How Much Free Time Is There At Basic Training?

[@reaper4rebel]

The more I watch your videos, the less horrifically terrifying BCT becomes. Thanks, boss!! Keep up the good work!

[@MattWard89]

That’s the goal 😎

[@twannsouper]

Felt that

[@-WEST-]

How was it?

[@reaper4rebel]

@@-WEST- became injured to the point that I was medically discharged without the Army paying to have it fixed. So in short, it sucked

[@TappyGilmore]

Grady Alexander “Wow, This doesn’t seem so bad!” *2 Years later* “Wow it was horrible”

[@elizabethresendes6601]

Thank you for your very informative videos. My son is 17 and left this week for Fort Benning. It helps a lot to get a clear picture of what he's experiencing. It eases some of my anxiety.

[@FullPl8]

@Fact 😂😂 on God

[@BHill-rz9tg]

She may have lots of reasons to be worried. She may be against him going to the military, or even if she is, she is unfamiliar with what he will face. It’s her son, she can worry all she wants. Information helps cure worries.

[@shellyrowe2856]

Elizabeth -- SAME!! My only son is currently in his second week of BCT. I haven't had any contact with him since reception. I found that it helped when his DS started posting pictures on the Ft. B. military page. If you haven't found it yet, there's a great group on Facebook that posts lots of information and videos. I was very worried about his decision... but after watching several of these videos I'm feeling better. I know my SIT can do the job... and more importantly ... HE knows too. BTW -- the longer he's been gone the easier it's gotten... and as I've learned ... NO NEWS IS ACTUALLY GOOD. It means something hasn't gone wrong. Keep your phone handy tomorrow. You might get a call if the reception DS allows it. We got lucky and got a 30 minute one that Sunday. My son said he had to choose between going to church services or getting phone time though.

[@SSJGhost_Wolf]

Damn, we got 1 hour of free time if we were lucky, and we got smoked almost every night

[@tonybayer2546]

Wait... you're telling me that there's times when the Drill Sergeant would talk to you without smoking you? I assumed they were always smoking somebody anytime they were around?

[@theadventurest4345]

That is for the marines

[@yvngbol9584]

Marines lol

[@echyadventures]

Found this helpful, gets me even more pumped up for basic. I leave on July 31st, 11x Benning bound. You do a fantastic job on the vids, keep it up brother.

[@ghostflame6602]

good luck

[@nisseranderogregy6268]

You back yet? Did you get stuck as an 11c?

[@lukecole6203]

I leave early June as an 11x, maybe you’ll see me lol

[@piercegreer230]

I leave July 31st as a 11x option 40.. see you there

[@HickupWasTaken]

Jordan Echeverria I’m on my way to fort Benning July 31 as well, 2018👊🏻👊🏻

[@beatrizjimenez3594]

Thank you. My son has been in basic for 3 weeks, and your videos give me a LOT of peace of mind. Thank you so much!

[@KingofgraceSARA]

You are such a wonderful person to do this. I really appreciate your vids. Lots of love from Pennsylvania. May the Lord be with you.

[@MattWard89]

Thank you!!!!

[@marcofranco57]

Great videos! I'm a 32 old man going in, but I'm excited.

[@mightymurph550]

Best of luck!

[@LuisGarcia-zd1ff]

How did it go?

[@juniorhugo2359]

@@JungSooLeee maybe

[@shellyrowe2856]

Good for you, and THANK YOU for serving! I have a friend that is in his 50's that just re-upped to the A NG.

[@nickslingerland4155]

Thanks for the specifics. Am 32, wife, baby and one one the way and am really debating going into the reserves for multiple reasons. Your videos are helping me make that decision.

[@utopiaOKC]

Did you do it man?

[@adicksonful]

This is a great way to ease the not knowing factor for these young people. My son is in his 3rd. week basic did mine at Fort Gordon in 78' keep up the good work.

[@gregory593]

Back in 1990 when I went to basic, the drill sergeants would use a part of that 2 hours of "free time" to smoke us.

[@georgemaxwell3467]

In 1987 as well...

[@Roochfan20]

Hey Matt, great video! Based on my experience going through Army Basic, the amount of free time/personal time you get in Basic depends on what phase you are in. Generally speaking, you may not get any free time at all during Red phase. You may get ~30 minutes for personal time in White phase depending on your platoon's behavior, and maybe 1 hour during Blue Phase. But it really depends on the company/platoon you are with.

