The National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program

The Army National Guard takes care of its soldiers. No matter where you live or what career goals you have set for yourself, when you become part of this branch of the military you know you are going to be in good hands for a very long time.

Before you ship off to Basic Combat Training, you will attend the Recruit Sustainment Program. During these weekend sessions, you will be introduced to Basic Combat Training to ensure that you are on the right track both mentally and physically.

Note: you will get paid for all the time you spend in Basic Combat Training.

Before you get started with the Recruit Sustainment Program, it is important to note that there are six distinct phases.

Red Phase

This is the first weekend of the program. During this time, you will learn many basics including:

– Recruit Sustainment Program Introduction

– Rank identification

– Drill and ceremony

– History of the Army National Guard

In short, you will learn the rules of the Guard ? starting with the basics.

White Phase Stripes for Skills

As an E1 Soldier, this phase of the Recruit Sustainment Program will prepare you to pass the Stripes for Skills examination. When you combine this with the completion of the Armed Forces Physical Test, you are eligible for a promotion to E2.

White Phase

The length of time that you spend in the White Phase will be based largely on the time between when you enlist and when you ship for Basic Combat Training. During this time, you will learn more about the National Guard including all of the following:

– How to properly wear a military uniform

– Soldiering tactics

– Army values, creed, and ethos

– How to disassemble, assemble, and check a variety of weapons

During this phase, you will focus largely on physical training which will prepare you for what you are about to face when you start Basic Combat Training.

Blue Phase

This is the final drill before you shop off to Basic Combat Training. To go along with physical preparation, you will cover a multitude of other deals that must be taken care of before you leave. Some of the details to expect include:

– Inspections

– More information on what to expect at Basic Combat Training

– Final Basic Training preparation

Green Phase

Are you a recruit in the Split Training Option Program? If so, you will take part in the Green Phase at some point. After you graduate from Basic Training, while you are completing your senior year of high school, you will stay up to date with skills including:

– Convoy operations

– Urban area operations

– Navigation techniques

Gold Phase

Have you completed both Basic Combat training and Advanced Individual Training? If so, you may head back to the Recruit Sustainment Program for one final phase ? Battle Handoff. This is something you will do before you join your unit and begin working your selected job.

With the help of the Recruit Sustainment Program ? which includes the six phases above ? the Army National Guard helps keep soldiers on the right track to a successful career.