How long after i enlist in the Army does it take for me to be shipped off to BCT?

Question

In the past I heard 3months but that was 4yrs ago....??? I just want to spend this coming holiday bseason with my family 1st

Answer 1

It depends on your job actually. The day you ship hinges on when training is available.

Also, if you are in training during Christmas time, you will have the chance of going home on what is known as "Exodus" which is basically block leave. It typically begins just before Xmas and ends right after New Years.

Answer 2

its all up to u! my hubby signs his contract the 24 and leaves the next day, but his friend is signing the same day but leaving the 12th of jan, just stay firm in what u want!

Answer 3

You could just wait.  And I would recommend it.  Otherwise, you run the chance of only getting Christmas exodus.  It's short (two weeks) and you won't fully enjoy it because you'll have to go back soon.

Or you could go through all of the steps, get to MEPS, see what they're offering, and ask when the ship date is for each MOS.  YOU are in control at MEPS.  All you have to do is say no to what you're not interested in.

If they can't get you something on your first trip, LEAVE.  Try again another day.  Sure, the recruiter could get pissy, but who's future is at stake here?  Yours, not theirs.

Good luck to you,

~ArmyKim

Answer 4

EASY TO MAKE HAPPEN!!!

You can leave up to one year from the date of enlistment.  Usually these times are reserved for people in school but you have the RIGHT to negotiate time at MEPS.  It's give and take too though.  They may be able to grant you time but you may for-go a job u wanted for the need to be with family.

Generally, they compromise up to 6 months if you're not in school.  

FYI, basic training stops at holdiay time.  It's called Christmas Exodus (roughly 2 weeks) and they push you guys to take leave.  Otherwise, you sit around base doing extra duty while your peers are at home.  You don't have to have leave either, they'll advance that to you--you just pay it back later.

Thankgiving and New Years are also off days.  Even if you shipped during the holiday season, you'll be home for Christmas :)

Answer 5

Brian is correct.  Normally, it's a 2-3 month wait.  If you enlist now, you could go as early as September.  If you are there for Christmas, you get a 10-14 day leave to go home.  My son is Army.  That's how it was for him.  Go now...the sooner you go the sooner you get done.