What is the longest you have heard of someone lingering around in Basic training?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 13:18:23 -0400

So we all know those people that seemed to never want to leave basic training. From reception to profile/quarters. What’s the longest you have heard of someone being stuck or lingering around? When I went there was a girl that was in quarters for nearly 2 years.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Aug 24 at 2020 1:24 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 13:24:47 -0400

I was permanent party at Benning. We would get privates that were on med hold or had been on profile so long that they lost their slots for assignments and so we got them so they could do something constructive until the Army figured out what to do with them. I guy I know was there two years trying to figure out some medical issues

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 24 at 2020 1:41 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 13:41:36 -0400

I have seen a few that pushed 18-24 months while they healed from medical issues ranging from breaks, surgeries and even cancer. Other were there pending limdu and a medboard.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2020 1:50 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 13:50:53 -0400

I was HHC Commander for the medical retention unit on Benning for 27 months. There was a guy who was there when I arrived and still there when I left.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 24 at 2020 2:06 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 14:06:00 -0400

They were known as "bolos" back in my day. What are they called today?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2020 2:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 14:09:56 -0400

When I was in basic, there was a holdover who had been there a year but only because of his security clearance. I can't remember what he was but he was intel - I know because we finally saw him show up to AIT a month after we got there. (Those of us who were intel in the platoon).

He had several foreign family members I think in China. But that's the only reason - it wasn't because he was shamming.

What do you mean someone "on quarters" for two years at basic?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 24 at 2020 2:19 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 14:19:42 -0400

Since 2017 and counting...

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2020-03-05/marine-recruit-held-more-than-two-years-behind-bars-without-trial-could-be-discharged-in-weeks-attorney-says

...

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Aug 24 at 2020 2:25 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 14:25:59 -0400

There were people in reception who had been there for months. Our DS had recycled BCT. Your girl stuck there for 2 years...that's crazy.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2020 3:36 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 15:36:33 -0400

Not sure about Basic, but there was a guy in my first AIT...he had been a medical hold over for at least 5 months because he managed to crush about 90% of the bones in his hand.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Aug 24 at 2020 3:48 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 15:48:19 -0400

When I was getting my stress-fractured shins dealt with at Ft. Benning, they told me about a guy who was there for over 2 years.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2020 5:47 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 17:47:28 -0400

Due to multiple injuries, I had a cousin who spent 2.5 years on Parris Island, then he went admin and got stationed there. He spent over 95% of his enlistment on the island.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2020 6:33 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 18:33:40 -0400

When I was in OSUT, one of our company holdovers had just been med dropped out of cycle number 3, and had been there a little over a year.

Then, when I was cadre at Jackson, we had a prior service (marine) guy come through and get held over at reception for 16 months due to the TS he needed for the Intel job he had contracted for being slowed up by various issues (foreign family, offshore bank accounts, dual citizenship with Iraq, etc). He was an interpreter for 6 years, came to the US to join the marines, gained dual citizenship (somehow), got out and then came over to the Army. It was all confusing trying to process this kid with all the crap he had going on.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Aug 25 at 2020 8:21 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 20:21:54 -0400

13 weeks at Parris Island was enough, who in the hell wanted 1 more day there than necessary? They should be separated for mental disorders, or Snowflakeitis. Afraid to really commit, send them home to mommy.

Response by CPL Sarah Stilwell made Sep 11 at 2020 7:08 AM

CPL Sarah Stilwell — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 07:08:55 -0400

Over two years

Response by SSG Ernie Reiss made Sep 18 at 2020 11:09 AM

SSG Ernie Reiss — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 11:09:03 -0400

There was a guy in my basic training platoon at Ft Campbell in 1971 who had been in reception station for 3 months. We all thought he was cadre. He wore a size 13 or 14 boot and there were none that size in captivity. Couldn't send him home because the boots/shoes could show up at any time. He was finally outfitted as we were in reception and went through basic with us. He was a school teacher from either Wyoming or Montana - super nice guy. I could not imagine spending such a long time in reception station waiting for your footwear.

