Echo 1-79 Soldier Ceremony #APR072023E179 #fortsillphotography
This is the exact moment these trainees became Soldiers. The new Soldiers put on their berets for the first time and drink a symbolic grog. They get a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, and they know that they are part of something bigger than themselves.
The Soldier Ceremony acknowledges that the new Soldiers have passed a milestone in BCT, and it instills a sense of history in them. The ceremony is a tradition for BCT Soldiers Armywide, all with slight variations that make them unique. Putting on their berets signifies that the trainees have earned the title of United States Soldier. They will now stand with their Drill Sergeants as the Nation’s newest Soldiers.
BLUE PHASE - OVERCOMING TRAINEES FINAL CHALLENGES
The final phase of Basic Combat Training builds on everything trainees have learned so far and will serve as their final Soldier Ceremony from civilian to Soldier.
During this phase, trainees continue learning advanced marksmanship and maneuvering techniques, including engaging targets as part of a team, convoy operations, and identifying and disabling improvised explosive devices. They train on advanced weapons and learn how to throw live grenades.
As part of their final challenges, trainees embark on a multiple-day course to test their survival, fitness, and Soldier skills.
At the end of the phase, and after trainees have passed all of their challenges, they will be qualified to wear the Army Beret as a fully qualified Army Soldier.
After becoming familiar with the use of automatic weapons and hand grenades in U.S. Weapons Training, trainees put their training to the test as they negotiate the Night Infiltration Course. After passing all their tests and challenges, they congregate for Rites of Passage.
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