AIT – Advanced Individual Training

AIT, or Advanced Individual Training, is where new soldiers receive specific training in their chosen MOS. The length of AIT training varies depending on the MOS and can last anywhere from three weeks to nearly two years. The current longest AIT training lasts 84 weeks (1 year and 8 months).

Just like Basic Training, AIT progressively allows trainees more and more privileges, such as being able to leave post on the weekends, making personal phone calls, or having more personal time. It all depends on your AIT location and instructors. At the start of AIT, trainees are in Phase IV. After a varying length of time and satisfactory performance, the trainees are awarded Phase V. Phase V often includes the privilege of applying for off-post passes or use of a cell phone. Phase V+ is awarded after a similar length of time and continued good conduct. Phase V+ trainees may walk about the base without having a battle buddy present, be able to drink alcohol on weekends (provided one is of legal drinking age), and even stay off-post overnight on weekends. These privileges vary, however.

Until recently, for non infantry recruits, AIT (Advanced Individual Training) was run by Drill Sergeants, just like Basic Training. That is no longer the case, it is run by NCO cadre in the Soldier’s chosen field. This is a choice assignment for NCOs looking to progress in their career, the days are easy, you do not have to deploy and there is plenty of personal time providing an opportunity for personal and professional growth. However, for infantry and other OSUT recruits, you will be spending your entire AIT training with your beloved Drill Sergeants from Basic Training, and the same fellow battle buddies that you had in basic training. Enjoy spending even more time with then!

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