Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 3/14/2008

Question
So i am 18 approaching graduation in 2 1/2 months and am looking to follow in the family line and get my paratrooper wings. i would also like to get my Air Assault wings at the same time if possible. So i was curious, can i go for both of them all in one go? like after BMT can i go Ft. Benning for paratrooper and then Ft. Cambell for air assault? I am also planning to get married next summer and was wondering about how long it would all take if possible, and how much time i will have between the end of tech school and being stationed. i was told you get a month off to return home before they station you?

Answer
Dear Mike --

Congratulations on your approaching graduation.  Do you already have a delayed entry agreement with the Army?  If not, be sure you get your training in writing in your enlistment contract.

However, you will have to choose which training you wish to do first.  These days Airborne and Air Assault training are usually authorized only if your military specialty or your duty station require them.  So if you are going to get an assignment to an Airborne unit at Fort Benning, you would get Airborne training, etc.  You can apply for one of the courses to follow your advanced individual training when you enlist, even if you are not getting a follow-on assignment to Ft. Campbell or Ft. Benning.  You must get this agreement in writing in your enlistment contract, or it is unenforceable.  Please read your contract at the MEPS center before signing it, to avoid any potential of signing a contract that does not reflect what you agreed to with your recruiter.

After your first duty station, you can apply to get your other training enroute to your new duty assignment.  Airborne training is easier to complete right after basic training and AIT.  Air Assault training requires more study and practice.  In addition to being fit, you must be good with various helicopters and tying knots and slings to pass Air Assault School.  

However, depending on your preference, either school would be available as a rider on your enlistment contract.  That rider would allow you to attend the desired training prior to moving to your first duty station.

The amount of time you can get between finishing your training and reporting to your first duty station depends on many things.  First and foremost it depends on how much leave you have accrued, then it depends on the time of year, and whether you volunteer to be a "hometown recruiter."  You can take all of your leave accrued and sometimes up to 2 weeks of advanced leave, in order to go home between training and reporting to your new unit.  If that falls over the Holiday season, you might get a few extra days at home.  

If you volunteer to be a "hometown recruiter" you will get a week or two at home where your work mission is to go to your old school and talk about how great the Army has been for you.  You will have to wear your uniform when you visit schools and youth organizations.  However, during the other hours you can visit with family and friends as you would while on leave.  To be accepted for the "hometown" recruiter mission, you have to do very well at all your training schools, so that your leadership agrees you will represent the Army well in this role.

Please write back, if you have other questions.  Good luck to you , and thank you for considering service in the military.