What’s AIT like at Fort Huachuca for a 35F?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 12:25:05 -0500

I leave for Fort Huachuca on January 2nd and was curious as to what it’s like for a 35F. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Fort Huachuca and how cool AIT is there, but I figured I get some answers of my own. Are phones and laptops allowed? What is the living situation like? I don’t start until the 8th of January, so what will I be doing for six days? Any information is appreciated!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2017 12:28 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 12:28:43 -0500

It has been 4 years since I attended AIT for 35F, but we were allowed to have cell phones and have laptops/computers/electronics in our barracks rooms. We shared rooms with 1-2 other soldiers of the same gender. We were marched to and from chow during the week days and had weekends off. Don’t want to give too much away, just keep your head down and do your best. It will breeze past!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2017 2:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 14:18:25 -0500

It's been 13 years since I went to AIT at Huachuca...when I went it depended on your phase. Everyone started out at phase 4 for the first month I think. That meant buddies everywhere, class Bs if you went off post, no civilian clothes, no cell phone, I think no electronics. Phase 5 you could wear civilian clothes off duty have a cell phone. 4 and 5 you had to be at bed check every night. 5+ you could do pretty much whatever you wanted off duty and weekends.

I know when I was first there if you didn't pass the PT test you were phase 4 until you did. Then they changed it to you didn't have to have a PT test to get 5. Also in my platoon you had to recite the MI Creed to get your phase. If you screwed up you had to come back the next day or week. Mine was also 16 weeks 4 days. I don't know what it's like now. Apparently you can have electronics without phasing.

Barracks were ok when I went. I'm not sure what they are like now. I have heard drill sergeants are coming back in January...it's been "platoon sergeants." Basically like a drill sergeant minus the hat and extra pay.

Five years ago I went to ALC - we weren't allowed to go near the AIT kids or even correct them. Basically it was almost like don't look at them. Tell their PSG if they screw up.

We had drill sergeants when I went. They marched us to and from class and the DFAC. Did PT with us. Took us to the field. I don't know if they still do that but we had a FTX and TOC exercise at the end. I went Sept 2004 - Feb 2055. About this time.

I didn't think it was that bad. I got to go on pass fro Thanksgiving and visit my aunt in Tucson for the day. So that was nice. I went home for Christmas. But it's intel it's pretty chill.

The classroom has changed from when I went to from what I hear.

I realize now how old I am after posting I went 13 years ago...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2017 2:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 14:38:04 -0500

It's not bad, just study, study, study. If you don't, then chances are you will fall behind or fail the course and have to be re-cycled. It's not an easy A.I.T, however, it's very achievable as long as you apply yourself. You will be just fine.

As far as the location, I've been assigned to numerous bases throughout my 13 years in the Army, and I have to be honest, Fort Huachuca has been my second favorite. It's beautiful there. We loved it. The surrounding city of Sierra Vista isn't much to experience, but it's a small city with only about 40,000 people or so. Plus, there is the infamous town of Tombstone closeby which is cool and Tucson is great. My ultimate favorite assignment is a tie between Germany and Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia, for obvious reasons.

As far as the living situation goes, all I know is that I.E.T soldiers live in pretty decent barracks. I was an MOS-T (AKA Re-Class) so I lived off base with my family in an apartment. However, you will be put thru "phases'' and get an upgraded badge each couple of weeks that will give you increased privileges such as, being able able to go off base, etc. This is the new Army, so I'm sure you can have your Laptop/Cell phone and use it at your leisure, just not in the schoolhouse. Good luck.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2017 5:39 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 17:39:28 -0500

The course work could get overwhelming if you don't prepare yourself. They'll give you field manual extracts to study out of and guided practical exercises in class. Still read ahead on your free time to gain a better understanding of the coursework.
A good amount of people recycle, and some may be forced to another MOS for failing the exams. Honestly, you'll only fail if you don't pay attention and study on your own. The instructors only cover what was in the previous homework assignments, and will never cover anything that's not in the reading (It's like a college course, with less of the freedoms that a college has to offer - but, you're getting paid and will leave with a job, so it's not that bad)
I was a hold for a week, too. You'll do details until class starts, nothing difficult. You're allowed only a phone until you reach gold phase, then you can have other electronics. On your free time, go out on the track and run as much as you can. You'll realize that exercising is just about the only thing productive thing you can do here besides studying your job. Don't go and spend your basic training savings on the PX - that's what family day was for. Do things that will actually matter 16 weeks from the day you start class.
You'll figure everything else out quick. Ask questions as soon as you get there. Hope all goes well!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2017 11:48 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 23:48:17 -0500

You'll do barracks maintenance all day, black phase is only allowed a phone, but gold phase will authorize other electronics. The barracks are nice too. You'll be in Bravo, so I don't know all of the specifics. If you have some questions about stuff I can try to answer. I am currently in the 35F course as a student, for credibility purposes.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2018 3:10 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 15:10:42 -0500

I graduated from bravo company 305th MI BN a few months back and I was not pleased the post is great the instructors are amazing at Davis hall but the leadership in bravo 305th pushes a lot of papers out And article 15s.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2018 7:38 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 19:38:52 -0500

I graduated from fort Huachuca in December of 2016. From what I can say fort Huachuca is a very beautiful base. You’ll learn to Love it. Pretty much marching to and from the chow hall and school house everyday. after school everyday you will have free time to pretty much do as you please, obviously within what is allowed as an IET soldier. Listen to what all of your PSG’s have to say and always ask questions to your school house instructors. Your instructors are a mix between civilians and currently active duty members. Ask them as many questions as you can and always go to the study halls, they’re not as you would expect and they want to see you succeed and do great things for the army. There’s no such thing as a stupid question at the schoolhouse because they want to push out good analysts. Keep your head down, follow the rules set place and obviously as always, have fun! Make memories and friends. It’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2018 10:29 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 22:29:01 -0500

I’m currently in Huachuca In AIT, what company/platoon are you in, if your Bravo I can try to give some advice in person

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2018 10:00 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 22:00:05 -0500

I’m graduating in a few days from C Co 305th. It’s alright. I had amazing instructors at Davis Hall, but there some who are really.. not good. C Co doesn’t phase quickly so get used to wearing that uniform 24/7... also it’s super dry and uncomfortable to breathe in for a little bit. You’ll have rude higher ups wherever you go I’m sure, but yeah there are definitely some here. Just gotta deal I guess, if you’re a private you’re basically dirt so. You’ll be good, it’s alright. :)

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2018 9:47 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 09:47:46 -0500

C Co 305th here.

Response by Sgt William Clark made Sep 3 at 2020 7:14 PM

Sgt William Clark — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 19:14:09 -0400

I am a Prior service transfer and want to make sure that if I live off base that would be allowed?

Response by PVT Donovan Graham made Jan 5 at 2021 10:30 AM

PVT Donovan Graham — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 10:30:52 -0500

Sunsets are great, DFAC is even better (they had a doggone omelet bar last time I went, you just have to find the time.) COVID has changed a lot of things since the last time I went but overall Huachuca ain't too bad.