Where and when did you attend AIT, and have you ever been back there?

SFC James Baber — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 11:53:08 -0400

Would be an interesting thing to see not only the locations, but a generational perspective on how changes to those locations may be for each and if it even exists anymore. Also have you ever returned to the location either as a duty station or just to see what is was like for memories and changes that may have taken place. I will lead off, Ft McClellan, AL: D10-1984. I went back in 1992 for another school but haven't been back since it shuttered it's doors to AIT in '99, have been to Leonardwood for few other schools and checked out their facilities, big difference to what we had at McClellan back in the day though. Would love to go back to McClellan today and see what the base looks like and what bldgs. still exist, or training areas are there.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 1:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 13:31:44 -0400

As an Infantryman, we went to OSUT at Ft. Benning, GA from July-Oct 2000. I had family living not far to there, so a couple years after graduating I went back to reminisce about the good 'ol days of basic training! Not much had changed though, lol. It was interesting to see it again though.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Apr 2 at 2014 1:37 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 13:37:36 -0400

My AIT was in Fort Lee, VA from Sep 2010 - Dec 2010. I know live in VA but I have yet to make it back there yet. I want to show my wife and kids were I did my training at. I will find the time sooner or later. LOL

I am sure it has changed now since they were working on new barracks and other buildings when I was going there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 6:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 18:01:17 -0400

Ft. Huachuca from Jul 09 - Mar 10. I've been back there twice on TDY and each time I went back they finished all the new buildings that were being built when I was there. They even built a village on the school house to negate students from looking crazy when they have to conduct MSO ops.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 9:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 09:24:18 -0400

McClellan, OSUT 1997

Don't go back, ever. It's thoroughly contaminated. http://www.epa.gov/region4/superfund/sites/fedfacs/anarmydptal.html

Just up the road... Recently discovered at Redstone was a slew of chemical munitions from WWII that were buried in the lowland areas as it was believed nobody would ever disturb them. http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-chemical-weapons-20140322,0,2033901.story#axzz2xpSL7PnH

Anniston Army Depot NPL Site Summary | Region 4 | US EPA

Serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and 6 Tribes

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 2:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 14:56:44 -0400

I went to 12B AIT/OSUT at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO from July to October of 2011. I went back to Ft. Leonard Wood for R2C2 Puma early 2013. It was odd being there as a soldier attending a course and not as a trainee. Still could tell it was a TRADOC post, but it seemed like trainees are in a much more relaxed environment even 2 years later.

Response by SPC Paul Troutman made Apr 4 at 2014 1:57 PM

SPC Paul Troutman — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 13:57:47 -0400

My AIT was OSUT at Fort Benning, GA. Sand Hill and fire ants galore! After the turning blue ceremony, as everyone was getting released, our Drill Sgts had us buffing the floors to prove to us that the Army still owned our asses and I have never been back ever since I literally ran from that place in 1997.

From there I was sent to Fort Drum to serve out the remainder of my contract. Talk about cold!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2014 2:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 14:10:32 -0400

My AIT was at Fort Gordon from Jun-Sep 1997. I was in E Co 447 Sig Bn. I came back a few years later for ALC but had to leave early due to a family emergency. I am currently an AIT Instructor back at Fort Gordon. I am not in B co 447 Sig Bn.

Response by MSG Jim Gawne made Apr 5 at 2014 3:36 PM

MSG Jim Gawne — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 15:36:43 -0400

May to July 1974, Ft. Sill, OK. B Battery, Specialist Training Battalion. 15J AIT (later 13P) went from there to Wiesbaden Germany for two years, then back to Ft. Sill for two years. Returned to Ft. Sill on three additional occasions, once for ANCOC, once for a Firepower Conference, and once with my Brigade Commander for another conference. Also stopped to visit with one of my old First Sergeants (who was then a brigade Sergeant Major) once and to visit old friends another time. All in all, have been back five times since I graduated from AIT.

Response by SGT Tammy Cowart made Apr 5 at 2014 3:58 PM

SGT Tammy Cowart — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 15:58:20 -0400

I went to AIT at Ft. McClellan, AL. I did end up going back in 2009 for FEMA training for my current job. A lot of the base is closed down. The parts that I did explore are old, beaten up, and just plain POS. It was interesting seeing it like that though.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Apr 6 at 2014 1:05 AM

SSG Mike Angelo — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 01:05:19 -0400

APG, MD 1976-1977. 1980 became an instructor at the school house at the USAOC&S; US Army Ordnance Center and School. Now Ordnance is at Ft. Lee, VA. 