Response by Sgt Carl Barrs made Sep 23 at 2020 1:35 PM

Sgt Carl Barrs — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 13:35:48 -0400

I am old school and in 1970 being gay was a problem. There were several gay men and several nonfunctioning village idiots (we had one that could never figure out the the whole right vs left thing) and low IQ people that stuck around for a while. You want me to bake your noodle, I found out that about 8 of these individuals were given medicals and later qualified for 100% disability. Just plane wrong.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2020 4:40 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 16:40:22 -0400

At Parris Island when people got dropped we never seen them again so no idea

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2020 12:27 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:27:32 -0400

when 37Fs had "AIT" at SWC on FBNC, there would be "Hold Overs" for their Entire Initial Enlistment. Waiting on their Security Clearance to get completed, or waiting to in shape to attend (and Pass) Airborne school.

Response by SFC Jose Trabal-Vega made Oct 13 at 2020 11:21 AM

SFC Jose Trabal-Vega — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 11:21:01 -0400

When I was a DS at Ft Jackson, I had a Soldier that was a hold over pending security clearance for a year. Great soldier, good pt test scores, graduated 2nd in his class. A manslaughter charge kept him there that long.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2020 2:36 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 14:36:23 -0400

Not specifically Basic Training but there is a prior service 11B who is still an OC at Federal OCS at Ft. Benning due to some issue with his clearance. When I went through in 2017...he had already been there for a while. Last I heard this year...he was still there! Great dude, helps a lot of the OCs with further instruction and if they have issues with clearance/pay/etc...at this point I think he is kinda of a institution at Federal OCS.

Response by PO3 Dale Olson made Oct 14 at 2020 8:18 AM

PO3 Dale Olson — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 08:18:24 -0400

I remember 1 guy the was Co 4013 3 times. Normally you were escorted to the main gate after 2 recycles. Navy boot camp was a breeze compared to Advance Field Med School I did at age 40 with Marine Corps Reserve as a Navy Corpsman.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2020 7:31 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 19:31:56 -0400

That is insane, what exactly was the reasoning for someone staying in quarters for so long? Maybe psych ward??

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2020 8:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 20:21:05 -0400

I was STUCK in my training unit for 4 months and hated every second. I slept in the same bunk I went through basic in and watched an entire cycle of trainees go through It was for a security clearance (basic security not TS or anything) This was in fort Benning in 1993 when it was one station infantry training so 16 weeks plus 2 weeks for Bradley training. Why anyone would want to be stuck like that I have no idea. 1st platoon Charlie company 3/32nd inf.

Response by PO1 Robert Adams made Oct 19 at 2020 8:30 AM

PO1 Robert Adams — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 08:30:23 -0400

My uncle who was younger than I, was medically retired from the Marines. He spent 2 weeks in MCRD San Diego and 10 months in Balboa Naval hospital. He was retired as an E2. Hemmroids.

Response by Sgt Jim Mullins made Oct 19 at 2020 11:51 AM

Sgt Jim Mullins — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 11:51:05 -0400

No one wanted to hang around in Basic Training at Parris Island, SC in 1963!!!

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Oct 20 at 2020 2:07 AM

SPC Byron Skinner — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 02:07:55 -0400

Byron Skinner. What happened to the old rule, can’t complete Basic Training in six months you are out. The reason depends of the class of discharge but for the good of the Army, is often the reason. Injuries encounter during BCT after three months are usual sent to a board and general a medical discharge with VA benefits but no Army Disability rating. You can apply for a VA disability and it you disability was for an accident like a vehicle accident or an accident in the motor pool you can usually can get a non service related disability rating out of the VA. Most Veterans Service organizations don’t mess with these former soldiers unless there are some extenuating issues.

Response by SSG George Duncan made Nov 6 at 2020 7:45 PM

SSG George Duncan — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 19:45:04 -0500

ME 4 months

Response by MSG David C. made Nov 13 at 2020 8:56 AM

MSG David C. — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 08:56:09 -0500

I know I've been retired over 22 years and the only ones that could cut the live was Active Duty in Uniform and only during the hours of 11:30 to 13:00. Everyone else get in line!

