Hey everyone!
My wife is currently at Fort Leonard Wood for BCT and is expected to graduate in early December. She’s a 68W (Combat Medic) in the Army National Guard, so she’ll be heading to Fort Sam Houston for AIT afterward.
I’m trying to plan flights and figure out when I’ll actually be able to see her, but I’ve been getting a ton of conflicting information.
Here’s what I’m confused about:
Time between BCT and AIT: I’ve heard that sometimes soldiers have a gap between graduating BCT and starting AIT. If that happens, would she be sent home temporarily, especially since she’s National Guard? Or would she remain at Fort Sam Houston as a holdover until her class starts?
Billeting during AIT: I’ve had people tell me that because we’re married, I can stay on base in billeting and potentially spend nights with her during the week. Others have told me that she won’t be allowed to stay overnight with me at all during AIT, even if I’m staying on base. Does anyone know how this actually works for married 68W trainees?
Weekend visits: If I fly down to Texas during her AIT, will she be allowed to spend weekends with me or stay overnight at a hotel? Does this change as she progresses through training?
Christmas/Holiday Block Leave: Since she’ll be graduating BCT in early December, how likely is it that she’ll get to come home for Christmas before or during AIT? Would she have to use leave days?
Planning flights: I’m trying to book flights early to save money, but I don’t want to book anything until I have a better understanding of her schedule and what she’s actually allowed to do.
I’m really hoping to spend as much time with my wife as possible while she’s at AIT. Being apart for months has been difficult, and I’m just trying to figure out what to realistically expect.
If anyone has recently gone through 68W AIT at Fort Sam Houston, especially as a married soldier or National Guard member, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience!
Thanks in advance!