Recruits arrive in civilian clothes at the 43rd Adjutant General Battalion on Day 0
Fort Leonard Wood’s 43rd Adjutant General Reception Battalion is where people begin the transformation from civilian to Army Soldier. The stay at the reception battalion is normally a “brief” four days, but this crucial 96 hours creates the foundation for an Army career. In Grant Hall, Soldiers process through 18 different stations under the control of non-commissioned officers and drill sergeants. During this time, military records will be established that follow service members throughout their careers, including medical, financial and personnel records. Approximately 30,000 new Soldiers are processed through the 43rd AG Bn., each year.
Recruits wait for their turn in the barber chair.
A barber gives the standard Initial Entry Training haircut to a recruit on Day 1. Every male recruit gets his head shaved before the start of Initial Entry Training.
A supply technician helps Soldiers fit their new boots on Day 2.
Troops file onto a bus after receiving a duffle bag full of military equipment including cold weather gear, boots, socks and Army Combat Uniforms.