Response by TSgt David Olson made Nov 14 at 2020 7:45 PM

TSgt David Olson — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 19:45:40 -0500

Linger in basic? Admittedly when I went through Army basic in 1963, things were a lot different than today’s basic training. The most common thought was, don’t go on sick call, unless you’ve been dead for two days. No one wanted to be recycled. Complete the training and move on to your next school. We had a company clerk who had been recycled, finished basic but some health problem kept him from going on to his AIT. The company kept him on in the company as company clerk. Linger in basic, are you nuts!

Response by SGM Joel Cook made Nov 15 at 2020 11:03 AM

SGM Joel Cook — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 11:03:33 -0500

I was a hold over after Basic Training for a Top Secret Security clearance. That took just over six months. While waiting for that to go through I was offered an opportunity to compete for a position in White House Communications. About twenty soldiers applied and it quickly got whittled down to about seven. After a bevy of tests and procedures it was down to three. Myself, a cowboy and a Senator’s son. Of course the Senator’s son was given the position even though the cowboy and I both outperformed him in several areas but that is usually the way things work. I was given a position in the AIT class room as an assistant instructor while waiting for my clearance and competing for the WHC position. It took about 10 months total for both to go through or be finished. I then reported to Fort Hood, Texas a few days after Christmas.

Response by CPT Doug Hocking made Nov 15 at 2020 4:29 PM

CPT Doug Hocking — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 16:29:49 -0500

There were stories in 1968 of a draftee whose orders never came through and who remained in casual status until they sent him home on leave awaiting orders. Two years later, he accepted his discharge.

Response by TSgt David Olson made Nov 16 at 2020 10:26 AM

TSgt David Olson — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 10:26:00 -0500

1963 no one ever lingered in Army basic training. There was a saying, “I would have to be dead for two days before going on sick call”. The idea of having to spend one extra day was cause for nightmares and cold sweats.

Response by CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2020 6:26 PM

CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 18:26:22 -0500

We had a guy that showed up to our platoon around 2nd/3rd phase that had been recycled so many times he graduated with us as a LCpl. He was a broken, unmotivated individual and I still wonder to this day how or why he eventually made it to graduation. I expect his follow on career was very short. The rest of the Platoon avoided him like he had the 'Rona (and that didn't even exist back then). Just glad I never saw him again. He caused the Platoon a great deal of extra pain. Some people just aren't cut out for service. Any Service.

Response by CDR William Kempner made Nov 16 at 2020 7:13 PM

CDR William Kempner — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 19:13:50 -0500

When I was in USN OCS at Newport, we had a guy who had a genuine mental breakdown after only a few weeks there.(I and a couple other priors stood watch that sunday night until our MCPO got in at about 0530 and he was immediately transported to the Naval hospital psych unit.) I didn't give it much thought until I ran into a classmate of his who I knew 6-7 months later and I mentioned the guy, and this other fellow choked up, and said "Bill, we went to see him before we left Newport, and the guy was in a catatonic state! It was really sad to see." Not funny. I'm sure he was there for a while.

Response by LTJG Jay Manor made Nov 18 at 2020 11:23 AM

LTJG Jay Manor — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 11:23:53 -0500

In 1976 we were told of a recruit at Great Lakes Naval Training Center who was rotated through boot camp twice. Apparently, while riding the bus to O’hare airport he decided to get vocal and animated after rolling through the main gate. Bus turned around, action reported, kid removed for behavior. A second tour through was his punishment.

Response by GySgt Aaron Andrews made Nov 18 at 2020 2:53 PM

GySgt Aaron Andrews — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 14:53:12 -0500

When I went to Boot Camp, we picked up a recruit on training day 2. He had been on med hold for just around 7 months. He had surgery on an undescended testicle and was not allowed to return to training until fully healed. Yep- he gave his left nut for the Corps!

Response by MSG David C. made Nov 19 at 2020 8:16 AM

MSG David C. — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 08:16:45 -0500

I went to Basic in the 70's, when Basic was 6 weeks and we had a soldier that was waiting for orders sending him to AIT. he was held at Basic for 3 months.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2020 6:47 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 06:47:41 -0500

A friend was going through Basic at Fort Dix in 1968. He contracted some type of dental infection requiring him to be set back several times. Eventually, he was assigned to the dental facility and completed his 2 year obligation there. He was decorated for fighting the war against tooth decay.