Response by CPL Larry Garrett made Apr 6 at 2014 3:19 AM

CPL Larry Garrett — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 03:19:47 -0400

I did OSUT at Fort Benning, Harmony Church B-42 in 1987. We were part of the new COHORT unit the Army was testing...Light Infantry. Man I loved Basic. I have never had occasion to go return. I have returned to our duty station (2010) at Ft. Ord, California though. Sad that it is no longer a base. WOLFHOUNDS!

Response by SSG Eric Tafilowski made Apr 7 at 2014 6:37 AM

SSG Eric Tafilowski — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 06:37:08 -0400

May to August 1982, Fort Sam Houston, Combat Medic & X Ray Specialist training. Went back in late 80's for BNOC & ANCOC, but not been back since. Not been back to Fort Leonard Wood where I did basic either. But all other posts I have been back to have all changed so much.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2014 6:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 06:40:52 -0400

FORT MCcELLAN AL. IN 1983 AND YES I HAVE BEEN BACK FOR A VISIT IN 1990.

Response by SPC Eric Francis made Apr 8 at 2014 4:25 PM

SPC Eric Francis — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 16:25:07 -0400

I went to Delta CO 447th Sig. Bn at Ft Gordon, GA during the spring time which wasn't fun. I kinda enjoyed it, after hitting Phase 5 and going out on the town. But I think my best time was when we were doing a very long run, damn near the entire post. I hit that point where the pain in my legs vanished and I sprinted towards the finish line, beating our Drill Sergeant. That and doing our phase 5 PT test, I finished my run and then went back to motivate the others who were having a hard time. Nothing like marching back, covered in sweat and wanting to puke. Good times. But I loved it when I left to go back to Minnesota when I was in the Guard.

Response by SSG Nathan Bryant made Apr 9 at 2014 12:18 AM

SSG Nathan Bryant — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 00:18:08 -0400

I doubt there are many (if any) 42A (former 75B) who attended AIT at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN. I was in the second to the last class there before all were relocated to Fort Jackson, SC. Long, long time ago!

Response by SSG Mark Ives made Apr 12 at 2014 6:19 AM

SSG Mark Ives — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 06:19:21 -0400

Went to 15E (Pershing Missile Crewman) AIT at Ft Sill, OK in '78 and 98J (EW/SIGINT Non-communications Interceptor) AIT at Ft Devens, MA in '86. Went back to Sill for PCS and travelling through on leave on another occasion. Didn't visit Devens again except when going to BNCOC. SIGINT side of MI School moved to Ft Huachuca from Ft Devens after I got out.

Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made Apr 12 at 2014 11:22 AM

SSG Christopher Freeman — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 11:22:58 -0400

I went to Fort Leonard Wood, MO for 88M back in '08 and have not been back. I also went to Fort Meade, MD for 46Q in '12 and I will going back in 2 months.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Apr 12 at 2014 12:08 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 12:08:34 -0400

My MOS school was at 29 Palms.. thank God I never went back. It was a few months before 9-11.

Response by PV2 John Cheek made Apr 12 at 2014 4:15 PM

PV2 John Cheek — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 16:15:32 -0400

Ft. Eustis, VA - 1991. Went to school for 68D (Powertrain Repairer - Has since be changed to 15D)<br>I have not made it back to that part of the country. From the free time I was able to utilize off-post and get to see some of the sites, I would love to go back again and bring the kids with me. That part of the state is absolutely beautiful and, naturally, has a lot of history.<br>

Response by SPC David Golden made Jun 26 at 2014 2:45 PM

SPC David Golden — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 14:45:09 -0400

05C at FT. Gordon GA. It was in 83, I think we were in Brims Barracks. So long ago I don't remember the unit other than E co.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2014 4:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 16:24:43 -0400

Fort Sam Houston (Joint Base San Antonio) 1998. I have been back there on several occasions. Once for BNCOC (ALC) and then multiple times after that while I was on Recruiting Duty from 2010-2014.

