Will I be able to go home for Christmas during my basic training?

Caitlyn Snyder — Mon, 28 May 2018 17:32:41 -0400

So i'm looking to leave for Basic training and AIT in August as a 68W (I haven't signed anything yet so that could change). My recruiter says i will more than likely be sent home for Christmas. However a friend says you can't be sent home unless you've finish basic training. Another says it varies depending on where you do your training. Can anyone else offer insight or personal experience?

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 28 at 2018 5:58 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Mon, 28 May 2018 17:58:02 -0400

It varies. Regardless, might as well get used to not being home for holidays as it happens often.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2018 6:21 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 May 2018 18:21:18 -0400

Caitlyn Snyder I served four years. My first Christmas, I had the day off, and then resumed my Field Radio Operator Training class. My second year Christmas was spent in Vietnam, and my third and fourth, I spent as Sergeant of the Guard or some other duty. Here is information I found, but do further research.

http://armybasic.homestead.com/exodus.html

exodus.html

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2018 6:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 May 2018 18:28:06 -0400

I'm an 11B so it could be different for different AIT's, but the new soldiers I've been getting that were in AIT during Christmas, were all forced to take Christmas block leave. They all arrived to the unit being negative on there leave balance. Not certain if this will be the same for you.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made May 28 at 2018 9:46 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Mon, 28 May 2018 21:46:12 -0400

Caitlyn Snyder, I've never seen basic recruits being allowed leave during training. I won't say it doesn't happen given this new "kinder, gentler" military. I think block leave is typically granted during AIT though (school dependent).

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2018 9:12 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 May 2018 09:12:23 -0400

Unless it changed, then yes, you're given the option to take leave during basic or AIT, no matter what week you're in. You're not forced to take leave, but if you do, then you'll be in the hole on leave days.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2018 9:50 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 May 2018 09:50:26 -0400

I know Ft. Jackson, shuts down for xmass, as Cadre we could take block leave and go home or stay and come in for a few hours then the sent us home, but the SITS were all sent home.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made May 29 at 2018 10:34 AM

SSgt Dan Montague — Tue, 29 May 2018 10:34:56 -0400

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQtFtyrZ-IA&t=6s

don't forget to attend the magic show at 0930

Full Metal Jacket! Happy Birthday Jesus.

This truly is the best way to celebrate Christmas. Give the Lord Jesus Christ what he deserves.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2018 2:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 May 2018 14:01:16 -0400

I think all the basic training and AIT sites have Exodus - which is block leave over Christmas. 2 weeks. I was in AIT over Christmas. I went to basic July. Got to AIT in September 2004. I had just enough days by Christmas in AIT.

I've not heard anything different about them not allowing soldiers to go home during it in basic and AIT. it's basically forced.

Response by PO3 Michael James made May 29 at 2018 6:24 PM

PO3 Michael James — Tue, 29 May 2018 18:24:34 -0400

Sorry, I spent 4 yrs. active, of which 3 Christmases ALONE and AWAY... remember, you are not in basic training or boot camp for the House, or the Senate.. I do wish you the best..

Response by SGT John Ball made Aug 4 at 2021 7:30 PM

SGT John Ball — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 19:30:26 -0400

I was in the middle of Infantry OSUT when I went home for Christmas. However, your leave balances will be negative for six or so months and really won't be able to take a decent chunk of leave again for 18 or so months. It's up to you though....