Response by SPC Karl Jungel made Jan 19 at 2021 2:41 PM

SPC Karl Jungel — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 14:41:27 -0500

Had this one short and frail guy who had these REALLY thick glasses in our basic training platoon. He had said he was in his thrid rotation because he couldn't make marksman or get a passing grade on his PT test..... I felt really bad for the 'bow low'..... This was in the summer of '66 at Fort Leonard Wood. No idea where he went after he was with us. As I recall, he 'failed' again with us......so sad.

Response by SPC Russell Joslin made Jan 19 at 2021 4:02 PM

SPC Russell Joslin — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 16:02:07 -0500

As a basic trainee at Fort Leonard Wood in 2002 I heard of a private being recycled 3 times. Hearsay

Response by SSG John Justin made Jan 21 at 2021 4:42 PM

SSG John Justin — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 16:42:50 -0500

We had a guy in my boot camp company who was continuously being sent back two weeks at at time until he could pass the swim test. He passed the dswimming test the day before we graduated. A few hours before we were to leave they claimed they could not find his paperwork. I think they were messing with him as they found it just before we were allowed to leave.

Response by SSG John Oliver made Jan 21 at 2021 8:16 PM

SSG John Oliver — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 20:16:44 -0500

When I was at Parris Island my Platoon picked up a guy who'd been there for 9 months. This guy lost so much weight the skin on his body hanged. With the massive amount of weight loss he unfortunately was unable to do more than 2 pull-ups. He cried when he was to be recycled to another Platoon and there was not a single recruit who laughed or made fun of him. He actually taught us what having heart was.

Response by Sgt Jim Mullins made Jan 22 at 2021 8:26 AM

Sgt Jim Mullins — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 08:26:13 -0500

I am Tired of this conversation??!!

Response by MSG Chuck Odom made Jan 24 at 2021 8:08 PM

MSG Chuck Odom — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 20:08:34 -0500

When I went through basic training in 1973 we had a guy who was in his final recycle. He finally completed it after being in basic for 9 months.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2021 1:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 01:47:38 -0500

1998 San Diego MCRD there was a guy that that spent 9 months in the medical platoon. He finally got whatever was wrong with him fixed and he eventually completed training and graduated.

Response by SP5 George Smith made Jan 25 at 2021 1:52 PM

SP5 George Smith — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 13:52:23 -0500

Do they still have Recycle Companies in BCT? My BCT at Ft Ord only recycled one trainee. I used to see the recycled company in passing as we doubled time in formation around the post. I’d see the high percentage of overweight guys and the others were probably the ones that needed attitude adjustments. I pitied the Drill Sergeants because they had to work pretty hard motivating these guys. This was during Vietnam, so my guess is that everybody eventually passed and nobody got to linger.

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Jan 25 at 2021 10:49 PM

SGT Joseph Dutton — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 22:49:30 -0500

I spent an extra 3 weeks in basic. Every time each company was over filled and was to an overflow stand by company. I heard of one that spent most of his career at Great Lakes from initial entry to almost retirement when the Navy found out he never had Sea Duty. Was sent to Sea Duty and retired. Then where I worked as a civilian for the Army a SGT was assigned to a school right after AIT and spent his whole career at the school till his retirement. Some people seem to slip between the cracks for the good.

Response by SFC James Himes made Feb 1 at 2021 5:35 PM

SFC James Himes — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:35:12 -0500

My brother went into USAF around Easter. I went in August 18th and he was still trying to get through his second week. Unfortunately he had horrible reading skills and some other social skill problems. I finished basic and was off to Security Police school and they finally discharged him for lack of completing basic. Don't remember the exact wording.
I went on and finished my first enlistment with the USAF. Got out and then got back in AGR Army National Guard and did 18+yrs there to retire.

