What has been your experience as a 12W? How long is the AIT?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2020 13:10:40 -0400

I was interested in a different MOS and there's no position near me. 99 ASVAB, passed MEPS & signed up for 12W with army national guard instead (ft Jackson then Gulfport MS), please share your experience as a 12W. (example: AIT experience, annual active drill locations, training opportunities and promotions). Also AIT length on my paperwork says, 9 weeks and 4 days. But recently national guard website updated to only 7 weeks. what should I expect? is this a mistake?
https://www.nationalguard.com/12w-carpentry-and-masonry-specialist

Thank you very much!

Army National Guard

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2020 3:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2020 15:53:09 -0400

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Response by 1LT Kevin Chapman made May 21 at 2020 5:30 PM

1LT Kevin Chapman — Thu, 21 May 2020 17:30:58 -0400

I went through the course in May 2018 when I was enlisted. The length of the course is approximately 7 weeks. Duty day starts with wake up and PT. Following PT is breakfast chow. From 0730-11:30 you’ll be in the classroom. Lunch is generally from 11:30 to 12:30. Then you finish out class from 1300-1700. Following class is chow. 1700-1800. Then a mandatory study hour. 1800-1900. Then personal time is 1900-2000. When I was there we were able to go to the gym on post and work out or play recreational sports. 2100: final formation and lights out. Also, when you first arrive to Charlie company you will turn in your phone and have to earn it back through the STAR Board. It’s a mock board where you and your classmates are set in a board like environment with your 1SG, PSG, and class instructor. And they ask you questions in relation to the Army and your coursework. If you pass the board you get your electronic back but if not you continue to be tested until you past. Normally it’s a board every week or every two weeks. In the beginning portion of training you will be tested on mathematical equations and measurements and once you finish the first 2-3 weeks. You’ll begin to move towards the hands on portion. Building concrete slabs, laying mortar, and then one of the final assignments is to build one side of a shed like building.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2020 11:50 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 11:50:50 -0400

In my experience as a 12W as far as promotions go, it will take you forever to get promoted unless you are willing to travel to other units to fill slots. Most vertical units are made up of mostly 12W. As far as training goes, I’ve been all over the world building schools, medical clinics, and even training foreign militaries in US construction practices. I love my job in the military and haven’t regretted the choice in almost 17 years. My advice would be to learn your job and then branch out. Learn the plumbers job, the electricians job, the equipment operators job also. Once you can do everyone’s job then when you become a leader you will be more valued by your higher ups and the joes. Also don’t be afraid to utilize your troops that do it in the civilian world also, place a young inexperienced troop with them so that the knowledge gets spread around. Every unit has their “work horses” so find them and utilize them as needed but also train the younger guys so that your experienced ones to feel overworked and under paid. Just my two cents. Thanks.

Response by CPL I Z made Nov 20 at 2020 12:01 AM

CPL I Z — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 00:01:55 -0500

Gulfport, MS is a Navy base and AIT for Air Force and Army. I had a great time. Learned a lot and was able to use all the skills that where taught to the class. I deployed to Afghanistan twice. We built combat post for infantry units. I had an awesome time when deployed. Different units came together as a family and every unit, platoon or squad appreciated our help in building their combat post and getting them out of those tents during rain and winter seasons.