[@ScoutNik1]

This has really changed since I was at Basic. I don't really recall any free time. If we were in our barracks, we were told to be shining boots, polishing brass or studying our "Smart Book". That is, if we weren't being smoked. We were not allowed to speak to the Drill SGT without fear until the blue phase. Also, we never got to bed before 10:00pm and were up at 3:00am because we had inspection at 4:00am (before PT). I guess it's a kinder, friendlier Army.

[@joeyberlet4161]

I’m in basic right now, Lights out at 21:00 and first formation is at 05:50. You get about 2-6 hours per day in red phase to study or clean your locker or stuff like that.

[@johnmethe540]

this is excellent content, sir. Thank you for posting and than

[@MattWard89]

Thanks!

[@mikereynolds4185]

Appreciate what you’re doing man, I hope you keeping producing content!

[@susanatorresteran325]

Thank you so much for your videos my son is 18 and he is going on June 6th 22 to his national guard basic training and I’m so worrie but your videos are helping me a lot God Bless you

[@draftskink]

Leave on Monday for fort Jackson

[@elijahjackson7125]

How’d that go

[@UsmSai]

Yea how was it?

[@murtonandrewam]

Probably easy, based of the people I saw coming from there.

[@Fat2FitDrummah]

Smh I went to BCT at Ft. Jackson, we didn't get much free time...especially in red phase. We literally we doing work from 0430 to 2000. Toe to line was 2100. I guess you can say our free time was "smoke session" time. Lol.

[@tombrady3279]

Tierre Waters how was eating like? I see the dfac videos and the portions don't look so big. Is it limited or all you can eat?

[@SavingCentury]

Tierre Waters I ironically have the same question as the guy above, could you give a small list of the types of food you ate?

[@rithe07]

Bump

[@livingasleslie]

I know you posted this a while ago but these videos are so addicting to watch especially because my boyfriend left yesterday and he's in reception right now. It's nice to know what he's going through cause all I'm doing is wondering about what it's like🤧🤧

[@MattWard89]

haha :)

[@kaitlyn7243]

my boyfriend left a week ago! hes in ft sill, where is yours? ik how you feel i literally watch these videos allll day long while im at school and ask millions of questions. if you wanna talk let me know :) i already am talking to another girl on youtube bc both of our bfs left the same day, its nice to hav someone going through the same thing

[@livingasleslie]

Kaitlyn ・゚:* omg mine is there as well! You should follow my ig (itslesliiieee) and DM me if you have any questions about the letters or anything :) mine is almost done, he has a little over a month left! 😃

[@kaitlyn7243]

omg. has your relationship been going good? like people keep telling me hes gonna change and feel like i cant understand him but then a lot of people are telling me tis gonna make the relationship stronger bc im being supportive and he really is my best friend. i need to hear morepositive things lmaooo

[@livingasleslie]

Kaitlyn ・゚:* yes my relationship has been good, what I did is I stopped talking to people about it because it was all negative comments. He keeps sending me letters and he came home for holiday block and it was like he never left! It makes you guys stronger, especially cause you guys won't see each other , the letters help so much!

[@Locopueblo]

I need more people and KZbinrs to know about you.

[@LetoPartizan]

So Drill Sergeant time is "Story time" :D

[@zarikrobertson8076]

Dell Conagher or a smoke sesh

[@angelkrom1231]

Your videos are really,really helpful

[@joshuareyes9612]

So I take it we're not getting paid per hour here haha... Great video man thank you!

[@jacksonfox5812]

Great content! Always concise and helpful! I can’t wait to go to BCT! Keep up the good work!

[@georgekelly7226]

When I went it was winter time and the group is smaller so we had more shipping time but going to your experience that must had to be boring as hell to 10 minutes wait for hours to 10 minutes. Bless your heart

[@SavingCentury]

Could you make us a video of what type of foods you are given at BCT? I'm going to Fort Jackson at the end of this month and am just wondering the type of foods new recruits are given.

[@zombiekillerxp]

Marcus Hughes well did you enjoy the food

[@emilydrewettjones5443]

When did you get your writing privileges? Like how far into basic did you go without sending/receiving mail?

[@kylerlyon5642]

Can you go to the bathroom whenever throughout the night, and can you have a drink by your bed

[@JungSooLeee]

In Air Force Basic training you could. You also had your canteen by bedside that you could drink. I seemed to run better when I hydrated through the night. The dorm guard would make sure no one spent too long in the latrines. Some trainees attempted to kill themselves so they take it seriously.

[@kmob94]

Yes you will typically just need to check out at the Fireguard desk. You will have your camelback with you at all times. We typically hung them up on our bunks but you could definitely have it next to you or with you while you sleep. Hope this helps.