Response by SSgt Tim Ricci made Jun 26 at 2014 6:18 PM

SSgt Tim Ricci — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 18:18:38 -0400

Halloween Night 1979, A 4-4 Ft Leonard Wood Mo. 62E

Response by MSG Bobby Usina (Retired) made Jun 26 at 2014 8:01 PM

MSG Bobby Usina (Retired) — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 20:01:42 -0400

I did the OSUT thing back in 1998 at Fort Knox as a 19K(Delta 2-81 Armor), haven't quite made it back to Knox and they moved the armor school to Fort Benning in 2010 anyway. When I re-classed in 2002 as a 63 series I went to Fort Jackson, never want to see that place again.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Jun 26 at 2014 11:13 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 23:13:36 -0400

1973 AIT 11B Infantry School Fort Polk, LA, yes been back to Fort Polk a few times in the past.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2014 11:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 23:56:22 -0400

for my first AIT from October 1986-February 1987, I went to Fort Gordon for the MOS 31M (now 25Q) Course (Delta Co. 379th Signal BN). For my 2nd AIT from February-March 2003, I went to Fort Jackson, SC for the 75F (now 42A) Course (Alpha Cobras 369th AG BN). I visited Fort Gordon back in 2003 and went back to Fort Jackson a few times for ALC and TDY and I'll be heading back for SLC.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 3:58 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 03:58:00 -0400

I attended AIT at Fort Sill in 2001, then I was stationed there for 9yrs! I went back last year as were traveling through the area (visiting old friends) and they made some good improvements. I went through AIT the 2nd time (reclass) in April 2009 and went back the same year for ALC, in Oct! I'll be heading back in Feb 2015 for SLC.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 9:51 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 09:51:53 -0400

I attended OSUT at Ft. Sill, OK (Sep-Dec 1992). I was told 3/321 no longer exists. I received orders to Sill in 2002, but because of my Airborne wings those orders were deleted and I was sent to Stewart.

Response by CW2 Geoff Lachance made Jun 27 at 2014 11:37 AM

CW2 Geoff Lachance — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 11:37:11 -0400

Ft Dix, NJ, 1971/72. Always wanted to go back but never did.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 8:14 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 20:14:26 -0400

Attended 76C training at Fort Lee in 1984. After college I went back in the Army after getting a commission as a transportation officer and after serving in the Balkans, went back to Fort Lee for the officers advance course. At that time, Fort Lee was tearing down the WWII barracks we stayed at. Remember marching in the heat (and later snow) to the classrooms down by the museum. Funny how the Army is not only small but moves in circles as I have just retired as a LTC teaching Army officers how to plan logistics at the theater level at the Army Logistics University! Fort Lee has changed ALOT!

Response by SGT Frank Suarez made Jun 27 at 2014 9:25 PM

SGT Frank Suarez — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 21:25:03 -0400

i went in 1985-1986 Ft. Gordon 31M

Response by COL John Rosnow made Jun 27 at 2014 10:15 PM

COL John Rosnow — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 22:15:29 -0400

I attended Basic at Fort Knox, KY but have not been back yet, but I am sure I will be back there in the future.

My AIT was at Fort Benjamin Harrison (75B). I have been back once.

My first duty station was in Bamberg, Germany, and I have been back there a few times. My barracks is still standing even though they have threatened to close the post several times.

Response by CW2 Geoff Lachance made Jun 27 at 2014 11:15 PM

CW2 Geoff Lachance — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 23:15:58 -0400

I love this question!!! Responses are great!

Response by SFC Istvan Nagy made Jun 28 at 2014 11:41 AM

SFC Istvan Nagy — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 11:41:03 -0400

I took Basic and AIT (OSUT) training as a 12C Bridge Crewmember at Ft Leonard Wood, MO in 1980. In 1993 I went back for ANCOC and then in late 1994 I got assigned to the Engineer School, Directorate of Tactics, Leadership and Engineering as a Senior Training Developer/Instructor/Writer and later I got assigned to Libby NCO Academy as a Senior Instructor for 12C/B BNCOC. One of he best work experience in of my career PERIOD

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Jun 28 at 2014 5:49 PM

SGT Mark Rhodes — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 17:49:08 -0400

Went back in 1994 for BNOC shortly after they closed the base down

Response by SPC Eric Francis made Jun 30 at 2014 4:32 PM

SPC Eric Francis — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 16:32:07 -0400

I went to AIT at D Co 447th Sig. BN at Fort Gordon, and honestly i have not been back since. Too many bad memories.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Sep 4 at 2014 1:53 AM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 01:53:03 -0400

Fort Lee, Va. 1980 yes the post has changed alot

Response by SFC Istvan Nagy made Sep 4 at 2014 1:16 PM

SFC Istvan Nagy — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 13:16:56 -0400

Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, D-1-2, June 1980.
I went back for ANCOC in 1993, and stationed there from 1994-1997. Worked at the Engineer Center and School, DTLE and later I was a 12C/B SR Instructor at the Libby NCO Academy. Great work, great people.

