Since the 17C AIT is 45 weeks total, do my dependents come with me?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 22:54:06 -0500

Good evening all, future soldier here, Army cyber. Leaving in three weeks for BCT... (at 34, send good thoughts please). I know this question should be obvious and answerable but I keep dredging up alternate viewpoints and my recruiter is off for the weekend.. (and my lovely wife wants an answer nowish.. ). Does my wife and two kids need to be gearing up for a move to Pensacola in a few months? All my research keeps turning up answers that say "for AIT over 20 weeks dependents *may* be included in your orders".
If they are, rock on, (the army moves you, right?).
If they aren't... it'll suck to be apart for that long, but we are currently very close to Gordon, so it wouldn't be terrible for them to just stay in the house they're settled in.

Thanks much all.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 17 at 2019 11:43 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 23:43:35 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member you might want to do two things:
1. Search RP for previous discussions that may bear on your issue. My brief research indicates the training is in two phases at two different locations. https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/can-my-family-come-with-me-to-ait
2. Start working on tactical patience with your spouse. There will times that no one will know until they know, no matter how anxious she is.

If you are authorized move of dependents, they'll be in your orders and moved at Army expense.

Wait until you can get an answer from your recruiter. Once this toothpaste is out of the tube it's hard to put back in. Also want to tag your discussion by editing your initial question and include 17C, Fort Gordon, Corry Station, and AIT

Can my family come with me to AIT? | RallyPoint

My AIT is for 41 weeks. Will I be able to have my family with me?

Response by SPC Jerry Jones made Feb 18 at 2019 10:15 AM

SPC Jerry Jones — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 10:15:32 -0500

I'm trying to not be rude, but if your wife is going to be a military wife, then she needs to get used to slow military answers and going with the flow. If she is this pushy before you even get to your duty base, you are going to have huge marital problems. If she has to have answers immediately, she is going to be in for a big shock and won't be able to handle being a military wife. She sounds like someone who would call the commander every day, while you are in the field for over a month, asking them "when is my husband getting back".....and you will pay the price. Be prepared to be on the commander's "s*** list".

Just wait for the recruiter to get back and then ask them. You have 3 weeks. They should have all the answers for you.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2019 10:57 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 10:57:59 -0500

I'll give you some solid advice. If you currently don't live far from Gordon, don't worry about moving, even if they put your dependents on your orders. One of two reasons; one, this will help you learn the army culture, being away from your family and learning to live the suck with the soldiers will really help you understand what life you are in for, and see the point of view of your troops, in the future. Two, your family should have opportunities to travel to see you, if you aren't on restriction. Distance is crappy, it really is, but coming from someone who has been married for almost 6 years, and has been away from my wife for close to half of that time, you learn a thing or two about yourself, and your family will gain more understanding of the life you have joined into.

Now, being impatient is common, but it is also an uncomfortable thing you will have to get comfortable with. Things constantly change, and there will be times that you won't know something important until 10 minutes prior.
(edit)
BE GUMBY. It is the best advice anyone ever gave me.