Response by CPL Joe Todd made Feb 11 at 2021 10:29 AM

CPL Joe Todd — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 10:29:15 -0500

Ghost

Response by MAJ Chris Phillips made Feb 16 at 2021 10:37 AM

MAJ Chris Phillips — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 10:37:58 -0500

The one I saw wasn't on the order of some that people have already posted, but in MP basic training at Ft. McClellan Alabama in 1985, there was a female private who had gotten pregnant in basic training a few cycles before us, who was held over until she could give birth and recover, and presumably resume training. Instead of being assigned to a medical hold company she was helping out doing administrative things for the basic training company, driving trainees to and from sick call, etc. Maybe she was assigned to a med hold co. but then tasked back to the training company so she'd at least have something somewhat productive to do - - who knows. She did not seem like a particularly happy individual.

Response by PO2 John Driskill made Feb 18 at 2021 3:05 PM

PO2 John Driskill — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 15:05:46 -0500

I remember that type of thing happening in Navy Boot Camp in Great Lakes in 1968. There was one guy who had been in a holding barracks for around one year for various violations and he was added on to our company. He made it all the way though training with us until the day before graduation when he screwed up and got sent back to the holding barracks again. Never knew if he got out of Boot Camp.

Response by MSG Gregg Clement made Feb 19 at 2021 8:35 AM

MSG Gregg Clement — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 08:35:36 -0500

In 1985 we had a guy show up (NY ARNG) who had some got somehow got through his MEP station with a bad ass heart condition hidden. He was trying to get out on some kind of a lifelong pension from Army injuries.
He was there from June to Dec (or longer) on quarters. As BCT trainees, we were not allowed to talk to him and he spent his whole time in the arms room.

Response by Neal Chamberlain made Feb 19 at 2021 8:29 PM

Neal Chamberlain — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 20:29:49 -0500

Although I am a faithful fan of Beetle Bailey, it is incredibly outdated. Ever since the military went volunteer, many things have changed. The most important is the quality of our service members (for the better). For the most part, there is little motivation to retain someone who can't get past Basic.

When my son was active USAF at Pope (then AFB), he had a comrade who was sweating because he was coming to a crisis point. If he couldn't make E-4 by 10 years, he was gone. I als worked with a guy at Amazon who was tossed out of the Air Force at 10 years. He never said why, but he probably failed Fat Farm.

Response by PO1 Nick Wulfekuhle made Feb 20 at 2021 5:20 PM

PO1 Nick Wulfekuhle — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 17:20:28 -0500

After 8 weeks of boot camp, we got on the busses to leave for the airport when one of the guys flipped off the company commander as the bus was leaving. Company Commander made the bus stop, got on and grabbed the guy by the lapels on his pea coat and dragged him off. Met up with the guy about 10 weeks later at school. Company commander hauled him directly to the XO where he was given the chance to start over - on the first day of boot camp.

Response by SSG Gregg Mourizen made Apr 6 at 2021 12:48 AM

SSG Gregg Mourizen — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 00:48:41 -0400

When going to basic, I saw a guy who claimed to have been there three times. I often thought he was a plant, the cadre put there to spy on recruits. He had a good story, but in the end, I thought he was full of it. Sure enough the day before we went to our assigned basic unit, he got "pulled" again.

When stationed at Ft Leonard Wood, September 2000, I was processing through and was assigned to a reception batallion and treated as Cadre, because we were all prior service. Part of our area of responsibility was taking care of the Hold-Under barracks (those waiting to goto basic training). The Drill Sargent told us, some of them had been there for over a year, waiting to start basic training. That's how backlogged they were. That doesn't cover those who failed initial PT, or had medical or legal issues.
They even had a couple of recruits awaiting court martial, before they had even started basic. Clack Marketing, and destruction of government property. Of course, they could have got off with an Article 15 (non judicial punishment), but the barracks lawyers talked them into holding out for the court martial. I am sure they lost in the end.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Apr 17 at 2021 12:22 PM

Cpl George Matousek — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 12:22:52 -0400

I was a Marine, there was a guy who spent 2.5 years in boot camp, back in the 1960'w

Response by SPC Karl Jungel made May 6 at 2021 2:19 PM

SPC Karl Jungel — Thu, 06 May 2021 14:19:01 -0400

I had basic at Ft Leonard Wood in '66 and had this little guy with huge glasses trying not to 'boolow' for the THIRD TIME... He made it with us due to the 'fudging' by the DIs on his PT and weapons fire scores. I was told that if someone recycled (boolowed) the DIs did NOT get extra time off between cycles. I went on to AIT at Leonard Wood and the kid went on to some infantry outfit for his AIT. I still have my Yearbook and could find him there, but what's the point.

