Warrior Transition Course [Archive]

Rhughes

February 13th, 2007, 09:12 AM

I am prior Navy got out back in 1990.

The actual WTC training is 28 days but you will spend any where from 5 to 8 days at Fort Sill for in processing (some times longer). The time at Fort Sill is a lot of sitting around doing nothing but waiting to go eat and getting yelled at by the DS. Do not over pack when you go. You will get a $250 smart card for things to by at the PX but budget your money because there are pay problems. There where a number of people who had not been paid when we graduated so make sure your finances are taken care of before you ship.

As far as the training my class was different, we spent the whole time at WSMR instead of the first to weeks in Santa Fe. It is broken down into 2 parts, 2 weeks with Alpha Co (more lacked) and 2 weeks with Charlie Co. I will not bash other NCO's publicly but be ready for game playing. As far as the training, they have only 28 days to teach the bare basics so pay attention. The best part of the training is weapons training to include the Warrior Challenge (which my platoon won). Plus 4 ruck marches a 3k, 2-5k's and an 8k.
You are going to get smoked and yelled at a lot but there is no more stress than in civilian life. Leave your rank at the door (to a point). The biggest problem I had was dealing with the other trainees who had no military bearing and who whined, complianed etc...

You will only get personal time in the evening from 2100-2200 and on Sundays for half the day (we did get Superbowl Sunday off). Do not get caught having your cell phone of tobacco products on you. The best advice I can give is to be in shape before you go. The altitude is a killer and there is not much in the way of PT. Know what you need to pass before you go and try to over achieve before you get there. Other than that keep an open mind and try to have fun. Don't take things personal, there are some great Cadre along with some who are not so great but you will learn from each of them. The course is still a work in progress and it has a lot of growing pains but some of what is taught will diffenatly save lives.

If there are more specific questions let me know.

submariner

February 14th, 2007, 09:54 AM

thanks for the write up.

submariner

March 1st, 2007, 02:58 PM

any details about processing? boot camp haircut, etc. What would you say the percentage of classroom time to field time.

Did you go to AIT for your MOS directly after WTC?

thanks

Rhughes

March 2nd, 2007, 03:52 PM

As far as processing goes you are shipped to Fort Sill for a week to 10 days or sometimes longer just depends on where you fall into the class they are building. You are issued uniforms, medical (shots and blood draw), dental xrays, vision testing, finance, DEERS. You actually spend quite a bit of time sitting in the bleachers waiting around doing nothing. As far as hair cuts as long as you are within regualtion you are fine. Most nights you have Soldier Time after 1800 until 2200 you can go to the PX. This is at Fort Sill.

Make sure you have copies of all your documents for finace and DEERS. Also, there are pay problems do not expect to be paid the first pay day and sometimes even the second. Make sure you have all your finances in order prior to shipping. Go to http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/4400053030001 for some great information.

gerty

March 6th, 2007, 10:58 PM

I just graduated from the Warrior Transition Course on Friday the 9th. Anyone has any questions concerning the course or what it is like just ask away. I will be happy to help in any way I can.

SGT Hughes

did you go to white sands NM or did they keep you at fort sill OK?

billyjean

March 23rd, 2007, 04:00 PM

what kind of weapons were you shooting and is hard

Rhughes

April 12th, 2007, 10:44 AM

Went to both WSMR and Fort Sill.

As far as weapons-M16, 243 and the 240 automatic machine guns. No it is not hard but boy is it fun especially if you love to shoot up other peoples ammo:D

armyalex1981

April 24th, 2007, 06:57 PM

I am curious about how many peple in the course are active duty vs gaurd and reserve. I am also curious to know what the average rank was for those attending, realizing you recommend leaving that at the door I am just curious as to waht to expect overall.

I was in the Navy on Submarines as a sonar Tech I am going in as an E-5 and eventually 95b. This is the first forum I have found discussing this. If you wouldnt mind you could just send me the Details to navyalex1981@aol.com.

I appreciate it and maybe I will meet up with you soon

armyalex1981

April 24th, 2007, 07:07 PM

I am wanting to know what the ratio of is at the WTC course of E-4 below and E-5 and up and those sort of things I am going back in as an e-5 just wondering what to expect from the course and the Instruction itself. Thanks

JROD

June 20th, 2007, 11:29 PM

Kra

July 3rd, 2007, 10:35 AM

WTC will start at Ft. Sill, OK for inprocessing which will take about one week. You will then be sent via bus to Sante Fe where you will be reintroduced to drill and ceremony, PT, Land Nav, Chemsuits, M-16 will be issued and zero'd, basic combatants, obstacle course, handgrenade course, we went to the FOB for 3 days which was said will now be at WSMR. All of the above will be introductory items only, you will expand on them some at WSMR.

