever time is allotted for calls home or during a pass. Not sure how that would work but it might be something to try. Other than that though I don't think basic trainees need to have their phones.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 11:36 AM

2015-02-03T11:36:29-05:00

Some Army BCT Companies allow them and some don't. We did not get ours until the night before Family Day, but another Company in our Battalion kept there phones for the entirety of BCT. I could see how many it would be a good thing for morale to get them on Sundays later on in Basic Training, but to have them the entire time would seem to put a hinder on the process by providing an escape and break from the process.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 9:08 PM

2015-02-03T21:08:43-05:00

i know if i had my phone in basic i would not be able to focus on learning this new career field that embarked upon. We had Sundays for two hours to make phone calls on pay phones. After that...back to work learning what I was there to learn to do. Phones in basic is ignorant. maybe that should be a * at the bottom of the page. Will be without cell phone for 8 weeks+.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Feb 3 at 2015 9:18 PM

2015-02-03T21:18:14-05:00

I think it's complete BS. You are there to train, not post fox hole selfies to Facebook...look at me look at me! TRADOC needs to toughen up on this policy...it's a hindrance to training and totally unneccesary. Trainees can use the pay phone just like the rest of us did and we turned out fine. You wonder why have some of the issues we have now? It's starts with training and the "afraid to offend" environment.

Response by SFC David Donkers made Feb 4 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-02-04T13:55:55-05:00

When a soldier begins basic he does not have the same vested interest a career soldier has developed if we were to say should the guys that makes frys at McDonald's have input on the corporate level on advertising his motivations or lack of knowledge of second and third order affects could be entirely negative. What was that saying 1 ah Sh*t will wipe out a 100 ata boys same goes with negative advertising and it only takes one.

Response by MSG Nick C. made Feb 25 at 2015 3:21 PM

2015-02-25T15:21:56-05:00

There is no discussion to be had at all here. NO! That is all that needs to be said. I don't find it necessary to explain my answer because this question should never have been asked to begin with. What kind of progressive, spineless NCO let the troops under his command make him or herself question their decision making process for the nano-second it took to ask themselves this question anyway? I'm rather disgusted this has ever been discussed.

Response by CPL Corey Aldridge made Mar 28 at 2015 9:52 PM

2015-03-28T21:52:28-04:00

I think that it would be a huge distraction from training and create a discipline problem

Response by PFC Mike Mcdermott made Mar 28 at 2015 11:52 PM

2015-03-28T23:52:28-04:00

Heck no!! I did just fine with payphones and letters.

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made Mar 31 at 2015 10:52 AM

2015-03-31T10:52:03-04:00

No, I don't even remember getting to use a pay phone in basic in 1989, write a letter, it's getting to be a lost art.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 31 at 2015 2:04 PM

2015-03-31T14:04:32-04:00

On average, we got our phones for about ten minutes, every other week, mostly toward the end of OSUT. It was the ultimate privilege -- a huge morale boost, and something that you would look forward to for however many days or weeks between phone calls.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 31 at 2015 2:08 PM

2015-03-31T14:08:38-04:00

I don't know who gets stress cards; it must be a POG thing. I've never seen one.

On average, we got our cell phones for about ten minutes every other week, mostly near the end of OSUT. It was the ultimate privilege -- a huge morale boost, and something that you would look forward to however many days or weeks it was until the next call.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2015 9:40 AM

2015-04-02T09:40:57-04:00

OMO, I just think that they are a distraction and should not be allowed at all. I went through BCT and saw my cell phone only the first day, and family day. That's it.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 2 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-04-02T12:15:35-04:00

Not no but...

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Apr 3 at 2015 1:27 PM

2015-04-03T13:27:58-04:00

WHAT??? I wish one of those boots would flash a stress card in front of me. Not only no, but hell no. If they thing basic is stressful, try combat.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Apr 3 at 2015 2:43 PM

2015-04-03T14:43:31-04:00

I'll ask a 1SG buddy of mine at Jackson about the stress cards to see if the Army's following suit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 2:51 PM

2015-04-03T14:51:44-04:00

I straight up don't believe the stress card thing is real. I've never seen em and neither have any of the new recruits we get from time to time in our unit. As for the cell phones, as far as i know, how often a SM calls home is at the discretion of the leadership, so what does it matter what shape the phone is? I went to Ft Benning in 2006 and I can't remember how often I got to call home, but it was rarely, very short, and over a payphone. As far as I can tell, the only part of that formula that's changed today is the shape of the phone they are being restricted from using. So I ask you this . . . What, REALLY, is the difference? (again, I seriously do not believe the stress card thing is real)

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 4 at 2015 10:06 AM

2015-04-04T10:06:44-04:00

Why is this "Stress Card" malarkey perpetuated in the service.

An ex-marine (if such a thing exists) at my VFW post said that he heard the Boot Camp now has "Time out" cards.

Seriously folks .. I mean really....

What part of the military to you think would sink this low?

Response by SPC David S. made Apr 4 at 2015 9:51 PM

2015-04-04T21:51:40-04:00

New Army: Drill Sargent I don't appreciate the tone your using. Also I'd prefer to be address as Mr. Smith instead of PVT Smith. Otherwise I afraid I will be force to use my stress card.

