When a reserve member graduates basic training are they allowed to go home after the graudation just as long as they meet the report date for AIT or do they get shipped right to AIT via the Army?
He is at Fort Jackson - I don't know if that matters, but figured I would give the info to start with in case it does.
I'm sorry if this is a common or repeat question, tried looking at other threads to see if there were any similar questions/answers but haven't found any that related to a reserve graduate of basic training.
Longer answer: If you are what they used to call a "split option" (usually reserved for students with open Summers) you can do BCT then come back home to your unit for "X" amount of time until going to AIT.
You also, might (big might) be allowed to take leave en route from BCT to your AIT - if there is enough "down time" between and if you have accumulated enough leave. BCT is 11 weeks long, so with reception station, etc... you'll have probably accumulated about seven days leave.
Bear in mind this is continuous calendar days. You don't get to take M-F, skip S-S, then take M-T. You go straight through.
While it can vary, in most cases Soldiers (including Reserves, NG, and Regular Army) will complete BCT then are shipped straight to AIT by the Army. Most will only have a day or two off that can be spent with family, etc.
Don't make any plans - the ARMY has been doing this for some time now. They know when BCT is ending and want you to go directly to AIT (without passing GO!). There will be time for home visits very soon. Depending on what the PMOS is the time in AIT may be short or long.