WSMR will start with day after day on the live fire ranges, alot of fun! You will receive instruction on US weapons and Movement Under Direct Fire (MUDF), convoy exercises, drill and ceremony, start using landnav and fireteam manuevers for the Warriors Challenge.

There will be a good mix of E-4 and below a fair number of E-5's and some E-6's blended in. Rank is important and will be respected although, you may have an E-1 as your Platoon SGT.

I graduated in May so it is still fresh in my mind. WTC is a program where YOU WILL GET OUT OF IT WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT. Stay focused and disregard those with negativity and enjoy the class it is fast and fun.

adambates27

September 10th, 2007, 07:29 PM

I have a few questions for somebody out there. I am prior Navy. I just joined the guard and am not slated to go to WTC until June. They are giving me plenty of time to get in shape. I want to know if I should be able to pass the AFPT before I go there or what. I have heard two different things about the PT. Some say they hardly do it at all and others say they are taking it serious. Someone that has been recently let me know. Also, I shouldn't have to do anything with my pay should I. Since I am currently drilling and my pay is already set up?

Samber

September 11th, 2007, 01:27 PM

Here is a link for an excellent forum on the WTC. From what I have read, YES, you DEFINATLY need to be able to pass the APFT before you go to the WTC.

http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/4400053030001

cavalryscout

October 5th, 2007, 08:10 PM

I just graduated from the Warrior Transition Course on Friday the 9th. Anyone has any questions concerning the course or what it is like just ask away. I will be happy to help in any way I can.

SGT Hughes

Hi,
I ETS from active Army(4 Years) as 19D in 1990. It has been 17 years now. Am i required to attend WTC ?
thanks.

rppearso

October 13th, 2007, 07:05 PM

testedone

November 6th, 2007, 10:40 AM

I heard WTC is like army basic, if you keep your old rank are you still treated like a basic trainee, does WTC apply to AF officers going to army officers or in that case do they just find a higher ranking officer to treat you like a trainee.

yes, you are not allowed to wear your rank in WTC, all are treated the same...I guess it keeps ego's in check... :)

LoneRider

November 6th, 2007, 03:44 PM

Do officers in WTC train alongside the enlisted personnel? I ask because I hope to attend WTC either next year (provided my Interservice Transfer Request, through Operation Blue to Green, gets approved by the Navy) or about three years from now when my Minimum Service Requirement is met (May 2011). In the latter case I intend to transfer into the Florida National Guard, hopefully as an 11A.

testedone

November 6th, 2007, 05:34 PM

Couldn't help you on if Officers go to WTC... Sorry

AbnMtn

November 7th, 2007, 01:33 PM

Hi,
I ETS from active Army(4 Years) as 19D in 1990. It has been 17 years now. Am i required to attend WTC ?
thanks.
No, you are not required to attend WTC.

testedone

November 10th, 2007, 10:32 AM

AbnMtn, are you sure, I just left MEPS yesterday and a ex-army who got out in 1986 is going back to WTC...

LT_77

November 10th, 2007, 12:09 PM

LoneRider

November 11th, 2007, 06:39 AM

As an officer.

I was informed at my local recruiting station (Neptune Beach, FL) that if accepted to do an Interservice Transfer from the Navy to the Active Duty Army (I put in a package to switch out of the Navy in February of '08) or failing that, joining the Florida National Guard after May 2011 (my minimum service requirement date) after I would attend the WTC.

It just made sense to me that I would attend WTC, to get me in step so to speak with the Army way of doing things. What transition training exists for officers transferring to the Army?

LT_77

November 11th, 2007, 05:26 PM

I gotta say.....coming from the Navy you would probably have to attend the Officer Basic Course, now known as BOLC.... unless your job had a direct transition (finance to finance or medical etc..)

Just me speculating though...

LoneRider

November 12th, 2007, 06:11 AM

I've bookmarked the BOLC website and I assume it's similar to the Marine Corps TBS (where all newly USMC 2nd LTs and WOs go) in terms of duration and course content. If you've read my other post: Prior Service Officer Question (US Navy), I mentioned I was a USMC hopeful as a midshipman but was turned down and sent to the surface fleet.

My job won't convert over. In terms of MOS', my current shipboard job involves our air defense equipment (CIWS and fire control radars) and the closest Army jobs (said the recruiting office) were Field Artillery and Air Defense Artillery. I'm primarily interested in the Infantry Officer MOS.

