The 120th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception), Fort Jackson, S. C., is the largest reception battalion in the Army. During the summer months, the battalion serves as host to reserve component reception battalions. The 104th Training Division (LT) helped the battalion process the increased number of receptees this year, in return they received training and professional development for their own cadre. Photo by Master Sgt. Deborah Williams, 108th Training Command (IET), Public Affairs
FORT JACKSON, S.C. — The 120th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception), Fort Jackson, South Carolina, is the largest reception battalion in the Army. Reception Battalion (RECBN) is the period that begins when the recruit arrives at the Army post where he or she will undergo Basic Training.
When a Soldier first arrives at Fort Jackson for Basic Combat Training they are assigned to the 120th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception) where they complete their in processing. On average, a Soldier will stay there for 7 to 10 days before being assigned to a BCT unit.
The 120th mission is to receive, process, motivate and begin the transformation of Army accessions, prior service, Initial Entry Training (IET) and transitioning Soldiers to Training, World-Wide Assignments, Operational Army and Civilian Sector in support of ARFORGEN.
The 120th is responsible for the transformation of civilians to Soldiers during four days of processing that includes medical and dental screening, haircuts, the issue of military clothing, the preparation and issue of identification cards and tags, physical fitness screening, complete pay and personnel inprocessing, orientation briefings and immunizations.
“We process Soldiers here for direct deposit of their pay, to ensure their bank account information is current and correct,” said Spc. Timothy Keineke, 321st Support Bn, 104th Training Division (LT). “When and if Soldiers do not get paid it can impact morale.”
Some of the 104th returns here year after year to assist with the process.
The 120th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception), Fort Jackson, S.C., sets the conditions for Soldier success; provide vital services that allow Soldiers to focus on the challenges and goals of completing OUTCOME BASED TRAINING in support of their subsequent world-wide assignment. “These Soldiers receive really good training,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Harr, 3/321st, 104th Training Division (LT). “The drill sergeants are highly trained and really sharp.” Photo by Master Sgt. Deborah Williams, 108th Training Command (IET), Public Affairs
“I have been here seven or eight times, but usually I worked the night shift,” said Keineke. “This is my first time working the day shift.”
During the summer months, the battalion serves as host to reserve component reception battalions. They help the battalion process the increased number of receptees, and receive training and professional development for their own cadre.
“Right now there are about eight drill sergeants here augmenting the Active Component. I use to be in Quartermaster, so there was lots of field duty, I am loving this,” Harr said. “I am here on Annual Training, but it will end Saturday.”
Spc. Timothy Keineke, 321st Support Bn, 104th Training Division (LT), returns every year to ensure Soldiers are getting paid during the 120th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception) inprocessing at Fort Jackson, S.C.. ” Photo by Master Sgt. Deborah Williams, 108th Training Command (IET), Public Affairs
The 120th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception) is the largest reception battalion in the Army. It receives, processes, motivates and begins the Soldierization process for more than 45,000 Soldiers each year, from all components, arriving for Initial Entry Training (IET) at the U.S. Army Training Center & Fort Jackson (USATC&FJ).
The battalion also processes Phase II and prior service Soldiers and prepares them for onward movement to a training company or other unit of assignment.
“These Soldiers receive really good training,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Harr, 3/321st, 104th Training Division (LT). “The drill sergeants are highly trained and really sharp.”
The 120th sets the conditions for Soldier success; provide vital services that allow Soldiers to focus on the challenges and goals of completing OUTCOME BASED TRAINING in support of their subsequent world-wide assignment.
The Army is in constant change today, new uniforms, pt, training, technology, but some things never change.
A lone civilian/Soldier approached Harr saying, “I was told to come over here.”
“Who told you to come over here, nobody told you to come over here. Get back with your group!” Harr said…..but some things never change.