Your Journey

Begins Here

Get ready to train, grow, and become a DC Army National Guard Soldier.

Welcome

to the Guard

You’re ready to start becoming a Soldier. In 10 weeks, you’ll be physically and mentally stronger than ever, and prepared to join the team that protects America.

Locations

TRAINING FACILITIES

FORT Benning, GEORGIA

One of the largest training centers in the U.S. Army

FORT JACKSON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Primary center for Basic Combat Training

FORT LEONARD WOOD, MISSOURI

Home to the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence

FORT SILL, OKLAHOMA

Primary field artillery training center for the U.S. Army

FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY

Home to the U.S. Army Armor Center and the Gold Vault

Get

Ready

Most recruits are curious about Basic Combat Training (BCT). What is it like? What should I bring? How can I prepare? Along with support
from your friends and family, you’ll need to set your personal affairs in order and bring only approved personal items. We’ll take care of the
rest.

Reception Battalion

Known as Week Zero, this first step will set you up to succeed in BCT. During Week Zero, you’ll process all paperwork, get your uniform, and get a preview of BCT.

Basic Combat Training

This 10-week sprint puts you on the road to greatness. You’ll meet your drill sergeant and learn the skills to become a Soldier.

Army Combat Fitness Test

You’ll be required to pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) to graduate from BCT. Fitness is critical in the DC Army National Guard, and only those in the best shape go further in their careers.

Advanced Individual Training

After BCT, your life in the military begins. Advanced Individual Training (AIT) will teach you what you need to know to do your specific job (also called your Military Occupational Specialty or MOS).

Recruit Sustainment

Program (RSP)

Before you ship to Basic Combat Training (BCT), you will attend the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP). These weekends will be your introduction to BCT. They will get you started and keep you on track mentally, physically, emotionally, and administratively while you prepare for your career in the DC Army National Guard.

RSP drills allow you to start getting comfortable with the terminology and protocols that are part of Guard service—and you will be getting paid for the time you spend at RSP. There are five phases to RSP, as described below.

RED PHASE

Your first weekend at RSP is Red Phase. In this intensive training, you will learn the basics you need to know right away, like:

RSP Introduction
Army Structure
Chain of Command
Rank and Insignia
Customs and Courtesies
General Orders
Reporting Procedures
Drill and Ceremony
Physical Fitness
AKO & MyPay Setup

As you learn the Army structure, chain of command, and rank insignia, you will quickly learn how to follow the rules and extend the proper courtesies to fellow DC Army National Guard members. And you will get ahead of the game if you to know them early.

WHITE PHASE

Depending on the number of months between when you enlisted and when you ship to BCT, the length of your White Phase in the RSP will vary. During this phase, you will learn more about the DC Army National Guard and what you need to know to succeed at BCT. In addition to physical training, instruction in this phase will include:

Proper Wear of the Military Uniform
Army Values, Soldier's Creed and Warrior Ethos
Employ Camouflage, Cover and Concealment
Tactics
Weapons Familiarization

During the White Phase, you will continue to focus on physical training and cover Soldier skills that will further prepare you for BCT. You can also compete for a promotion to PV2 under the Stripes for Skills program.

BLUE PHASE

At your final drill before shipping to BCT, in addition to physical preparation, you will cover all the final details that have to be taken care of before you leave. But you can get a jump-start on these items by learning what to expect before, during, and after BCT, such as:

Inspections
What Every Trainee Wants to Know About BCT
Final Preparations for BCT

GREEN PHASE

Green Phase courses are designed for recruits in the Split Training Option (STO) Program. Generally, these are Soldiers who joined the DC Army National Guard during their junior year in high school. After you graduate from BCT and during your senior year of high school, you will gain advanced leadership and career opportunities, and a chance to stay current on skills like:

Urban Area Operations
Convoy Operations
Navigation Techniques
Disassemble, Assemble, and Perform a Function Check on Various Weapons

GOLD PHASE

Once you have completed both BCT and Advanced Individual Training (AIT), you will return to RSP for one final drill—known as Battle Handoff—before joining your regular unit and beginning work in your MOS. You will meet representatives from your unit and learn where and when your next drill will be. Before you leave, you will learn about the Unit Sponsorship Program and get a final HOOAH talk about holding yourself to the high standards of fitness and behavior you have learned at RSP and Initial Active Duty Training.

Bonuses/Your Financial Readiness
Education Benefits Briefing
Battle Handoff
Army Structure/Chain of Command

Contact

a Recruiter

Your recruiter will advise you on the date, time and location of your first RSP Drill date and will be able to provide you with information specific to your RSP Program. Please contact your recruiter for information if you have not received these details.