Response by SFC Robert Minish made May 6 at 2021 7:32 PM

SFC Robert Minish — Thu, 06 May 2021 19:32:06 -0400

I was sent to Ft. Sill in 1989 for 13B AIT (as an E6) and there was a private there that had graduated 6 months earlier but was held over because they didn't have size 18 boots for him. He did BT in running shoes and then was assigned to HHB as a gofer until someone made him some boots. He had to duck when he went through doorways. BIG guy!

Response by CH (COL) Paul Vicalvi made May 7 at 2021 5:22 PM

CH (COL) Paul Vicalvi — Fri, 07 May 2021 17:22:10 -0400

I knew of a guy during Covid who was at Benning 2 months before ever starting. Someone would show up with Covid so the whole class would have to quarantine for 14 days. He finally got to start and finish after 2 months.

Response by SFC Oddie Brown made May 9 at 2021 2:18 PM

SFC Oddie Brown — Sun, 09 May 2021 14:18:02 -0400

I went thru Basic and AIT at Ft. Sill from Jan-Apr 1984. We had a soldier that was a recycle that completed his training with our platoon. He said we were his 3rd recycle. He had broken his ankle on the obstacle course on the first cycle and failed some of the common tasks on the second cycle. They were going to send him home but he asked for one more shot and they gave it to him and he made it. I admired his willingness not to quit. I don't know what happened to him after basic but at least he completed it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2021 8:36 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 May 2021 08:36:22 -0400

We had a dude at Fort L. Wood that got recycled for multiple reasons, multiple times. The last time he got recycled he hurt his hip. Finally got there and went to his unit with 1 month to clear and ETS

Response by MAJ Gregory Moon made May 13 at 2021 10:26 AM

MAJ Gregory Moon — Thu, 13 May 2021 10:26:34 -0400

As a Basic Training Company Commander at FLW in about 1990 I had one guy who was held over because he was slotted for language school and they got incredibly delayed in getting his background investigation for Top secret done. If I recall correctly his family was way out in the middle of Montana and the nearest FBI office was 150miles away so getting in person interviews were hard to do. We ended up running through on of the Engineer AITs just to keep him usefully busy. I think that was about 13 weeks after graduating from BT.

Response by SN Tracey Nollir made May 13 at 2021 9:03 PM

SN Tracey Nollir — Thu, 13 May 2021 21:03:52 -0400

Friend was in BT for 1 year fainted at graduation and dishonorable discharged

Response by SSG Michael Porter made May 14 at 2021 1:28 PM

SSG Michael Porter — Fri, 14 May 2021 13:28:07 -0400

When I was at Fort Gordon, we had a holdover from the national guard. The guy finished all of his training but he couldn’t leave until he passed a PT test and medical. Apparently he had to have surgery during his cycle. He was already there two years. Felt bad for the guy. His wife left him after 15 years of marriage.

Response by PVT Robert Cameron made May 17 at 2021 12:27 AM

PVT Robert Cameron — Mon, 17 May 2021 00:27:52 -0400

I've never seen anyone stay longer than 3 months

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2021 7:27 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 May 2021 07:27:16 -0400

There was a guy named Floyd Hinton at 30th AG in Benning who had gone into anaphylaxis when he received his shots. Apparently he had Guillain Barre and had never set foot into basic training. He was there over 2 years and received a full retirement courtesy of the US army. He was a piece of work.

