7 Crucial Steps To Find And Order Your Soldier's Army Basic Training Photos From Fort Jackson
Finding the official photos from your Soldier's Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, is a deeply meaningful step for any military family. As of late 2025, the process for locating and purchasing these cherished memories—which document the intense transformation from civilian to United States Soldier—has specific steps you must follow, especially since the primary photography services on base frequently change or update their procedures.
This guide cuts through the confusion, providing the most current and accurate information on where to find the high-resolution individual portraits, platoon photos, and action shots from the Red Phase, White Phase, and Blue Phase of training. We will detail the authorized photography vendors, the types of packages available, and the exact steps you need to take to ensure you receive these priceless keepsakes documenting their time at the U.S. Army's largest training center.
The Fort Jackson Basic Combat Training Photo Landscape: Key Entities and Phases
Fort Jackson, located in Columbia, South Carolina, is the U.S. Army’s largest and most active Basic Combat Training (BCT) center, processing roughly 50% of all new Soldiers. Understanding the entities involved and the phases of training is crucial to locating the correct photo archive.
- Fort Jackson, SC: The installation itself, home to the U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training (USACIMT) and the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
- Drill Sergeants: The non-commissioned officers (NCOs) responsible for the training and often featured in group photos.
- The BCT Phases: The 10-week cycle is broken down into three phases, each with different photo opportunities:
- Red Phase (Weeks 1-3): The initial, most intense phase focused on discipline, physical fitness, and the Army Core Values. Photos here often capture the initial shock and Zero Week processing.
- White Phase (Weeks 4-5): Focuses on marksmanship, the Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM) qualification, and more technical skills.
- Blue Phase (Weeks 6-9): The final phase, culminating in the intense field training exercise known as The Forge, which is a major source of action photos.
- Key Locations: Photos are often taken at iconic spots like Hilton Field (for graduation practice), the confidence course, and various ranges.
- Official Photography Vendors: As of 2025, the primary commercial photography services authorized to document BCT at Fort Jackson include Fort Jackson Photography and Fort Jackson Photo. *Note: BasicTrainingPhotos.com ceased servicing Fort Jackson in January 2023, so ensure you are using a current vendor.*
Understanding the Official Fort Jackson Photo Packages
The photos you purchase are typically separated into two main categories: formal portraits and action/training photos. These are the two essential products families seek to document the entire journey.
The Formal Portrait Package (Dress Uniform)
This package is the traditional military portrait, usually taken during the mid-to-late stages of training when the Soldier receives their official Army Service Uniform (ASU) or a similar dress uniform. The photo is a professional, individual portrait, often used for family keepsakes and wallet prints.
- Individual Portraits: High-quality, retouched photos of the Soldier in their dress uniform.
- Platoon/Company Photo: A large, formal group photo of the entire unit, including the Drill Sergeants. This is a mandatory item for many families and a vital record of the BCT Company.
- Package Contents: Standard packages from vendors like Fort Jackson Photography often include a mix of print sizes, such as 11x14, 5x7 prints, and wallet-sized photos perfect for mailing to family members.
The Training and Action Photo Package
These are the candid, behind-the-scenes images that document the transformation process. The photography team follows the company through various BCT events, capturing the rigorous physical and mental challenges.
- Action Shots: Photos from the Obstacle Course, rappelling tower, Drill and Ceremony (D&C) practice, and field exercises.
- The Forge Documentation: A significant portion of the training photos focuses on The Forge, the culminating 72-hour field exercise that tests all the skills learned. These are often the most sought-after images.
- Digital Access: Many current packages offer a digital download of all training photos, which can range from 300 to over 400 images per company, allowing families to view and print their favorites.
7 Steps to Locate and Order Your Soldier's BCT Photos
The process begins before Family Day and Graduation. Follow these steps to ensure you don't miss the window to order.
Step 1: Identify Your Soldier’s Company Information
You must know the Soldier’s full name, BCT Company (e.g., Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment), and the graduation date. This information is typically found on the Soldier's official mailing address or their initial letter home.
Step 2: Check the Official Vendors
Visit the websites of the current authorized vendors, such as Fort Jackson Photography (fortjacksonphotography.com) and Fort Jackson Photo (fortjacksonphoto.com). These sites are the official clearinghouses for BCT photos.
Step 3: Search the Company Archives
On the vendor's website, navigate to the "Training Photos" or "Find Your Soldier" section. You will be prompted to select the Battalion and Company (e.g., 2-39 IN, Delta Company). The photos are organized by unit, not by individual name, which is why the company information is critical.
Step 4: Understand the Pre-Order vs. Post-Graduation Order
Many families choose to pre-order a package early in the training cycle, which often includes a discount. Other packages, like the Dress Photo Package, are typically ordered closer to Graduation Day. Items ordered for after graduation usually ship within three weeks of the ceremony.
Step 5: Review the Photo Verification Process
Some vendors operate on a verification model. For the Dress Portrait, the Soldier will often receive a proof or order form while still at Fort Jackson. They are responsible for verifying their information and choosing their desired package before Graduation Day. Ensure your Soldier knows which package you intend to purchase.
Step 6: Look for Publicly Available Photos (DVIDS)
While not individual photos, the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) and the official Fort Jackson Army.mil website often post high-quality, general photos and news updates from various BCT companies. Searching DVIDS for your specific company or a general "Fort Jackson BCT" can provide additional, officially released images of training activities.
Step 7: Plan for Family Day and Graduation
Family Day is the first opportunity for the Soldier to reunite with their family. Many vendors set up booths or have representatives available on post during this time, particularly near the Drill Sergeant Hall of Fame or Solomon Center, allowing families to view proofs and place final orders in person. This is the last and best chance to resolve any issues before the photos are printed and shipped.
Detail Author:
- Name : Kurtis Hermiston
- Username : hirthe.gisselle
- Email : vnader@walter.net
- Birthdate : 1979-10-01
- Address : 3446 Amari Burg Bernardhaven, ME 96469
- Phone : +1-478-577-2353
- Company : Purdy-Lynch
- Job : Auxiliary Equipment Operator
- Bio : Porro animi omnis illo cum. Aut ut consequuntur eos fugit. Et voluptatem voluptatem ipsam delectus a ut repellat. Vel repudiandae numquam harum culpa quo autem qui.
Socials
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/blaise.dibbert
- username : blaise.dibbert
- bio : Pariatur et unde voluptate exercitationem et autem. Debitis et vel adipisci illo incidunt.
- followers : 170
- following : 112
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@blaise6207
- username : blaise6207
- bio : Eum ut deserunt tempora blanditiis quibusdam praesentium.
- followers : 1497
- following : 2815