Response by SSG Richard Stevens made Sep 4 at 2014 6:25 PM

SSG Richard Stevens — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 18:25:41 -0400

Ft still ok Aug of 1980

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2014 10:44 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 22:44:22 -0400

I attended AIT (OSUT - 11B) at Fort Polk, LA, in 1975 (June through October). I've never been back, but I still have fond memories of those four months. It was HOT, HUMID, and RAINY, but looking back on it now, I remember it fondly.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 12:41 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:41:12 -0500

19D OSUT, Ft. Knox, KY, AUG-DEC 1998 3rd PLT A TRP 5/15 CAV

31B Reclass, MAARNG RTI, JAN-JUL 2008

15T AIT, Ft. Eustis, VA, OCT-FEB 2012-2013 H Co. 1-222 AV

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 11:15 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 11:15:51 -0500

Ft. Huachuca July 09 - March 2010.

Went back for TDY in August - September 2011 and then again for another TDY August 2012

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2014 12:07 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 12:07:46 -0500

11B OSUT August 2009, Fort Benning, GA, Sandhill, E-219 4th plt Outlaws.

Response by SSG Dean Stambaugh made Feb 25 at 2015 4:17 PM

SSG Dean Stambaugh — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 16:17:21 -0500

AIT at Ft. Benninng Aug-Sep 1978,went back only once to attend a week long Tactical Certification Course in March of 2006

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Feb 27 at 2015 11:31 AM

SGT Mark Sullivan — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 11:31:02 -0500

Ah Good ol' Ft Eustis, USAALS, Aviation Electricians Repairers course, 68F. Was stationed on Eustis for a time, and went back in 1995 for BNCOC. After I got out in 1998, I lived within 50 miles from Eustis, but, never felt the need to return to that crime scene. Ft Eustis is an acronym, "Fuck This, Even Uncle Sam Thinks It Sucks," LOL. Well, that's what they told me, hehehehe

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Feb 27 at 2015 4:41 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 16:41:37 -0500

SFC James Baber, I attended AIT (Infantry-11C) at Fort Jackson, SC. I was in B-12-3, and it began on 17JAN70 and ended on 20MAR70. My barracks is at the base of the black line of the postcard photo. Upon completion of AIT, I was immediately sent to Fort Benning, GA for jump school. I have never returned to Fort Jackson.

Response by MSgt Stephanie McCalister made Feb 27 at 2015 10:39 PM

MSgt Stephanie McCalister — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 22:39:12 -0500

Army: Fort Eustis, AIT 1977, returned for a visit out of curiosity in 1992, hardly recognized the place.

Air Force:
Keesler AFB, first visit, while father was there TDY in 1965, I was 6 yrs old.
14 years later, 1979, I was back, prior service, for AIT. The hotel we stayed at in 1965, was now a mall, and Hurricane Camille (1969) had destroyed the mini-amusement park on the beach, it was now a ghostly wreck out in the water, the remains of the rusting roller coaster rising out of the water during high tide. But the base child care center still stood, with the wooden train carved & painted on the front that I remembered from my childhood visit, and my own daughter, just 11 months old, stayed there while I was at classes (being prior service, I didn't live in barracks with the new recruits).
Fast Forward to 2002, now a disabled veteran, my husband & I traveled to Florida, & on the way, we stopped & spent the night in Biloxi. Went on base at Keesler, and found I recognized a fair amount of the base still.

Altus AFB: Flight Engineer School 1983-84, went back a couple times over the years later flying; & mid-2000s for a visit, faces had changed, but much else, stayed much as I remembered.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2015 10:51 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 22:51:49 -0500

Fort Sill 1987. No more WW2 barracks.

Response by SFC Martin Goss made Mar 4 at 2015 11:04 AM

SFC Martin Goss — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 11:04:33 -0500

Ft. Polk, La June 1974. Infantry AIT, They called it little Viet Nam at the time. I have never been back.

