Ship out ?

Question

Ok I'll be shipping out Sept 6 to Fort Jackson SC...when will I know if ill be taking a bus or plane? Is there someone waiting for me when I get there? I was just wondering. I guess I should ask recruiter I just came across this question now......thanks!!

Answer 1

That all depends on how far from SC you are. I live in Texas, so I was shipped out to Fort Jackson on a plane. Just ask your recruiter. And yes, there will definitely be someone there waiting for you. They waste no time in getting you acclimated to Army life. A DS (Drill Sergeant) will be there waiting for you and the yelling starts damn near the minute you step off the plane/bus. You will then be taken by bus to Fort Jackson. It's about a 45-minute to an hour drive. Not exactly a fun ride, but what do you expect? Just don't look forward to being able to go straight to sleep if you arrive late. They're going to shake you down, or in other words, have you go into a big room and dump out whatever belongings you brought with you and tell you what you can and cannot keep with you while you are in Basic Training. Get used to the shake-downs, they happen often. Here's a basic list of what you cannot have: no make-up, no highly scented body-gels or lotions (but you will replace all of that when you go to the Post Exchange or PX), no over the counter medications (any prescription meds will have to be handed over to the DS), no books (except the Bible), no electronic devices (CD players or MP-3 players, sorry!), no pretty undies or lingerie (you'll be in a barracks with a bunch of women, so what's the point?), no perfume, no fancy hairpieces or barrettes...the list goes on and on. Everything will be kept in your "civilian bag" and stored away until you either go to AIT or leave Basic Training for some other reason. You will be issued your PT uniforms that same day/night, and this is what you will eat, sleep, and "play" in when you're not wearing your BDUs (which is usually during the first week or so while you are at reception battalion). Your BDUs, boots, and other gear will be issued to you more than likely the next day.

When you leave, all you really need to take with you is what you will absolutely need to survive the plane/bus ride there. That will make the whole process a lot easier on you.

Gosh, I've really gone off tangent here, haven't I? But this was just a little primer to prepare for the first day or so. Ask your recruiter to go into any details you may need because take it from me, if you don't know ahead of time, you're in for a veritable culture shock. But once you get used to it, it can be a lot of fun.

Answer 2

woo-hoo! I went to Ft Jackson. And it depends on where you are located right now. I flew there and they have this Recruiter thing at the Airport- it's pretty easy to find. But as soon as you get there, some SGT is waiting and he will start yelling at you and tell you to line up with all these other people- and it's pretty crazy- considering everyone stops and stares at you!
But eventually a bus will come and take you to the base. And then it starts to get really crazy!

But remember, it is just a mind game! Have fun with it- just don't let the Drill SGT's know that you are having fun.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Your recruiter will give you all the info. It'll depend on how far away you live on whether you take a plane or bus. You will be instructed on where to go when you get to the airport. I went to basic at Ft Jackson in 2000. It sucked, but I'm sure it's a lot easier now. Your recruiter will hook you up with all the info you need. Don't worry they will make sure your where you're supposed to be.

Answer 4

Your recruiter should let you know how you are getting there. You could probably call if you want to know now.

Is there someone waiting for me when I get there? - Yes, he is called a drill instructor. 1000# of mean smashed in to a human shaped bag :)