[@imsentinelprime9279]

@@JungSooLeee woah

[@juliansaiz5714]

so I leave in 14 days, I know we can call home from time to time, but my phone battery is awful so it will need to be charged, can I do that?

[@MattWard89]

Yes, so bring a charger.

[@rachellederer1265]

Whenever you eat an MRE what happens if you don't finish it? I've had them before, and I never eat the powdered drink or dessert. My recruiter told me that MREs are served in the DFACT (however you spell it) now too, because of COVID.

[@gabrielbrokaw2194]

Certain DS may give you homework during "freetime".

[@MattWard89]

Very true

[@kennethdueck1647]

When he said drill Sgt time... I said oh gosh 😅

[@ВасилийСеяин]

Shipping in 12 days to Fort Wood, MO for Active Army

[@jamesnix6463]

I talked to multiple recruiter to get more accurate information and I want your opinion on this. For example, I want to become a mechanic and I want to be in the Army. If I get to become an Amry mechanic, am I allowed to to switch jobs as soon as I become an officer?

[@madarauchiha2955]

2 hour is lots more than i expected, here i come.

[@LikeABoss1211]

Ship to basic in 1 week!

[@pololavish5774]

XDonMe9X good luck man

[@LikeABoss1211]

Polo Lavish thanks bro I got 4 more days!

[@glomynigga9507]

XDonMe9X what happened?

[@callmecrazy8677]

Glomynigga he is presently likely at basic lol

[@glomynigga9507]

SighFactory it’s been 5 months

[@larissadanae4902]

For mail call, is it a daily thing or every other day? P.S. My husband just finished his first week of basic at Benning. That poor guy was so bored and miserable at reception 😂 and he sounded scared out of his mind when he arrived at basic. It's a good experience for him though! He's loving it

[@MattWard89]

+Larissa Guzman They will get mail whenever they get mail. But they should get mail every few days it's not on a schedule

[@larissadanae4902]

Shootemup89 thank you!!

[@Shrink18]

Can you sleep during your official sleep time or just at night ?

[@jl9889]

Thanks for the video. How did you work the additional PT to make sure you weren't overworking yourself for the regular PT/smoke sessions?

[@mightymurph550]

That’s a solid question

[@JulioGonzalez-yc2wu]

11x soon , may 28th

[@UnitedPebbles]

Reminds me so much of Fed Ex. But without the gang, the dough, the girls, the car, bling bling, the trust, the Wallster??

[@mcoleman6893]

As Good is my witness, I don't remember ANY free time while in the cycle.

[@cv5369]

Great vids man.

[@xxkillshot5xx]

I've watched so many videos that I went from being confident about joining the army to being nervous as hell...

[@tacticallife4193]

Matt ward talk about the pain and passion, the pros and cons. Why should that lady you love hang on.

[@budani1473]

Leaving for basic 2 days

[@brianrodriguez7475]

I’m going into 91 Bravo

[@iamtobyxp]

Same man🏎🏎🔥🔥

[@bobbyflamez8857]

Looking to Join the army after I get my braces off. Im drinking my last beer and eating a whole pizza by myself before I start working out tomorrow lol

[@Blakebyrd003]

What are u doing now?

[@GhostHyperhex]

Update?

[@cdbergin3469]

I have a question how does one get a pointed platoon leader is it random or is it score/Job based?

[@karas4971]

Can you call your family or boyfriend during free time? What if your boyfriend is going to be in basic the same time as you, and most likely not in the same base?

[@caseyburt3521]

Basic training in Fort Sam in 5 days! Thanks for the vid

[@rithe07]

I'm assuming you mean fort Sam for AIT. Which mos?

[@caseyburt3521]

@@rithe07 Hospital Corpsman

[@rithe07]

Good luck!

[@acthelione123]

So can you just go to sleep during those 2 hours of free time and just go to bed early?

[@ChinchillaQueen]

You had a couple hours free time and yes you could sleep but you could not go to bed early because the DS does their inspection every night before giving you permission to go bed

[@danny_fanta_692_9]

I'm going to the Marine corps.

[@axe2172]

Can you talk more about the army reserve and what jobs they can have, school, exc?

[@SavingCentury]

Axe the jobs arent too extensive I dont think... I'm not fully in the army yet, and I'm also doing active instead of reserve so I could be wrong about that, however, from what I understand, army reserves is only like 36 days out of the year that you do stuff with the army... and they might not even be consecutive days, but they could be consecutive days.