BlackHawkWarrior

December 20th, 2007, 11:57 AM

No, you are not required to attend WTC.

I left Active duty service (U.S Army) in 1994 as an E-6. I was required to go to WTC. I processed at Ft. Sill, (there for 3 weeks) then on to Santa Fe ( there 3 weeks). I was in Santa Fe a week early with 120 other soldiers. We had to wait for the class to fill. Then down to WSMR for the remaining 2 weeks. I graduated 26 October 2007 at the age of 41. Not a gentlemans course for sure but the BRM ranges made it worthwhile. I am now stationed at Ft. Eustis going through the 15T school. All I can say is prepare mentally, prepare physically and don't take anything personally. Remember to do the right thing even when no one is looking....you volunteered for whatever reason, just **** it up and remember the reasons your there for.

Spc Smith

December 21st, 2007, 10:35 PM

I left Active duty service (U.S Army) in 1994 as an E-6. I was required to go to WTC. I processed at Ft. Sill, (there for 3 weeks) then on to Santa Fe ( there 3 weeks). I was in Santa Fe a week early with 120 other soldiers. We had to wait for the class to fill. Then down to WSMR for the remaining 2 weeks. I graduated 26 October 2007 at the age of 41. Not a gentlemans course for sure but the BRM ranges made it worthwhile. I am now stationed at Ft. Eustis going through the 15T school. All I can say is prepare mentally, prepare physically and don't take anything personally. Remember to do the right thing even when no one is looking....you volunteered for whatever reason, just **** it up and remember the reasons your there for.

I just got back from WTC tonight. We graduated this last Wednesday and we were in Fort Sill the whole time. We processed for a week at the 95th reception battalion, then we were shipped over to the other side of the tracks to D 1/79 on the boot camp side. It was an interesting course. There are quite a few aspects could be handled better, but over all it was an interesting time.

Ugly Mug

February 1st, 2008, 08:44 AM

Hi Gang. I am a 41 yr old male, ex-Navy (don’t laugh) with 6 years prior service. I just swore into the NC Guard on Friday 1-25-08. I have a WTC ship date of 12/31/08, however I am expecting to ship in February or March when the next listing of open dates are uploaded. I would like a little info please. I really don’t care about how long you stand in the cold or how much they yell at you as mentioned in previous blogs, these things are beyond my control. My questions are concerning two things. What to bring and how to prepare? I read in one message that I should bring civilian clothes, laundry detergent, and alarm clock. Do I need to bring my own running shoes? Is 2 sets of clothes enough? Do we do our own laundry? Do I need to bring a lock for my locker? That kind of stuff. Next, I run 4 miles a day, 6 days a week. I also do push ups and sit ups 6 days a week. I do crunches and flutter kicks 3 days a week. Is there and exercise I am over looking? Any advice will be appreciated.

PFC HANSON

February 1st, 2008, 12:42 PM

I graduated WTC in AUG 07 and i see the same issues now that we saw then and one of the issuess was that solders couldnt understand why they were not treated like prior service and more like new recruits.The reason i feel is that most of us have been out for 7-10 years and now comming back in.In that time we probably lost our military berring and were civilians and it was the cadres job to brake us out of that and make us solders again.So in short and sorry if i hurt any feelings but **** it up and quit crying about oh im prior service and i should be treated with that respect.I had a great time and i wont lie I too had to get used to be treated like a recruit.The one thing i had trouble understanding was what was National Guard doing traing active Army troops?I was in the guard back in 93-95 and saw a bunch of fat ex-nam solders sitting around telling nam stories.I hated it and got out.After WTC that changed my opinion on National Guard.They were pretty squared away and I learned alot of great skills that I apply today.Hooora to WTC

PFC HANSON

February 1st, 2008, 12:49 PM

I am headed to the WTC in September but am staying active duty AF. I have been told that I will only need to attend the Santa Fe and WSMR portions of the course. I was wandering what type of training is given at these two places. I am very excited about attending but don't know exactly what to expect. Any incite would be greatly appreciated.
The elevation is really high there and running is hard to do cause you cant breath and i failed my first run and that was the first PT i had ever failed but its just a diagnostic so dont sweat it but do the best that you can.The food is terrble but it fills you up..lol.

Spc Smith

February 1st, 2008, 02:01 PM

Another thing to note. Just because they tell you now that you are going to Santa Fe and WSMB, don't think that's set in stone. Fort Sill has their program in full swing too and if there's a class starting up that they can get you in, they will (unless you're female, all females go to Santa Fe and WSMB). That's what happened to me.