Response by Sgt Jeff Martin made Jun 1 at 2021 9:03 AM

Sgt Jeff Martin — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 09:03:14 -0400

Can anybody in their right mind endure more than 8 weeks of basic......oh shit i forget that these people now days might be able to. Course if we were given a time out every time a good stiff wind blows....i probably would have lasted 3 or 4 years in basic....now lets see which drill sargent has the softest heart...i bet i can cry my way to another month or two....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2021 12:29 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 00:29:18 -0400

When i was a DS we had a basic trainee that was in our troop for almost a year due to an injury and the recovery time needed for the injury. 19D OSUT was 16 weeks. He was a good private so we didn't mind him. He did what he was told and never complained. After graduation he lingered due to his previous orders getting deleted. After graduation they are no longer considered a basic trainee. He didn't mind either because he could smoke or dip without getting yelled at. Lol

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Jun 17 at 2021 1:02 AM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 01:02:18 -0400

At one time, Recruits could be recycled 3 times and this discharged. I would hope something like this is in place now. Unless there are medicals issues, I can't see sticking with someone after three tries.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Jun 18 at 2021 2:52 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 14:52:44 -0400

Back in the day when I went through Basic Training.. (66) I remember a guy who was recycled at least 3 times.

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Jun 28 at 2021 10:33 AM

SGT Randall Smith — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 10:33:22 -0400

I know a man I believe is full of BS. Said he was drafted in 1965, finished basic and was made Cadre and worked in the company office as a clerk. As an E2 they made him an Acting Jack, corporal and he served his whole 2 years as a clerk . When I ask him his MOS he said he did not have one and did not want to talk about his service time.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 28 at 2021 11:36 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 23:36:41 -0400

No clue, my ass was out of basic as soon as it was done.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2021 8:09 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 08:09:36 -0400

in 1983 I was a hold over at Fort Knox for two weeks due to chicken pox. At first the drill sergeants had us painting and other menial work around the barracks. Then one day, the drill sergeant who we all hated came in and asked us what we were doing. Looking at the paint brush in my hand, I was about to respond with a sarcastic answer, but then he said, "let me rephrase that question, what do you want to do?" I told him I wanted to go to the museum and PX. He said, "So why are you still here?" So for a few days my hold over status became a vacation, and I took advantage of it! Unfortunately, I ran up a $600 phone bill talking with my wife on collect calls!

Response by SSgt Tom Canning made Aug 24 at 2021 6:30 PM

SSgt Tom Canning — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 18:30:01 -0400

They made Air Force Basic Military Training so unbearably uncomfortable at that sh**hole called Lackland AFB that I used to have nightmares about even the remote thought of being recycled. There was one guy that got set back to our Flight that was on his 4th recycle. Most of us felt pretty bad for him. Our TI tried to get him to give it up but he eventually made it to Canute for Tech school while I was stationed there

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2021 7:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 19:20:39 -0400

i hate to say i fell from the repel tower a short ways and injured my back .. i spent 8 months at Ft Knox till i recovered. while i was there another SM had already been in the PTRP unit a year and a half before i got there not including my 8 months .. last i heard when i got out of AIT (another 5 months at APG due to reinjuring my back) he was still in the PTRP company with a duty station patch on ... i absolutely hated the fact that i had to stay longer than than i was supposed to

Response by SFC Kevin Stampfly made Oct 21 at 2021 8:12 PM

SFC Kevin Stampfly — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 20:12:22 -0400

Noone I know in basic, but I was with a guy in AIT who had been there for about a year before finally getting kicked out for medical reasons. He had been recycled about four times too many..

Response by SSG Gregg Mourizen made Dec 27 at 2021 2:22 PM

SSG Gregg Mourizen — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 14:22:38 -0500

When I was at Fort Leonard Wood, they had basic trainees sitting in the Hold-Under barracks (waiting to start basic), some of them had been there over a year. This was in 2000.

When I went to Basic in Ft Know, there was a guy who had been booted for Fraudulent enlistment, then recycled twice due to injuries, then got dropped again. Or so he said.
I think he was a plant, but I could be wrong.

Response by Col Jonathan Brazee made Jan 6 at 2022 10:14 AM

Col Jonathan Brazee — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 10:14:39 -0500

Not boot camp, but while I was at The Basic School in Quantico, there was a first lieutenant who was running around there and had been for several years. All we knew was that he hadn't graduated TBS yet and so couldn't proceed to his MOS school. No one knew the reason for his status, but the rumor mill was that it had something to do with a body found out in one of the training area.

