Fort Jackson recruits enter ‘rifleman phase’
After the initial shock of Red Phase – the first phase of U.S. Army basic training in which recruits are shocked out of their complacent civilian persona and taught the basics of being a soldier, down to the tying of their boots – basic training at Fort Jackson continues with the “rifleman phase.”
A soldier is nothing without his or her rifle. And in White Phase – the second of the Red, White and Blue phases – recruits are taught how to use their weapons, engage the enemy, protect their fellow soldiers and live to fight another day.
In a word, soldiers learn marksmanship. The training is progressive and becomes more difficult as it unfolds. Not only do recruits learn to fire their rifles, they also use heavy machine guns as well as rocket-propelled grenades and hand grenades.
As Fort Jackson continues a yearlong celebration of its centennial, The State newspaper is following five South Carolina recruits and other members of D Company, 2nd Battalion, 193rd Infantry Brigade as they move through basic training. Check out upcoming editions for our coverage of the Blue phase. On Sept. 11, we’ll have coverage of the company’s graduation and family day.
Did you serve at Fort Jackson?
The State newspaper is publishing a book in November to commemorate Fort Jackson’s centennial. We’re looking for those who served at the fort – during basic or any other training – to share stories about their time there. Please send your story to Associate Editor Paul Osmundson at posmundson@thestate.com or to The State Media Co., 1401 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201.
This story was originally published August 27, 2016 at 8:52 PM.