Response by PV2 Billie Jo Wilson made May 25 at 2017 1:11 PM

PV2 Billie Jo Wilson — Thu, 25 May 2017 13:11:36 -0400

I attended AIT at Ft Bliss, TX in 1984. Looking for anyone who was there in late 1984, early 1985.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 25 at 2017 1:18 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 25 May 2017 13:18:41 -0400

I'm an AF guy and we don't exactly have AIT like the Army. We do have initial tech school for most AFSCs. I was a pilot. I went to pilot training (my AIT) at Laughlin AFB, TX. No, I never went back to Laughlin AFB. Never had an official reason to visit there and Del Rio Texas just isn't high on my list of places to visit on vacation. I did become a pilot training instructor on my second active duty assignment. I taught at Columbus AFB, MS. Sort of like "going back" because the aircraft and syllabus were about the same as what I experienced as a student pilot 5 years earlier. Frankly, the flying was great, the location was mediocre at best, and the command environment was bad. I was happy to see Columbus MS in my rearview mirror.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made May 26 at 2017 5:46 AM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Fri, 26 May 2017 05:46:55 -0400

Fort Lee, Virginia 1980.
Never thought I would see a fast food restaurant on any Post

Response by SSG Dean Stambaugh made Jun 1 at 2017 7:10 PM

SSG Dean Stambaugh — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 19:10:21 -0400

Sand Hill Ft. Benning,GA 78, went back in 07

Response by SPC Dana Goins made Apr 25 at 2018 10:32 AM

SPC Dana Goins — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 10:32:39 -0400

I had AIT at Ft. Lee in 1968-69 which I hated. The smell was suffocating from some chemical plants in the area and if the wind was blowing in our direction it was unbearable. Plus as a 19-year old soldier (at the time) we would go to Richmond on the week ends for a littlr R & R but at that time Richmond was in a dry county so there were no bars as we know it now. There were only clubs and you had to stop by a state store and buy your booze by the bottle and take it with you to the club. Needless to say it wasn't very hard to pick up women. When I finished AIT at Ft. Lee, our entire class received orders for Vietnam. But when I got there, the CO of the unit where I went in DaNang told me that there was no need for my MOS so they converted me to an MP where our duties were escorting convoys. Imagine that!!!!! The only thing I got out of AIT was an automatic promotion to SP4. So I went from an E1 to a SP4. Oh to be able tp go back and do things over. Basic at Ft. Benning and then Ft. Lee. WOW!!!! What a trip.

Response by SPC Dana Goins made Apr 25 at 2018 10:54 AM

SPC Dana Goins — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 10:54:47 -0400

Forgot to mention that when I came homw from Vietnam in 1970, I still had 19 months left and was sent to Ft. Bragg. One big party.!!!! Myrtle Beach was an hour away and we would drive down there every weekend where we would meet girls who already had motel rooms. Actually fell in love (lust) a few times. My time at Ft. Bragg was some of the best times I have ever had. Met some great guys there. We would drive over by the WAC shack (where the female soldiers were) and make fun of them. Some bad looking women then; nothing like the military females are today. The only pretty women then were officers over at the hospital or in the main offices but were off limits to enlisted guys. I have been back to Ft. Bragg 2 times but have heard that they have torn down a lot of the old barracks. Would love to go back one more time. Also there were some strip joints in Fayetteville called the Clown Lounge and the Circus Lounge. Are they still there. I also remember the public circle in downtown Fayetteville. Is it still there? Had some really good friends who lived in mobile homes in Spring Lake where we would have some great cook outs. Good times were had by all. Thanks

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 25 at 2018 10:57 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 10:57:04 -0400

Ft Polk- 73-74, nope best memories was waving bye!

Response by SFC Quinn Chastant made Apr 25 at 2018 11:45 AM

SFC Quinn Chastant — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 11:45:22 -0400

I attended the Electrical Power Generation and Repairer's Course (Then 52B) at Ft. Belvoir VA. in 1976. While I've been back to Ft. Belvoir a few times after the Engineer School had relocated, many of the building and stand sites still remained. Some things change, and some are reutilized.

Also attended a Reserve School AIT for a MOS Reclass at Ft Indian Town Gap, Seems some things there had remained fairly static as well structure wise.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Apr 25 at 2018 9:54 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 21:54:08 -0400

Ft. Sill Oklahoma and no I have never been back but I would enjoy doing so sometime.

