What is the longest time to be held at AIT?

Michelle Gibson — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 05:09:57 -0400

I have no idea where to start. My son shipped off to boot camp Valentine's day 2016. In fairness he changed MOS during his 1st AIT. However, last February he hurt his foot running and has been on Medical Profile since. He has since passed his MOS, but is stuck in limbo because he can't pass the APFT, and says the doctors won't give him the alternative tests. How do we get him out of AIT, either medically, or getting him an alternate test so he can get a permanent duty station?

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Oct 22 at 2018 5:55 AM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 05:55:21 -0400

Mom, mom, mom...this is going to sound harsh, but here goes. That young man, as inexperienced as he is of military life, is going to have to work it out himself. It's good that you are supporting him, but please support him from the sidelines. Because of his injury, the doctors are keeping him, in place, until they are fully assured he is healed and able to perform his job in the military or they are gathering up information to medically discharge him. If he's been there as long as you say he has, he is probably not in "trainee" status anymore and basically "that" is his current duty station, plus he is still being paid. AIT soldiers have a little more "freedoms" than a Basic Trainee soldier. Thanks for your support.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2018 7:43 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 07:43:27 -0400

It sounds like he is almost done with his contract. It might be best to start prepping him for reenlistment or similar now. I switched my MOS at AIT before and I've seen people on hold before I got to my first one. It was 16 weeks.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Oct 22 at 2018 9:17 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 09:17:29 -0400

The only thing I will add to SFC Taggart is that he cannot be given an alternate test for graduation requirement from AIT. Had he this profile prior to enlistment he would not have been accepted into service. Once the doctors figure out the full impact of his medical condition all will be revealed. Your son is in good hands.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2018 10:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 10:40:33 -0400

There is no reason for him to lose faith in the Army. If he is injured, he is better off in AIT than in a unit where he won’t be able to give 100%. NCO’s in permanent duty stations appreciate getting Soldiers that are ready to fight once they arrive, and not those on profile, especially straight out of AIT. Advice your son to take care of his injury and pass the APFT instead of looking for alternate events to get him out of AIT. Thanks for your service as a military mother.