ProTalk-The Future Soldier – Part Two
Blog
By Rick Welling, Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Barbaresi, and Dr. David Dawson, USAREC, Doctrine Division
Oct. 1, 2015
"The Future Soldier" is the continuing saga of Jessica Carter, who is now Future Soldier Pvt. Carter."
Later that day, Pvt, Jessica Carter and her parents arrive at the center ahead of schedule. Sgt, 1st Class Carl Miller greets them with a smile congratulating each. He asks Pvt. Carter about her experience at MEPS and the enlistment process reaffirming how excited the center is to have her as a new Future Soldier.
Carter’s recruiter, Staff Sgt. James Johnson waits for the appropriate time to take over the conversation, greeting each family member with congratulations and a handshake, and asks them to have a seat. He invites Sgt. Carla Morris to participate in the counseling session.
Johnson begins the discussion with an overview of what they are going to cover during the orientation. He notices that Pvt. Carter brought her new backpack (RPI 200) and asks her to take out her enlistment paperwork.
Carter’s enlistment contract is the first thing Johnson discusses. Reviewing it with the family, he ensures they fully understand everything, and answers their questions.
Johnson asks Carter if she has any questions about her Future Soldier and Army Pocket Physical Training Guides. Even though she answers “No”, Johnson reviews both guides, highlighting important sections, including the references for military time, the phonetic alphabet, and the military ranks chart. He holds up the black Army t-shirt contained in the bag telling Carter she is expected to wear it during Future Soldier functions.
Taking out a copy of the center’s Future Soldier training schedule, Johnson stresses the weekly functions are mandatory unless she has been excused in advance. He explains the requirement to call and check in with him or Miller when she is unable to attend training. Johnson talks about the opportunity to bring a guest and starts working toward a referral enlistment for advanced promotion.
He registers Carter for an ARS-SMART account explaining its importance. While he’s online, he takes the opportunity to familiarize Carter with www.futuresoldiers.com, showing her how to complete the required training tasks virtually through the Future Soldier Training System using her GoArmy username and password.
Since she is already an E2, he explains that in order to get promoted to E3, she must complete the training, pass a PT test with 60 points in each event, and provide a referral enlistment before shipping to IET.
He has her review the copy of UF 601-210.23, UF 601-210.24, and the UF 601-210.27 in her folder, and the APFT standards chart located in the Future Soldier Guide.
Johnson and Carter agree to schedule her Physical Fitness Assessment on Monday the following week and develop a physical fitness plan based on her initial assessment. Morris volunteers to assist with grading.
Johnson discusses the additional “Leader Based Training” tasks they will cover during some of the Future Soldier functions, including SHARP, suicide prevention, and resiliency.
Johnson provides Carter with literature on the ConAp program, which they briefly discussed during the Army Interview. He enrolls her for an account then shifts gears assuming a sterner demeanor with Carter and her parents.
Johnson retrieves the DD Form 2983 from the folder explaining that the next topic is very important and needs to be taken seriously, so she needs to pay attention to everything he is about to cover.
Johnson reiterates that as a Future Soldier, she represents the Army and must conduct herself in a manner that is consistent with the Army Values and Warrior Ethos at all times. He reviews the DD 2983 with Carter and her parents, covering each item line by line making sure she has a thorough understanding of what is and is not considered acceptable conduct while in the Future Soldier Training Program.
He explains that the DD 2983 doesn’t cover everything; that there will be times when she must use discretion and personal judgment to gauge appropriate conduct and actions. He stresses that there is an absolute “zero tolerance” policy for violations of Future Soldier prohibited activities, and that any breach of her commitment to uphold the Army Values will result in termination of her enlistment, dismissal from the Future Soldier Training Program, and possible legal recourse if appropriate. Johnson asks if she understands everything on the form, then has her sign it.
Once the gravity of prohibited activities is engrained in Carter’s mind, Johnson uses the prepared DA 4856 to complete the remainder of the Future Soldier orientation. He uses this opportunity to explain the counseling process, the importance of it, and the expectation that one day she will counsel and develop her subordinate Soldiers.
