Before you ship to Basic Combat Training (BCT), you will attend the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP). These weekends will be your introduction to BCT and will get you started and keep you on track mentally, physically, emotionally and administratively while you prepare for your career in the Guard. RSP drills give you an opportunity to start getting comfortable with the terminology and protocols that are part of Guard service—and you will be getting paid for the time you spend at RSP. There are five phases to RSP as described below.
Tips for success before you go to your first drill.
Get an in depth look at Basic Combat Training in the National Guard. Over the course of 10 weeks you will overcome mental and physical challenges, work as a team, become a leader, and make the transition from civilian to Soldier.
Your first weekend at RSP is Red Phase. In this intensive training, you will learn basics you need to know right away, like:
As you learn the Army structure, chain of command and rank insignia, you will quickly learn how to follow the rules and extend the proper courtesies to fellow Guard members. And you will get ahead of the game if you learn them early.
Depending on the number of months between when you enlisted and when you ship to BCT, the length of your White Phase in the RSP will vary. During this phase, you will learn more about the Guard and more of what you will need to know to succeed at BCT. In addition to physical training, instruction in this phase will include:
During the White Phase, you will continue to focus on physical training and cover Soldier skills that will further prepare you for BCT. You can also compete for a promotion to PV2 under the Stripes for Skills program.
At your final drill before shipping to BCT, in addition to physical preparation, you will cover all the final details that have to be taken care of before you leave. But you can get a jump-start on these items by learning what to expect before, during and after BCT, such as:
Green Phase courses are designed for recruits in the Split Training Option (STO) Program. Generally, these are Soldiers who joined the Army National Guard during their junior year in high school. After you graduate from BCT and during your senior year of high school, you will gain advanced leadership and career opportunities, and a chance to stay current on skills like:
Once you have completed both BCT and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) you will return to RSP for one final drill—known as Battle Handoff—before joining your regular unit and beginning work in your MOS. You will meet representatives from your unit and learn where and when your next drill will be. Before you leave, you will learn about the Unit Sponsorship Program and get a final HOOAH talk about holding yourself to the high standards of fitness and behavior you have learned at RSP and Initial Active Duty Training.
Are you ready to become a RI Army National Guard Soldier? The Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) is your introduction to the Guard!