Old Army: SHUT YOUR HOLE PRIVATE!!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 9:53 PM

2015-04-04T21:53:11-04:00

I'd say no for IET, but what about prior service? Technically they are supposed to be afforded all the privilege of their rank. A quick Google search shows that it does happen, but it's erratic depending on Basic unit commanders and rank.

Response by PO1 Cleve Ikaika Waiwaiole made Apr 13 at 2015 5:38 PM

2015-04-13T17:38:22-04:00

I didn't even get a phone call in basic..... Lol

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 12:08 AM

2015-04-21T00:08:53-04:00

When I came in was when a lot of this was first starting. And, personally, I say we need to go back to the way it used to be. Nothing even remotely electronic (with the exception of for paperwork purposes and that sort of thing). Payphone banks. Platoons marching to the PX for essentials ONLY. Basic Training is meant to be tough. It is meant to begin training a Soldier psychologically and mentally, as well as physically, in how to BE a Soldier. If you can't live without your cellphone, or a computer, or the Internet, or anything like that for 2 1/2 months... God help you.

And don't get me started on a stress card... I've seen one of those in my life, and laughed my ass off.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2015 8:23 PM

2015-09-14T20:23:36-04:00

Well this can go so many different ways because the use of stess cards I feel only hinders new recruites from being trully transformed into Soldier's or airmen/airwomen. If the youngsters cannot handle the stress of basic how will they be able to handle the stresses if they ever get called into harms way. Cell phones have become a crutch for young people so much that they lack basic solcial skills because there reality is texting and not seeing a person face to face and truly interacting with them on an intellectual leve. Great question SSG Fowler I hope this helps you with what your seeking.

Response by SPC Tim Richardson made Sep 21 at 2015 8:34 PM

2015-09-21T20:34:26-04:00

I can't believe this stress card deal, it almost makes a mockery out of basic combat training. If you can't handle the stress of the intense PT or you can't handle the stress of a drill sergeant yelling at you, then what you gonna do when you get assigned to the 2nd Infantry division and they stick your ass up along the DMZ... You won't be texting mommy on Facebook I'll tell you that........

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 8:44 AM

2015-09-22T08:44:57-04:00

Who cares about the cell phone----as a reward for good behavior we got to spend an hour or so on Sunday on the moral pad with the snack machines and payphones....is there really any difference...

as to stress cards have not heard but will remind folks all the BS from last time this rumor was started and what is turned out to be

http://www.snopes.com/military/stresscards.asp

Are military recruits issued a stress card they can present to drill sergeants who are giving them a hard time?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2015 11:08 PM

2015-09-23T23:08:45-04:00

This all private news network type shit. We heard of the rumored stress cards when I was a new private, guess what I never saw one and my cell phone was put in a tough box and locked away until I graduated OSUT. These rumors are one of those things people make up so they can do the old "back in my day" type shit to make the newer generation of soldiers look weaker. To me things have changed but it's the same game just a different day.

Response by LT Charles Baird made Sep 24 at 2015 9:32 PM

2015-09-24T21:32:40-04:00

Stress Cards - It does not surprise me - back in the early - mid 90s (got out in 97) I was an E4 in the Air Force and was deployed to Africa in support of operations in Mogadishu and Somalia. I was an air transporter in an AMOG and we had a new recruit come to us who was put on my load team. The first mission we had with him a C5 and 2 C141s hit the deck within 15 minutes of each other and we had to download and load them all; midway through the mission he called a time out and walked away from a 10,0000 pound chain he was in the process of securing on a humvee; the chain was not locked in properly and popped out almost hitting another airman in the head underneath the vehicle.

I kicked him off the flight line until the mission was complete - upon returning to ATOC I found out that while this airman was in basic training; if they felt stressed out from anything they could call a timeout and the T.I.'s had to let them relax until they felt they were ready to continue (no yelling, no screaming, nothing).

A lot of us that came in to the military prior to President Clinton weren't sure of the generation that came in during his presidency. They seemed too soft and it seems from what you wrote they are getting softer.

Response by MSgt Greg Fennessy made Dec 21 at 2015 1:53 AM

2015-12-21T01:53:54-05:00

Sounds silly. For what it's worth, my generation said that about you.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2016 10:16 AM

2016-10-22T10:16:44-04:00

I am going to Ft. benning 7 NOV for OSUT. I'm bringing my phone, but I don't expect to get to use it until xmas exodus.

Response by SrA Sarah LaPlante made Jul 14 at 2018 2:39 PM

2018-07-14T14:39:59-04:00

I went through Air Force Basic Training in 2002 and there were no stress cards or cell phone usage. When you are forward deployed you are mission oriented. You are not focused on updating your Facebook page to let everyone know where your at because that is bad OPSEC. You do that you let the whole world know where your unit is located at. In basic training you need to be focused on the mission at hand which is to train you into being the best airman, soldier, marine, sailor, or coast guardsman you can be not how cool you are breathing in CO2 gas. Just my opinion.