Johnson uses the DA 4856 to explain the what will be expected of Carter while she is assigned to the Future Soldier Training Program, reiterating most of the items discussed during the orientation.
DA Form 4856 also lays out the importance of maintaining mental, physical, and moral readiness up to the day she will ship. It outlines family support and provides family members and other key influencers information and materials developed to assist in support initiatives; including the family member link at the top of the www.futuresoldiers.com home page, the U.S, Army Future Soldier Family Facebook links, and the opportunities available through the Family Information Center (FIC).
Johnson discusses the Hometown Recruiter Assistance Program telling Carter she is eligible for consideration for HRAP duty while in AIT, or after arrival at her first duty station, depending on her performance while in the FSTP.
After reviewing the DA 4856, Johnson can tell by the look on Carter’s face that she is slightly overwhelmed by all the information they just covered. Smiling, he tells her not to worry, that he understands they covered a lot of topics, and while expectations are high, the recruiters in the center are there to make sure each and every Future Soldier is successful.
Johnson summarizes the session by reaffirming Carter will be successful if she takes her commitment seriously, attends the weekly Future Soldier functions, and stays out of trouble by always doing the right thing even if no one is looking.
He hands her the Future Soldier roster, which is organized into four squads, pointing out her squad leader, platoon sergeant, and their contact information. Johnson tells Carter she will meet both of them at the next Future Soldier function, but if she needs anything in the meantime to feel free to contact them.
He mentions he expects her to serve in a Future Soldier leadership position at some point before shipping to basic training.
Johnson provides her with a copy of the direct deposit form with instructions on how to complete the form and to bring it back with her on Monday.
After Johnson makes sure no one has any further questions, he and Morris escort the family back to their car for a final goodbye. Morris tells Carter she looks forward to seeing her on Monday for her Physical Fitness Assessment, instructing Carter to get plenty of rest on Sunday so she can give a 100 percent effort during the assessment.
After one more round of congratulations, Carter and her parents leave and Johnson and Morris head back into the center to update Carter’s contact history, brief Miller on the orientation, and do a quick AAR.
END OF PART TWO
Blog
By Rick Welling, Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Barbaresi, and Dr. David Dawson, USAREC, Doctrine Division
Oct. 1, 2015
"The Future Soldier" is the continuing saga of Jessica Carter, who is now Future Soldier Pvt. Carter."
Later that day, Pvt, Jessica Carter and her parents arrive at the center ahead of schedule. Sgt, 1st Class Carl Miller greets them with a smile congratulating each. He asks Pvt. Carter about her experience at MEPS and the enlistment process reaffirming how excited the center is to have her as a new Future Soldier.
Carter’s recruiter, Staff Sgt. James Johnson waits for the appropriate time to take over the conversation, greeting each family member with congratulations and a handshake, and asks them to have a seat. He invites Sgt. Carla Morris to participate in the counseling session.
Johnson begins the discussion with an overview of what they are going to cover during the orientation. He notices that Pvt. Carter brought her new backpack (RPI 200) and asks her to take out her enlistment paperwork.
Carter’s enlistment contract is the first thing Johnson discusses. Reviewing it with the family, he ensures they fully understand everything, and answers their questions.
Johnson asks Carter if she has any questions about her Future Soldier and Army Pocket Physical Training Guides. Even though she answers “No”, Johnson reviews both guides, highlighting important sections, including the references for military time, the phonetic alphabet, and the military ranks chart. He holds up the black Army t-shirt contained in the bag telling Carter she is expected to wear it during Future Soldier functions.
Taking out a copy of the center’s Future Soldier training schedule, Johnson stresses the weekly functions are mandatory unless she has been excused in advance. He explains the requirement to call and check in with him or Miller when she is unable to attend training. Johnson talks about the opportunity to bring a guest and starts working toward a referral enlistment for advanced promotion.
He registers Carter for an ARS-SMART account explaining its importance. While he’s online, he takes the opportunity to familiarize Carter with www.futuresoldiers.com, showing her how to complete the required training tasks virtually through the Future Soldier Training System using her GoArmy username and password.