Response by 1SG Dave Carello made Apr 26 at 2018 8:49 AM

1SG Dave Carello — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 08:49:35 -0400

Fort Dix NJ 1977. Returned as an Army Reserve Basic Training Drill Sergeant in 1986. Now Fort Dix is known as combined base Dix McGuire Lakehurst or something to that effect. Was back again in 2012 and 2013 as Infantry Heavy Weapons First Sergeant D 1-102nd. Still a great training location.

Response by Sgt Scott McCleland made May 15 at 2018 2:35 PM

Sgt Scott McCleland — Tue, 15 May 2018 14:35:37 -0400

Ft Gordon D-2-1, July 82-Oct 82... O5C....Radio Teletype School, nope have not revisited, yet.

Response by PFC Chris Shepherd made Jun 16 at 2018 10:44 PM

PFC Chris Shepherd — Sat, 16 Jun 2018 22:44:21 -0400

Ft. Belvoir, VA Summer 1984 M.O.S. was 81B
Linda Christine Jennings

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Jan 25 at 2019 9:41 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 09:41:35 -0500

Fort Belvior. Been back there 20 times.

Response by SFC Eamonn Walsh made Mar 26 at 2019 10:05 PM

SFC Eamonn Walsh — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 22:05:54 -0400

As far as I know its completely locked, you cant get on post at all in McClellan

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Mar 27 at 2019 7:39 AM

CPT Andrew Wright — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 07:39:12 -0400

Attended Infantry AIT at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1977. The Harmony Church area had dozens of WWII wooden barracks, mess halls, a small PX, and the church its named for. The Ranger School was also there. Went back for mobilization in 2003 and the buildings were all gone and the area overgrown with pine trees and scrub.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 27 at 2019 6:01 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 18:01:55 -0400

Went to Fort Huachuca for AIT in 2001. Went there for BNCOC in 2006. And again for AIT in 2007. And ANCOC in 2009? 2010? And then assigned there from 2013-2016. Same hell-hole every time.

Response by CW2 Jalistair B made Mar 27 at 2019 11:04 PM

CW2 Jalistair B — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 23:04:37 -0400

AIT? WOW haven't thought of that in years. Lenard Wood, 88M in 1996. Never returned.

Response by 1SG Tommy Griffin made Apr 17 at 2019 5:41 PM

1SG Tommy Griffin — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 17:41:17 -0400

I never attended AIT

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2019 8:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 20:16:39 -0400

AIT was in 1972 with the 2nd 508th A-co at Fort Bragg, never been back to Bragg after I ETS in Oct 1975.

Response by CPT William Jones made Jun 8 at 2019 5:43 PM

CPT William Jones — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 17:43:09 -0400

Basic and ait ft Polk la. 1964 summer, OCS Ft Bennington Ga 1965. Officer basic course. 1966 ft belvoir va. No returns to any of those posts.

Response by SGT Frank Jordan made Nov 11 at 2019 11:11 PM

SGT Frank Jordan — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 23:11:19 -0500

AIT at Ft. Lee, March '85 to May '85. Tango Company had basically brand new barracks. We were across a parking lot from the Enlisted Club. Great location. Went back to Ft. Lee in Oct. 1986 for 76PM6 training before heading to Germany. Delta Co. was the TDY school co. Had no barracks. All of the students stayed in off-post hotels, and shuttle-bused to the post every morning. I had a two double-bed hotel room to myself for seven weeks. Drew separate rations the whole time. Ate the free buffet in the hotel bar every night. Only time I went back.

Response by SSG Robert "Rob" Wentworth made Jan 29 at 2020 10:36 AM

SSG Robert "Rob" Wentworth — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 10:36:49 -0500

Attended 95B/C AIT at Ft Gordon, Ga. (Now, I think it’s held at Ft McClellan.)
Back then, you traveled from BCT to AIT in your Uni’s, and was proud to be seen at all the Airport's.
I thoroughly enjoyed the training, the more relaxed atmosphere, & the cadre who supervised. The classroom training, unlike BCT, was much more fast-paced & interesting. But I couldn’t wait to get back to my fiancé’, awaiting my arrival back in NY at the time.
Living arrangements were the very old WW2 barracks, and the “fire-guard” responsibility was a nightly tradition...