[@jaylenburley12]

i saw a ghost mannnnnn... 2:58

[@BMS123able1]

This probably nothing compared what you when through but when I did marching band our band director would almost do stuff like if we were in the army. He would yell at time, we did a bunch of exercises, run many laps and if a section or half the band didn’t do something right we would have to drop and do push-ups. Like people say, we also never walk we would almost run to every set

[@ratedasmr7811]

I have a question. looking back did it go by fast? I'm pretty sure it felt like forever in the moment but I'm wondering if once it's all over if it felt like it went by fast

[@lukecole6203]

I’ve heard the days go by slow but the weeks go by fast

[@krzysztof-michalak]

It must have since you are constantly busy

[@bettyrose5755]

We like you video but it would be nice it you would civilian times and jump straight into it the subject. Also showing examples would be helpful..

[@priderockengineeringnz9792]

Matt I need help! ASAP Can you please make a video on about ankles, how not to roll them and how not to hurt yourself before and after 3 mile run. Don't want to use Ankle Support. Be nice to see a great video for your warm ups, stretches. Not going to quit. But I think im doing them wrong Would like support please and thank you! :)

[@justinpangilinan5150]

can you use that free time to do your laundry?

[@halo-rd1sv]

if its 1700 that's 5:00 pm

[@MattWard89]

Yes

[@christiank7837]

If it’s above 1200 you subtract 12, and if it’s below 1200 it’s the actual time in A.M

[@abrahambuell3229]

Christian Kinzel yupp thats how im training myself to get the hang of it haha The power of math

[@karljans4807]

24h system is more logical imo because a day has 24hours

[@popbryant8571]

I’m planning on joining the reserves any suggestions !?

[@indianaoutlaw8374]

So basically white faze is the roasting faze where you make fun of everyone and tell stories before and after you shoot😂

[@mia-lm8yz]

So do you have to pass any form of PT test prior to enlisting? Or all they all at BCT?

[@Outspacey]

Shipping in 4 days

[@lilsmileyx588perez3]

Can you carry pen and paper around in your uniforms? So for free time you can write letters?

[@MattWard89]

Yes but you probably won't be doing that. You will generally just write in the barracks

[@Romulus_and_Remus]

I get less sleep now lol 11pm- 4:30am

[@Иванпонимаете-г4ш]

After basic training etc where do army infantry get stationed? Home state or?

[@lonestone55]

Great vid! Are you still active or Guard/Reserve?

[@LadyYautjaSpacePirate]

I know during my free time, I spend my time learning new martial arts moves.

[@daniellopez-qy6th]

Do they have wrestling mats, and could I use the gym during basic?

[@MattWard89]

no and no

[@secretlyclever4062]

Not so important I guess, but what is showering like? Is it all one open room full of showers or are there walls with shower curtains separating each shower?

[@thall756]

Brandon Gray you gon see some dingleberries bruh

[@madbear3512]

How much time on the shooting range do you have

[@shmike3775]

We usually got like 1 hour but my ds's were jerks and found reasons to smoke us and take our free time.

[@utopiaOKC]

Does free time=i can sleep time?

[@depitesenate8247]

I love your videos. Keep up the good work. Quick question, u got 39 on my asvab, not proud of the score but on my defense, it was my first time taking the test, and I didn't study for it (procrastination is a bitch) anyways, do you know what job I will be qualified for? And do you know what my salary will be. Also can you give me some important advice b4 joining?

[@ericsiple6096]

Ask for your "line scores".

[@afflictiongp]

thanks for the tip slim shady

[@larrypepperwood711]

Matt "slim shady" ward would eat you up boy

[@AkimboDice1]

Larry Pepperwood Okay Larry

[@MaliceGaming]

Idk why but your girlfriend looks like a drummer that I watch she's dope asf

[@ReassuringSmile]

can you pick your dates for annual training?

[@MattWard89]

Nope. All of your weekend drill dates and AT is scheduled a year in advance.

[@michaelmendez3572]

Check out bill burr on cruise ships

[@dannaharrell5510]

Could you use that free time to use the shower

[@MattWard89]

Depending on the time of day, how far you are in the cycle, and your DS. It's possible.

[@V43xV1CT15]

That’s more sleep then I get now

[@honestly536]

What's the background music that starts the video?

[@dukenukem1876]

honestly The fray - how to save a life

[@JMurph010]

My biggest question is running shoes, I have a brand new pair that work well and I am getting shipped out in October. Can you bring you're own pair to Basic?

[@MattWard89]

Just wear those when you go. You HAVE TO buy the shoes that they give you so just because you have your own doesn't mean you don't have to buy them. Also, when you get your personal stuff put up as the DS if you can keep your shoes and show them that they are actually running shoes. THEY MIGHT NOT LET YOU but it doesn't hurt to ask. We weren't allowed to in my platoon but others could.

