Preparing for Basic

       (AND GETTING PAID)

Before you ship to Basic Combat Training (BCT), you will attend the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP). These weekends will be your introduction to BCT and will get you started and keep you on track mentally, physically, emotionally and administratively while you prepare for your career in the Guard. RSP drills give you an opportunity to start getting comfortable with the terminology and protocols that are part of Guard service—and you will be getting paid for the time you spend at RSP. There are five phases to RSP as described below.

RED PHASE
Your first weekend at RSP is Red Phase. In this intensive training, you will learn basics you need to know right away, like:

• RSP Introduction
• Army Structure
• Chain of Command
• Rank and Insignia
• Customs and Courtesies
• General Orders
• Reporting Procedures
• Drill and Ceremony
• Physical Fitness
• AKO & MyPay Setup

As you learn the Army structure, chain of command and rank insignia, you will quickly learn how to follow the rules and extend the proper courtesies to fellow Guard members. And you will get ahead of the game if you learn them early. 

WHITE PHASE
Depending on the number of months between when you enlisted and when you ship to BCT, the length of your White Phase in the RSP will vary. During this phase, you will learn more about the Guard and more of what you will need to know to succeed at BCT. In addition to physical training, instruction in this phase will include:

• Proper Wear of the Military Uniform
• Army Values, Soldier's Creed and Warrior Ethos
• Employ Camouflage, Cover and Concealment
• Tactics
• Weapons Familiarization

During the White Phase, you will continue to focus on physical training and cover Soldier skills that will further prepare you for BCT. You can also compete for a promotion to PV2 under the Stripes for Skills program.

BLUE PHASE
At your final drill before shipping to BCT, in addition to physical preparation, you will cover all the final details that have to be taken care of before you leave. But you can get a jump-start on these items by learning what to expect before, during and after BCT, such as:

• Inspections
• What Every Trainee Wants to Know About BCT
• Final Preparations for BCT

GREEN PHASE
Green Phase courses are designed for recruits in the Split Training Option (STO) Program. Generally, these are Soldiers who joined the Army National Guard during their junior year in high school. After you graduate from BCT and during your senior year of high school, you will gain advanced leadership and career opportunities, and a chance to stay current on skills like:

• Urban Area Operations
• Convoy Operations
• Navigation Techniques
• Disassemble, Assemble and Perform a Function Check on Various Weapons

GOLD PHASE
Once you have completed both BCT and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) you will return to RSP for one final drill—known as Battle Handoff—before joining your regular unit and beginning work in your MOS. You will meet representatives from your unit and learn where and when your next drill will be. Before you leave, you will learn about the Unit Sponsorship Program and get a final HOOAH talk about holding yourself to the high standards of fitness and behavior you have learned at RSP and Initial Active Duty Training.

• Bonuses/Your Financial Readiness
• Education Benefits Briefing
• Battle Handoff
• Army Structure/Chain of Command