Ft. Sill BCT

[2761377]

In early August my son starts BCT for the National Guard as a 13D. his Mom and I plan to attend his graduation. I'm curious to know-

- are there any lodgings/restaurants in Lawton we should definitely cross off our list? his exact grad date is not yet listed on the Ft. Sill website- is there a time pressure to get lodging?

- will his rifle have an optic on it? if so, what kind?

Thanks

[msternin]

In early August my son starts BCT for the National Guard as a 13D. his Mom and I plan to attend his graduation. I'm curious to know-

- are there any lodgings/restaurants in Lawton we should definitely cross off our list? his exact grad date is not yet listed on the Ft. Sill website- is there a time pressure to get lodging?

- will his rifle have an optic on it? if so, what kind?

Thanks

When he gets to BCT, they'll have him fill out a bunch of stuff. One of the docs will include your info so they can send you his graduation info. While I did not attend Ft. Sill, there should be lodging and area information on the main post website or the Ft. Sill MWR website. I would book something once you find out his grad date. Ft. Sill is not exactly a bustling metropolis with Vegas quantity hotel rooms, so book as early as you can.

All posts and BCT are different, however it is unlikely he will have an optic on his rifle for BRM (Basic Rifle Marksmanship). It's usually all iron. There will be a small portion of time used for ARM (Advanced Rifle Marksmanship) where they may issue a few M68 CCOs (Aimpoint) or an ACOG (but probably not).

I went to BCT a long time ago before I went officer. Things may have changed in the marksmanship area, but I'd bet BRM is still the same.

[Noonanda]

Lawton has a good amount of Smaller hotels/motels, nothing that is gonna wow you but its someplace to sleep and shower. I PCS's back out to Camp Pendleton in 2006 but Lawton was growing when I left and likely has gotten bigger since. There is also a decent amount of restaurants, and alot of bars.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

You will enjoy the ceremony and see an obvious transition in your new soldier. I didn't have any family attend my BCT Graduation at Fort Jackson, but another soldier's family signed me out so I could go off post. Leaving in a POV and going to eat at a restaurant off post is a huge deal after BCT. Go somewhere good!

[xmikex]

No optics for BRM he will qualify with iron sights but you do use a red dot a time or two at the range just to get use to using it. Nothing to fancy, he will use a m16 or m4 if he is short.

[pfdr1991]

I graduated Fort Sill in 2011, no optics and we used M16's. As for Lawton, it's pretty much all around crappy. I only saw it for 2 days but left a bad taste in my mouth.

[jmsenk]

I did CTLT for a time at Ft. Sill while I was at The Academy. There is this place you'll want to check out in Lawton called The Electric Cowboy... oh, wait, never mind, you're going with your wife.

Nevertheless, I have been a lot of places in the Army and I found Ft. Sill to have a lot more than many other posts as far as lodging, amenities, and things to do.

There are multiple museums and cool stuff to check out, if you so desire (Geronimo's grave is there) and pricing for lodging and resturants is somewhat inexpensive, though I can imagine it gets a bit higher around BCT graduation times.

Good luck to your son, and enjoy Oklahoma!

[zacksahi]

I was stationed at Fort sill and PCS'D from there a few years ago. There is plenty of small hotels around so no need to reserve in advance. If you want to go to a casino while out there there's a decent one that has a best Western I believe right next to it. You should check out a burger joint called Burgess grill and get the hodgepodge burger. Because your son is 13 series he will get a pass the weekend after BCT ends and is going to AIT. He will report to Ait and they will let you guys sign him out for the weekend while they await the other guys from other basic trainings to fly in. So plan on staying a few extra days besides graduation and family day. I too am a 13D and if your son has any questions PM me

[2761377]

Wow-Belated Thanks for all the replies. I stopped monitoring this thread after about a week with only one response.

the responses since make up for it. it's kinda funny, one of his classmates is at Ft Jackson right now. his JROTC class has twice as many people actually enlisting as any of the previous 3. last year, though, CA873 got an Academy appointment.

Good to know about the extra time- we'll get him in the family car and see some stuff.

Thanks for the well wishes; one thing's for sure he gonna grow up pretty fast

[libudongr]

Leaving in a POV and going to eat at a restaurant off post is a huge deal after BCT

[2761377]

things proceed apace. in order to access the installation and attend Family Day and Graduation, I am asked to provide all my private info, including SSN. the deadline to do so is a month in advance.

this seems overboard intrusive.

his JROTC unit had a week at Pendleton the last 4 summers. all we needed was just CDL.

why the difference?

[Dutch3]

My youngest daughter is there and just transitioned from reception to her BCT unit a couple of days ago.

I don't think I can make her graduation, but my wife wants to be there. Is there any kind of bus or shuttle service from OKC to Ft. Sill, or is it going to be a rental car scenario?

[Tripper]

Ft. Sill BCT

You will enjoy the ceremony and see an obvious transition in your new soldier. I didn't have any family attend my BCT Graduation at Fort Jackson, but another soldier's family signed me out so I could go off post. Leaving in a POV and going to eat at a restaurant off post is a huge deal after BCT. Go somewhere good!

Yah, if your going, you sign your child, and have spouse sign for a friend
My buddy's parents did that for me 25 years ago, and he's still a good friend as well as his family.
As mentioned, it is a huge deal, a most memorable experience, weird for such a simple gesture

[socalblue]

My youngest daughter is there and just transitioned from reception to her BCT unit a couple of days ago.

I don't think I can make her graduation, but my wife wants to be there. Is there any kind of bus or shuttle service from OKC to Ft. Sill, or is it going to be a rental car scenario?

Rent a car, bring quarters for the toll road.

[geoint]

I graduated Fort Sill in 2011, no optics and we used M16's. As for Lawton, it's pretty much all around crappy. I only saw it for 2 days but left a bad taste in my mouth.

I graduated Jackson in 2011 and we had the same. Crappy ancient M16's with carry handles.

OP, its unlikely your son's rifle will be a newer M4 with any type of optic, TRADOC does not have much of a budget for new equipment.