Since she is already an E2, he explains that in order to get promoted to E3, she must complete the training, pass a PT test with 60 points in each event, and provide a referral enlistment before shipping to IET.
He has her review the copy of UF 601-210.23, UF 601-210.24, and the UF 601-210.27 in her folder, and the APFT standards chart located in the Future Soldier Guide.
Johnson and Carter agree to schedule her Physical Fitness Assessment on Monday the following week and develop a physical fitness plan based on her initial assessment. Morris volunteers to assist with grading.
Johnson discusses the additional “Leader Based Training” tasks they will cover during some of the Future Soldier functions, including SHARP, suicide prevention, and resiliency.
Johnson provides Carter with literature on the ConAp program, which they briefly discussed during the Army Interview. He enrolls her for an account then shifts gears assuming a sterner demeanor with Carter and her parents.
Johnson retrieves the DD Form 2983 from the folder explaining that the next topic is very important and needs to be taken seriously, so she needs to pay attention to everything he is about to cover.
Johnson reiterates that as a Future Soldier, she represents the Army and must conduct herself in a manner that is consistent with the Army Values and Warrior Ethos at all times. He reviews the DD 2983 with Carter and her parents, covering each item line by line making sure she has a thorough understanding of what is and is not considered acceptable conduct while in the Future Soldier Training Program.
He explains that the DD 2983 doesn’t cover everything; that there will be times when she must use discretion and personal judgment to gauge appropriate conduct and actions. He stresses that there is an absolute “zero tolerance” policy for violations of Future Soldier prohibited activities, and that any breach of her commitment to uphold the Army Values will result in termination of her enlistment, dismissal from the Future Soldier Training Program, and possible legal recourse if appropriate. Johnson asks if she understands everything on the form, then has her sign it.
Once the gravity of prohibited activities is engrained in Carter’s mind, Johnson uses the prepared DA 4856 to complete the remainder of the Future Soldier orientation. He uses this opportunity to explain the counseling process, the importance of it, and the expectation that one day she will counsel and develop her subordinate Soldiers.
Johnson uses the DA 4856 to explain the what will be expected of Carter while she is assigned to the Future Soldier Training Program, reiterating most of the items discussed during the orientation.
DA Form 4856 also lays out the importance of maintaining mental, physical, and moral readiness up to the day she will ship. It outlines family support and provides family members and other key influencers information and materials developed to assist in support initiatives; including the family member link at the top of the www.futuresoldiers.com home page, the U.S, Army Future Soldier Family Facebook links, and the opportunities available through the Family Information Center (FIC).
Johnson discusses the Hometown Recruiter Assistance Program telling Carter she is eligible for consideration for HRAP duty while in AIT, or after arrival at her first duty station, depending on her performance while in the FSTP.
After reviewing the DA 4856, Johnson can tell by the look on Carter’s face that she is slightly overwhelmed by all the information they just covered. Smiling, he tells her not to worry, that he understands they covered a lot of topics, and while expectations are high, the recruiters in the center are there to make sure each and every Future Soldier is successful.
Johnson summarizes the session by reaffirming Carter will be successful if she takes her commitment seriously, attends the weekly Future Soldier functions, and stays out of trouble by always doing the right thing even if no one is looking.
He hands her the Future Soldier roster, which is organized into four squads, pointing out her squad leader, platoon sergeant, and their contact information. Johnson tells Carter she will meet both of them at the next Future Soldier function, but if she needs anything in the meantime to feel free to contact them.
He mentions he expects her to serve in a Future Soldier leadership position at some point before shipping to basic training.
Johnson provides her with a copy of the direct deposit form with instructions on how to complete the form and to bring it back with her on Monday.
After Johnson makes sure no one has any further questions, he and Morris escort the family back to their car for a final goodbye. Morris tells Carter she looks forward to seeing her on Monday for her Physical Fitness Assessment, instructing Carter to get plenty of rest on Sunday so she can give a 100 percent effort during the assessment.
After one more round of congratulations, Carter and her parents leave and Johnson and Morris head back into the center to update Carter’s contact history, brief Miller on the orientation, and do a quick AAR.
END OF PART TWO