updated: 15JAN2022
There will be a lot of downtime during this first week while you wait for everyone else to complete their appointments. Bring notes, reading/study material, the DCC SOP, etc., with you to keep you busy while you wait. I’d also recommend during this time to grab battle buddies and practice Drill and Ceremony, especially if you’re new to the military.
The more prepared you are according to the packing list and welcome letter, the less stressed you’ll be this week. It is easier to find a few items later than everything all at once.
Days begin around 4:00-5:00am. No coffee or snacking allowed.
Suggest bringing a small regular backpack to carry paperwork for the first week. You will not be issued a backpack (assault pack) around Day 4. If you bring a bag with a sling strap then you must carry the bag on your leg side only in case you need to salute. Also, the strap cannot cross your shoulder as your rank, center of OCP, will need to be visible.
You will be PT clothes the first 4 days until JAG people get their name tags, ranks, etc for their OCP uniforms. During cold days, winter PT means jacket, sweatpants, shorts, plus wear both short and long sleeve t-shirts. Bring six pair of short and long sleeve if you think it will be cold. Also need lightweight black gloves (no logos) and fleece cap.
There is little or no organized PT this week. It might be smart to do some PT in the evenings to get acclimated to the weather and especially because you won’t be doing anything physically demanding during the days. If you are prepared physically, then it will eliminate many stress/problems for you while you are here.
Rooming situation: You will share a room and bathroom with another person. Rooms are basic essentials: (desk, chair, bed, closet). Beds have to be made every morning in a military manner (youtube "hospital corners") and rooms have to be cleaned/organized in a certain way.
Most days this week ended between 1800-1900 and then you were free to do what you'd like in your rooms.
Schedule
Saturday: Plan to stay at IHG Abrams Hotel. This is the best option as the hotel is on post. Download the Guide On app to navigate your way around the base.
Sunday: The report time is Noon. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes early. If you did not drive, you will need to either take a taxi or find someone with a car. Your dorm room is located at Bldg 83, Echo Company. Dinner 1800. 1900, barracks assigned and unpacking. 2200 is lights out for everyone.
Monday
0445 Formation
0500 Breakfast
1000 Finance. Bring a copy of your orders as well as your lease/mortgage agreement, and marriage certificate. Remember, the address on your orders and lease/mortgage must match
1200 Lunch
1300 to 1630, Powerpoint classes in SHARP, EO, ISSRFRT (Fraternization), Suicide Prevention, Uniform Appearance SOP
Dinner. After dinner a PT warmup and cool down exercise lesson
Finish 2000
Tuesday
0345 Formation
0400 Warmup, ACFP mini practice of 1 min HRPU, 1:35 Plank; 1 mile run
0600 Breakfast
0730 Medical; dental; optometry; Deers; CAC
Afternoon, class on Master Resilency Training (MRT) and Counseling a Subordinate
Dinner. After dinner a PT warmup and cool down exercise lesson
Finish 2000
Wednesday
0545 formation
0630 Breakfast
0730 Medical; dental; optometry; Deers; CAC
1630 Barracks
1700 TA-50 inventory for those who brought their gear. This is done in the field.
1900 Practice Drill and Ceremony
Dinner
Finish 2030
Thursday
0545 formation
0600 Lecture, Holistic Health and Fitness System (H2F)
0630 Breakfast
0830 Base Commander Welcome and Q&A
0900 Family Military Support Groups doing Q&A on TRICARE, Transportation (PCS), Finance, Housing, etc
1200 Lunch
1300-1700 Medical, immunizations
Dinner
Finish 1900
Friday- start to wear OCP uniform as primary uniform from this point forward
0445 formation
0530 ACFT instruction
0730 Breakfast
0745 Change into OCP
0900 Swearing in ceremony. This is mostly for JAG but everyone does it.
0915 Lecture, Critical thinking and creative thinking (ADP 6-22 and ADP 5-0)
1200 MRE lunch at CIF
1300-1700 CIF issue
Dinner
Finish 1800
Saturday
0750 Formation
0815 Breakfast
0950-1400 Trip to National Infantry Museum
1430 Free time
Sunday
No scheduled activity. Formation for breakfast to DFAC. People can attend church. Formation for dinner. We have permission to walk to the mini-exchange, less than a mile from the barracks.
Drill and Ceremony Checklist
Fall In
Right Face
Forward, March
Rear, March
Column Right, March
Column, Left, March
Column Half Right, March
Column Half Left, March
Right Flank, March
Left Flank, March
Squad, Halt
File from the Left Column Left, March
File from the Right Column Right, March
Open Rank, March
Parade, Rest
Stand At Ease
At Ease
Squad, Attention
Fall Out