Response by SSG Dale London made Apr 27 at 2021 9:53 AM

SSG Dale London — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 09:53:39 -0400

I attended my first AIT at Fort Gordon, GA in 1981. -- I've never been back there. My second was at Fort Devens, MA 19 1983. I went back for BNCOC in 1989 - after that, nope. I'm not much of one for retaking old ground. I move ahead, not back.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2021 3:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 15:19:46 -0400

Ft. Leonardwood, Mo engineer school, no I have not been back.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Apr 27 at 2021 5:32 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 17:32:44 -0400

My journey to FT Sam Houston started May 1993 and I have been back in 2003, 2007, 2010,2011, and was stationed there from 2014-2017. Retiring to San Antonio this fall. San Antonio has become my home.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 27 at 2021 5:54 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 17:54:48 -0400

I went to Ft Eustis for Chinook Maintenance AIT. I was prior military, so I had no Drill Sergeants. We use to go to the James river and drink lots of beer. I made friends with a cute blonde at AIT. She was a lesbian and asked if she could pretend to be my GF so the army would not suspect she was gay. She had a couple GFs who were stunning looking. They would come to our barracks and kiss me to continue the charade. All the guys were saying Ken how the hell are you such a chick magnet? I just smiled. lol

I had assembled my OCS packet at AIT. I did many push ups and sit ups on my own. I ran a few miles in the afternoon in the oppressive summer heat. My AIT commander stopped his convertible while I was jogging in the hot sun and told to me to be careful. My philosophy about OCS is I had to show my chain of command that I was serious about going to OCS. The facilitated me by giving me letters of recommendations.

One night I was gonna bang a female soldier outside near the Jame river. I swear the insects, huge and plentiful, attacked us without mercy. They were like little Kamikazes. I have never been attacked like that by insects. They even made buzzing sounds around us. We put our clothes on and ran to the safety of my truck. It's probably a good thing because I did not have a condom. I felt like King Kong and little biplanes were attacking me.

I had a blast. We drank beer every night. One time my lesbian friend and her GF was on the top bunk making out in the GFs apartment. I was trying to sleep on the bottom bunk. I did not get much sleep. I was late to school the following day. I had never f@cked up and told them what happened.
They laughed and told me to take a shower cause I smelled like Tequila. lol

One chinook instructor was an E-7 and a Vietnam veteran. We spoke man to man one day. He talked about Vietnam. I can still see his face with clarity this day. He spoke about smoking joints while flying in chinooks and sitting on the ramp door watching the jungles of Vietnam under him. He did not smile because he was in such deep reverie. Perhaps because that was a time when he felt immense contentment, the universe was balanced, and there was meaning to life. I think I detected a slight sense of sorrow that he could never replicate that same experience. I liked him a lot. He was a good man.

I had follow on orders to go to the 160th. I don't know why or how that happened. One night 160th recruiters came to our barracks and showed us propoganda videos of helicopters shooting everything they could find. They said fill out a big packet and write an essay if young soldiers wanted to join them. I said hey I don't want to go to Ft Campbell to which they yelled STFU! I guess STFU meant I was going to Ft Campbell. I am glad that I went but it was only for a year. The biggest life lesson I learned with the 160th was 4 words, "Night Stalkers Don't Quit." That has been a useful mantra professionally and personally.

I will make the strong assumption that RP did not expect such a long narrative on AIT! lol

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Apr 27 at 2021 6:54 PM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 18:54:17 -0400

Lowry AFB in CO. Closed now

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 10 at 2023 11:30 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:30:29 -0400

I attended 12b AIT at company B-2-4 at Fort Leonard Wood and I graduated on March 23, 1975 my friend SFC James Baber
Image: 975-03 Ft Leonard Wood, MO - AIT B-2-4 PVT Steve Ford smoking in formation at rest
FYI 1SG Steven Imerman SGT Rickey Dolph SGT David Schrader SPC Robert Bobo PV2 Stephen Bukucs 1SG Robert C. SFC Private RallyPoint Member SGT Private RallyPoint Member SSG Marciano Gonzalez SGT Christopher Hamman SFC Mario Rodriquez SGT Forrest Stewart SSG Brian Tobin SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member SFC Private RallyPoint Member CSM Private RallyPoint Member 1SG Kenneth Talkington Sr

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2023 12:37 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 00:37:12 -0400

Fort Bragg 11-Bravo, A-2/508th Inf. 1972. Never been back after ETS in Oct 1975.