[@JMurph010]

Thanks a million, definitely going to keep it in mind.

[@paulabarnes233]

But what if you don't got money to pay for the shoes?

[@mekhalas7174]

Paula Barnes they take it out your paycheck

[@paulabarnes233]

Yes It’s Mekhala o aight

[@jesusreyes9313]

Are you still in the military ?

[@MattWard89]

Yes, 2 Years TIS

[@poppa4178]

Hey, ik this is akward but at boot camp do the bathroom have walls that separate you from the other toilets but they don't have doors and how long do they get to use the bathroom? I want to join the Marines in 2 more years after I graduate highschool.

[@reannemcdonald3855]

When did you get phone privileges?

[@MattWard89]

You don't get phone privileges until AIT. You just get a phone call at the end of each phase at basic training. If you do well you might get a few extra phone calls but I'd only expect 3.

[@BenDover-yj1yd]

I was so worried to see this question but so glad to see that answer. I did basic 20 years ago.

[@independentdude00]

Quick question do we get to call with our own phones ? Or do we have to use a landline on base ?

[@Bb-jh9fo]

Huntingwolf I went last year you use your phones.

[@militarygrade5432]

I ship to Fort Benning for BCT at the end of January. Anybody else?

[@awkwardnot]

i ship feb 4 to Benning

[@ReassuringSmile]

and how long are contracts in the reserve?

[@MattWard89]

You could sign a 3 year contract up to a 20 year contract if you really wanted to.

[@paulabarnes233]

I thought in the military you can only sign a 4 or 6 year contract right ? Is active duty different?

[@alpha-qh1if]

vickimon the reserves (atleast where i am) you can leave when ever you want

[@SwiftVTing]

@@paulabarnes233 Active duty has 8 reserve for my MOS 4 years of active and 4 years of reserve if they need me again. But since I was already active they'll only call me if there is nobody else to call or they want somebody with more experience.

[@paulabarnes233]

@@SwiftVTing o aight

[@ryderhendry9351]

What is morning PT like??

[@tuffgang3382]

Do they have an actual gym to workout at during free time with weights

[@tobigaming3394]

Do we ever get to use are phones?. I deploy the 31st of this month. Im just wondering if ill ever get to use my phone. 24 weeks is kinda long to not be able to use a phone

[@MattWard89]

You won't use them at BCT but you will at AIT. So only half of that time will be without a phone. And leaving for training isn't a "deployment". It's just leaving for training

[@tobigaming3394]

Shootemup89 i was told its being deployed to training. But thanks for info:)

[@upscaleriotsofficial2166]

Tobi Gaming you were probably thinking of the word shipping :) anyway good luck man!!! I hope you’re having a blast!

[@yourmom6366]

For infantry answer none

[@ghostflame6602]

I've got a question, I currently live in the uk but my dad is American so I have an American passport, could I still join the us army?

[@MattWard89]

You either have to currently be a citizen or you join making you a citizen. So yes you can join but you would become an American citizen and lose all rights to prior country.

[@ghostflame6602]

so ill lose my British Passport and only have my american

[@bilboswaggins7492]

I knew a guy at RSP (a guard thing for people who haven't shipped yet) who was from England. He had to revoke his English citizenship. I don't know if it was because he has a fancy MOS (which he did) or if everyone has to do it.

[@hypebeast3037]

How does the communication work like is it just mail?

[@MattWard89]

+savier rivera check out my recent video on how you will talk to your soldier! I explain everything

[@LocalBoyy]

Can you takes showers during free time?

[@kush7138]

Is it possible to get my arms ready for pull ups by doing Bicep Curls and Tricep Extensions everyday? I exercise everyday, but I don't heavily focus on my arms all that much.

[@117angrybird117]

Avery NiteStar Glover u should do lat pull downs and work on ur back

[@kush7138]

Rafael Genchi What's lat pull downs?

[@117angrybird117]

its like a pretty pull up but you are sitting down pulling a bar down with a weight

[@kush7138]

Rafael Genchi Oohh okay. I'll look up videos on how to do it later then.

[@lofi_the_guy]

Avery NiteStar Glover Pushups, Burpees, Tricep dips, Russian twists, flutter kicks, crunches, bicycle kicks, squats, mountain climbers,lunges. and running. and more running. and more running. The gym will not properly prepare you for BCT.

[@levinolan636]

Gee golly gosh

[@larryknickerbocker3282]

You sound like you are from the south ! I am a northerner