What is the policy on cell phones in basic?

2018-08-06T19:48:33-04:00

I've asked many people from recruiters to vets from recent times on what the military policy is regarding cells phones in basic and I've had answers from all across the board.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 7:55 PM

2018-08-06T19:55:07-04:00

Private RallyPoint Member depends on what service. When I went through, you weren't allowed ANY personal items. You got to use the pay phones on weekends, if you weren't a screw-up.
From what I hear now, some services allow usage of cell phones on weekends.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Aug 6 at 2018 9:01 PM

2018-08-06T21:01:56-04:00

It depends on the branch, the post you go to, and sometimes even what battalion you go to. One thing for sure is, they all have a policy of sorts and you probably won't know what it is until you're there.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 6 at 2018 9:25 PM

2018-08-06T21:25:53-04:00

1. Last I heard- 2 yrs ago- NO Cell phones in Basic, they were collected up and stored. 2. Cell phones are a privilege, they were folks as a reward to use their phones for 15-30 minutes 1 day over the weekend. 3. You are suppose to be concentrating to become a soldier, and will have very little free time at all in Basic.

Response by 1LT Kevin Chapman made Aug 6 at 2018 10:34 PM

2018-08-06T22:34:41-04:00

I went to Ft Benning, in reception our cell phones were confiscated. And the day we were going to ship to our actual training company it was given to us in a sealed envelope. And once the shake down was done, we were given 30 seconds to a minute to complete a call and let our family know we arrived safely. Throughout the entirety of basic, we received a phone call twice when we phased over. I just completed basic this past April.

Response by Brad Rivera-Cross made Aug 6 at 2018 11:32 PM

2018-08-06T23:32:48-04:00

I got to make a phone call home when we phased over as graduation got closer we got our phones back completely I went to fort banning Alpha Co. 2-47

Response by 1LT Ting-Yu C. made Aug 7 at 2018 11:50 PM

2018-08-07T23:50:33-04:00

I believe it depends on your chain of command. I went went through BCT between February and April of 2018, and we were usually given our phones on the weekend for a short period of time. As we entered the final phase of training, our Drill Sergeants made a deal with us that if our platoon won more flag streamers (awards) than any other platoon, we'd get extra phone time. But remember, phone time is a privilege and not a requirement: the Drill Sergeants can revoke this privilege at any time whenever they want. And by the way, I was with Alpha Co, 1-46 IN.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2018 12:12 PM

2018-08-08T12:12:47-04:00

leave it at home !!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2018 9:04 PM

2018-08-12T21:04:45-04:00

They lost my phone so. It could happen to you.