I have no idea if there was any truth to that or if that was a result of someone's overactive imagination, but the lieutnant was still there after we graduated and still there after those of us who went infantry graduated from IOC.

Response by CPL Dennis Clark made Jan 8 at 2022 10:37 AM

CPL Dennis Clark — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 10:37:49 -0500

When I went to basic at Sill there was a private who was already there, that was being used sort of as a mentor. Over time it went to his head and he wound up in trouble with the DS's because he started bending and breaking the rules (like he thought he was exempt). I didn't understand in the beginning how he knew everything ahead of time, until later. Turns out he was part of their previous training but had fractured his leg, less than a week before graduation; he had to do it all over again. As far as your situation is concerned I honestly don't know enough about it. I just know the reason for our guy.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2022 1:15 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 01:15:00 -0500

I was a DS at Ft. Benning and, during one of the "summer surges", in 89 or 90 and I had about 6 or 7 Soldiers in the psych ward at Martin. They were carried on my roster for the cycle and I never knew what happened to them. They went in various times (red, white and blue).

Response by SSG Ken Potts made Jan 11 at 2022 6:26 PM

SSG Ken Potts — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 18:26:20 -0500

In my time, they didn't have lingering. I worked reception at Benning, also worked at a TMC. if you weren't fit for active duty, you were given a bus ticket home.

Response by 1LT Rich Voss made Jan 12 at 2022 8:53 PM

1LT Rich Voss — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 20:53:18 -0500

SPC - I'm amazed ! I'm going to have to read all these posts after seeing your mention of nearly 2 years, and the LTC that mentions someone being in his unit for over 27 months. When I got drafted in Oct '66 it was "understood" that the LAST thing you wanted to do was get "recycled". I was at Fort Campbell, KY, and the most I ever overheard from the DIs was 3 chances at basic training and then you got kicked out. Very different times during the draft/enlistment period of Viet Nam/Cold War. But, I actually don't know what the "standard" was then for basic and AIT time periods, was too darn busy minding my own business and aiming for all the courses I could take. Worked out for me, as I became an Armor Officer less than 10 months after getting drafted !

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Jan 15 at 2022 7:56 AM

SPC Donn Sinclair — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 07:56:36 -0500

When I was drafted, (1969), if a trainee exceeded a certain weight for his height, he went to the rehab platoon, aka the fat man farm. He was put on a restricted diet and took the PT test every other day, and wasn't assigned to a basic training company till he passed PT. There were two guys in "the farm" when I got to Ft. Knox that were still there when I left for AIT 10 weeks later.

Response by SPC Geoffrey Jenkins made Jan 16 at 2022 10:05 AM

SPC Geoffrey Jenkins — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 10:05:16 -0500

When I was in boot camp we had this one guy in our company who got a Dear John letter and wanted to go home immediately,he went to see the clergy to make his plea to go home to no avail and took matters into his own hands by jumping down a flight of stairs landing on his knee breaking it instantly.He was put on medical hold and was being processed out the military,on graduation day as we were marching to our company ceremonies we saw him with a few other medical holds policing the streets and sidewalks for cigarette butts.
I heard that he went home 6mos later and his girlfriend dumped him for another military man,isn't Life a Bitch!!!!!!!

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Feb 3 at 2022 11:43 AM

SSG Eric Blue — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 11:43:40 -0500

I didn't know there was such a thing. I mean I saw a few soldiers who knew way too much about BCT when I got to reception, so I assumed they were temporary holdovers. But I didn't know someone could be stuck in the system for a long time. The ones I usually saw were troops who couldn't pass the APFT and got sent to the Fitness Training Battery OR got chaptered out for failure to adapt. I started Basic at Sill in January and left Sill after AIT on the last day of May. Everyone I had seen that was a holdover or went to FTB was gone by the time I left.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2022 4:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 16:57:09 -0400

When I was in AIT there was one guy in my MOS who had been there long enough where he got promoted to SPC without a waiver. He had family problems and got injured so he kept getting pushed back on class and starting over and for some reason switched MOS to mine which was like 8 to 9 months long back than.