Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP)

The ARNG Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) is similar to the Army and USAR Delayed Entry Program (DEP) as the formal process for indoctrinating and preparing ARNG Soldiers for the successful completion of their Initial Active Duty Training (IADT). Army and USAR DEP Soldiers initially contract at the MEPS and remain in the DEP until they return for their actual enlistment and IADT ship processing. ARNG Soldiers are accessed during the initial MEPS processing and are on active, paid drilling status while awaiting their IADT ship date. They drill with their State's RSP until they depart for Basic Combat Training (BCT), and then join their actual unit of assignment when they are MOS qualified.

The intent of the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) is to reduce training pipeline losses by introducing newly enlisted ARNG Soldiers to the military environment and to ease their adjustment to BCT and Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

The mission is to prepare non-prior service enlistees, hereafter referred to as "Warriors," for the physical and mental rigors of initial active duty for training (IADT); instill the seven Army values in each Warrior; verify that Warriors are administratively, mentally, and physically prepared to meet shipping requirements, and reduce training pipeline losses.

The Recruit Sustainment Program incorporates instruction in; Academic, Physical Readiness, and Common Task Training. Each Warrior will be screened for administrative problems as well as height, weight, and physical fitness.

New Warriors will progress through four phases of Soldier Empowerment and Readiness (SEAR) training while attending the RSP Course:

Red Phase:
The Soldier's first RSP drill weekend begins with the Red Phase. During Red Phase, Soldiers are in-processed, integrated and provided instruction on Army Values, chain of command, rank structure, saluting, military time, phonetic alphabet, and more. Warriors receive their Battle Book and Challenge Coin during this drill. Red Phase is usually conducted monthly to review, reinforce, and expand training.

White Phase:
This phase varies in length but covers the period between the first drill weekend and the final drill weekend before the Soldier begins the pre-ship (Blue) phase of indoctrination. Many topics are covered, including three main categories: the training community, military history and background, and physical readiness. This phase should be supplemented by tailored state and unit level instruction.

Blue Phase:
This is the final two 4-hour drills (the last day) before shipping and provides an overview and review of what each Soldier should expect at Reception Battalion and BCT.

Green Phase:
This phase is for Soldiers who enlisted in the Split Training Option (STO) Program and have completed Phase 1 (BCT). Green Phase Soldiers may serve as student leaders while they receive additional physical readiness, leadership, and BCT refresher training in preparation for Phase 2 (AIT) with additional emphasis on BCT skills sustainment.

Gold Phase/Battle Handoff:
The Soldier's first drill after successful completion of IADT is his or her final weekend at the RSP. Gold Phase teaches Soldiers what to expect at their unit of assignment, as well as what will be expected from them. Most importantly, it provides the Battle Handoff from the RSP to the Soldier's new unit/sponsor through a formal rite of passage ceremony attended by RSP Soldiers and the gaining unit leadership.