Can I wear a retainer to U.S. Army BCT and AIT?

2020-08-06T21:09:56-04:00

I'm currently in my junior year and I'm enlisting as soon as I graduate which is about June of '22, and depending on the coronavirus of course, but if it doesn't get delayed, then June of 2022. My question: by the time I enlist, if graduation doesn't get delayed, I'll be wearing a retainer. Is that allowed during BCT and AIT? I believe I get my braces off in about six months, or ten months at the most, so I'll probably be out of the retainer actually, but just in case... am I allowed to wear a retainer to BCT and AIT or at least at night?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2020 9:12 PM

2020-08-06T21:12:01-04:00

I wore my clear upper retainer at night with no issues and I had a permanent one behind my lower teeth that was not removable.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 6 at 2020 10:43 PM

2020-08-06T22:43:07-04:00

SFC O’Hara was very careful to remove his retainer after celebrating his promotion to E-7!

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 7 at 2020 12:34 AM

2020-08-07T00:34:32-04:00

Enlist with braces? Sure. Ship with them to BCT? Nope. Far too much physical trauma can, does and can potentially happen for the military to sign off on that. A retainer should be fine as that is a reinforcement and nothing more.

Absolutely mention this to your recruiter and at MEPS. They are going to take an x-ray of your mouth and do a brief dental inspection so it will hardly be missed.