Can You Get A Tattoo In Ait Fort Gordon?

Tattoos are allowed in the Army, but they are generally not allowed during the Infantry Training (IET) due to the risk of infection. However, some soldiers may be allowed to have visible tattoos on their hands and the back parts of their necks and ears during Christmas break. The updated AR 670-1 Tattoo Policy allows recruits and current soldiers to have tattoos, with specific restrictions regarding the location and size of the tattoo.

Primary Army AIT locations include Fort Benning, Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Sam Houston, and Fort Eustis. Secondary locations after initial training at principal Army AIT locations may be allowed. However, no tattoo is worth getting kicked out of the Army on a medical basis.

During AIT, soldiers can get one tattoo on each hand that does not exceed one inch in length. Soldiers also have the option to place two APFTs (and soon, ACFT) in AIT, with the first one taking place during week two or three of AIT by GM BRITO 2022. This regulation contains management control provisions in accordance with AR 11-2, but it does not identify key management controls that must be.

Tattoos are allowed for sleeves and the back of the neck, as long as they are not born with one. If an individual is currently in AIT, they do not need a tattoo. Upon arrival at the AIT unit, IET Soldiers starting AIT will receive initial counseling to establish consistent goals.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Promotion At AIT?

At AIT, promotions can be automatic, with Private (PVT) advancing to Private (PV2) after six months and from PV2 to Private First Class (PFC) in one year. Additionally, waivers for promotions from PVT to PV2, PV2 to PFC, and PFC to Specialist may be available based on individual performance. The duration of your AIT affects promotion timelines, and your time in grade resets upon enlistment. While automatic promotions are common, exceptions exist depending on the specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

For bonuses, soldiers should go directly to finance to file necessary paperwork, expecting deposits within about 3-4 business days. Achieving promotions can be complex; for instance, in a corporate context, some employees may receive promotions every 9-12 months with minimal contributions, while more dedicated individuals may take 2-3 years to advance.

To be promoted to Sergeant, a soldier must generally complete thirty-six months of service and specific time in grade, with the possibility of waivers enacted by commanders. For First Lieutenant promotions, candidates typically need 18 months of time in grade for consideration by the selection board.

Promotions at AIT are feasible, regarding time-in-service (TIS) and time-in-grade (TIG) requirements. Common avenues for advancement include completing split training and succeeding in board evaluations. During the Vietnam era, soldiers generally saw a promotion timeline of about six months from enlistment to combat deployment.

For soldiers aiming for rapid promotions, exhibiting maturity and responsibility is essential. Managing expectations with superiors about promotion criteria is prudent, but ultimatums should be avoided. Additionally, becoming eligible for advancements often involves completing training courses at an NCO Academy, where initial tests, like the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), are administered.

Ultimately, while structured timelines exist for promotions, individual effort and professional development are key determinants in advancing through the ranks in the military.

Are Drill Sergeants Still In Ait?

Drill sergeants are making a comeback in Advanced Individual Training (AIT) after nearly a decade of absence. The Army announced this change on November 17, following the approval of Ray Horoho, the acting assistant Army secretary for manpower and reserve affairs. Initially phased out in 2007, drill sergeants were replaced by AIT platoon sergeants who were meant to mentor and prepare new soldiers for their first units. However, despite the effectiveness of platoon sergeants in training soldiers, the Army has determined that reintegrating drill sergeants could enhance training standards.

As soldiers engage in AIT while awaiting their assignment orders to locations that could range from Fort Hood to Hawaii, the presence of drill sergeants is believed to bolster the discipline and structure desirable in training environments. Sergeant 1st Class Samuel Enriquez, a combat medic and notable former AIT Platoon Sergeant, expresses mixed feelings about the return of drill sergeants, suggesting the need for a careful assessment of their role.

Meanwhile, some current AIT platoon sergeants, like Schrimsher of B Battery, 1st Battalion, 78th Field Artillery Regiment, doubt that the return of drill sergeants will significantly change the environment, noting that AIT platoon sergeants are still in place.

The return of drill sergeants is also part of a broader effort by the Army leadership, which includes phases like One Station Unit Training where drill sergeants continue to play a pivotal role. The initial decision to remove them in 2007 was made to transition soldiers more smoothly into an operational Army environment under the guidance of AIT platoon sergeants. However, the Army's recent shift suggests a reconsideration of that strategy based on evolving needs to ensure discipline among new soldiers.

Overall, the return of drill sergeants to AIT reflects the Army's adaptive approach to training, aiming to integrate rigor and structure into the development of soldiers as they prepare for their future assignments. With this change, AIT is expected to witness a notable impact on how soldiers are prepared for their roles within the Army.

Can A Phase 4 Soldier Go To AIT?

Upon arriving at Advanced Individual Training (AIT), you will find yourself in Phase IV (red), which signifies the initial stage of training with strict regulations. As a Phase IV soldier, your freedoms are quite restricted; you will not be allowed to leave the posts, visit the mall, or wear civilian clothes. However, you may have access to your phone and laptop, albeit with limitations.

AIT consists of multiple phases, namely Phase IV (red), Phase V (white), and Phase V+ (blue). During Phase IV, you will experience closer supervision, limited privileges, and primarily classroom instruction. Soldiers will undergo processing after Basic Combat Training (BCT) graduation, which includes gathering personal belongings and checking out of their unit before checking in at their AIT school. Depending on the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), the duration of AIT can range from four weeks to 52 weeks.

Moving from Phase IV to Phase V grants you additional freedoms, such as the ability to explore beyond the company block. In Phase V+, if married, soldiers can live off-base with their spouse, who may also be allowed on base when conditions allow. After completing AIT, soldiers will receive travel orders to their next duty station. If leave time is desired before departing, coordination with leadership is possible.

There are 17 distinct AIT schools catering to various military specialties, from transportation to aviation, tailored specifically to the soldier's assigned MOS. AIT’s focus is on honing technical skills essential for each individual’s military role, in contrast to the broader training experienced during Basic Training.

Your concern for a friend transitioning to Phase V focuses on enabling them to visit local attractions and historical sites while stationed at AIT, something that is not permitted during Phase IV. As Phase IV begins at the start of AIT or the tenth week of OSUT, it persists until the third week, demanding adherence to uniform regulations and on-base residence.

For effective integration into AIT, it’s crucial to understand the distinctions between each phase, the limitations of Phase IV, and the increased liberties brought by Phase V and V+. With specific training programs lasting different periods based on the soldier's assigned job, the experience in AIT is a cornerstone for professional military development.