Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) is a program of the United States Army National Guard designed to introduce new recruits to the fundamentals of the U.S. Army before they leave to Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). The motto is "Paratus Preliator" (prepared warrior). The program is based on the three traits of combat (Mentally Prepared - Administratively Correct - Physically Fit) and the seven Army Values (Loyalty - Duty - Respect - Selfless Service - Honor - Integrity - Personal Courage). And is the best program for recruits trying to learn more about what Basic Training (BCT) will be like.
In RSP there are five phases: Red phase (the person's first drill), White phase (from their second drill to the person's drill one month before they ship to BCT), Blue Phase (the person's last drill before they ship to BCT), Green phase (for the recruits who are split-shippers who have completed BCT and have come back to finish their senior year of high school or of college and are waiting to ship to AIT), and Gold phase (they are now soldiers and have completed both BCT and AIT; this is their last drill with RSP before they go to their home unit). While at RSP recruits do various training that will prepare them for BCT. Red, white, blue phase include but are not limited to the 1-1-1 PT test which consists of a 1-mile run, 1 minute for push-ups, and 1 minute for sit-up. Green phase includes but is not limited to the 2-2-2 PT tests which consists of a 2-mile run, 2 minutes for sit-ups, and 2 minutes for push-ups. Generally, RSP recruits undergo an Army Physical Fitness Test at every drill except for those in Gold Phase. Each PT test scores according to the soldier's gender and age.
Information on RS Detachments can be found on the states' RSP websites, information such as drill dates, newsletters, photos, and the unit’s soldier of the quarter. Such as Pennsylvania's RS Program's website would be www.pennrsp.com
All new recruits receive the "Soldier's Blue Book". This book includes all information that is needed to be successful while attending the RSP. Examples of this information would be important websites, Army Core Values, Military time, Rank structure, the history of the hand salute, the military standards of the height and weight table, General Orders, and what the new recruit will be tested on during the APFT. This information will also be needed for the stripes for skills.
Red Phase usually consists of the most important and introductory of the phases and includes a large amount of power point style learning. It covers topics such as the code of conduct and Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention (SHARP) regulations. This is when they are issued a Blue Book so that they are prepared for the rest of RSP.
Stripes for Skills often takes place during their first White phase, and allows especially knowledgeable recruits to receive early promotions in rank (stripes) based on the demonstration of the skills that they already have. These classes are often more hands on, and typically include topics such as First Aid, map reading and Drill and Ceremony (D&C)
The second and other following White phases may include far more hands on training. This usually involves more in-depth training in D&C as well as disassembly and reassembly of weapons, and proper handling of and respect for those weapons, such as keeping them guarded at all times. Sometimes recruits may learn drills such as combat formations and operations using "rubber ducks", fake rubber weapons meant to feel like their real counterpart. During instructional time, this group may be combined with Green phase which often practices the same things.
Blue Phase, as stated before is the last drill before a recruit leaves for BCT, and typically includes inspirational Q&A with Green and Gold phase recruits about what to expect, and common advice, as well as their favorite parts of their training. Blue phase is the "crash course" of everything about Basic Training that might have been missed or neglected in earlier phases.