Ammo

February 14th, 2008, 02:01 PM

Do all prior service go to Fort Sill? I just re-enlisted and was told I had to do 11 weeks in Lennon Wood to train in my MOS...so Im assuming WTC is not included in that 11 weeks? But I will definately have to go?

Spc Smith

February 14th, 2008, 02:05 PM

WTC is held at either Fort Sill or White Sands and to the best of my knowledge everyone that's prior service has to go. Not positive, that's just from my experience. There's a great board set up over at teh Military.com site about WTC. there are even a few of the Drill Sergeants that post there.

Ammo

February 14th, 2008, 04:07 PM

Do you know how often the classes are. Im sure I'll find out next week when I inprocess. My recruiter said he called them and they didnt have a training date. Just trying to get this done and know for sure to let my employer know.

Spc Smith

February 14th, 2008, 11:03 PM

I think you just sit in the 95th in Fort Sill till they can fill a class. We had people that were there for 2 weeks all the way down to 4 days.

Ammo

February 15th, 2008, 11:19 AM

I think you just sit in the 95th in Fort Sill till they can fill a class. We had people that were there for 2 weeks all the way down to 4 days.

Wanted an opinion, as I said before Im trying to wrap things up on the civilian side for when i have to go to WTC and AIT. My recruiter said he called my unit and they didnt have a date for me. Do you think it's too much if I call myself just to verify? Not saying I dont believe him, but I like information first hand, I dunno I guess Im just anxious. Plus employer, landlord, son wants answers now so they can be prepared.

Spc Smith

February 15th, 2008, 03:07 PM

I wouldn't think your Recruiter would get upset if you called your unit. Not sure if they would be able to help you on it, but Still. I mean my unit actially called ME when i was in WTC. At the time I was still "property" of the RSP unit I was drilling with and my unit that I am in now called me to make sure my training was going all right.

dindelus

February 15th, 2008, 08:07 PM

Went to both WSMR and Fort Sill.

As far as weapons-M16, 243 and the 240 automatic machine guns. No it is not hard but boy is it fun especially if you love to shoot up other peoples ammo:D
Yeah, I'm tired of 21 cents per round on my SKS 59/66!:D

tward3017

February 18th, 2008, 11:55 AM

I have been out since 1989 and my recruiter said I wouldn't have to go.
Interesting
I told him I would go but he stated they wont pay for it because Ive already been through Basic and NCO Academy during my last enlistments.

Frisco

February 18th, 2008, 01:17 PM

Hey, that's good to hear.

I've been out since 1988; hope that extra year doesn't make a difference!

Ammo

February 18th, 2008, 01:20 PM

So what are the exact number of pushups/situps and the run time does one have to do to pass. Im 25.

WIBecky74

February 18th, 2008, 02:17 PM

http://www.1800goguard.com/training/standards.php

link to standards

Frisco

February 29th, 2008, 06:11 PM

I was flipping through AR 601-210 and found a definitive answer. Section 3-19 contains the following:

b. For USAR and ARNG only, the following requirements apply:
(1) PS personnel must meet basic eligibility requirements outlined in this chapter and this section. They also must have successfully completed an Army basic combat training (BCT) course, Warrior Transition Course (WTC), or U.S. Marines BCT course during previous military service. These personnel will not be sent to WTC.

and from Section 5-16:

b. For RA only, PS personnel—
(1)(d) All PS applicants who have had a break in service of over 3 years will attend the WTC. PS applicants with a break in service of 3 or more years will be retrained regardless of enlisting with old MOS. Break in service is defined as last period of service to include IRR regardless of component. For the purpose of this section, for Soldiers who separate, break in service starts after MSO is completed or when a Soldier (regardless of service) is no longer a member of a reserve component (including the IRR).

So, if you've completed Army Basic or Marine Boot, and you're joining the Army Reserve or National Guard, you don't attend WTC.

If you're joining the Regular Army and have had a three year break in service, then you will attend WTC even if prior service Army or Marines.

jmchenry4

March 1st, 2008, 08:32 PM

Hi, I'm due to head to WTC in July, and I was wondering about bringing the uniform items I have already been issued.

I've read where people recommend not bringing too much personal items, but how about Army issued gear. By the time I get there I will have been with my unit for a year. So, at this point I have a good bit of items such as ACU's, PT uniforms, and so on. However, do you get issued items like when you went through basic? If so, just wondering if I should leave my gear at home and arrive there basically like I did back when I went through Navy basic. Appreciate any information. Thanks.