Victory Block Leave to begin today

By Susanne Kappler, Fort Jackson LeaderDecember 18, 2014

Victory Block Leave begins today
Pvt. Gregory Meyer, Company A, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, leaves his unit area on Fort Jackson, S.C., for Mesa, Az., Dec. 18, 2014. Meyer graduated Basic Combat Training that day and will enjoy two weeks of Victory Block Leave before begi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Dec. 18, 2014) -- Approximately 8,000 Soldiers will begin to leave Fort Jackson today for the post's annual Victory Block Leave during the holiday season. Soldiers in Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training who are picked up by relatives start leaving today, whereas Soldiers using public transportation will depart according to a staggered schedule, which will be completed Saturday.

Soldiers will use trains, buses, cars and airplanes to make the trip.

The preparation for block leave is extensive, said Lt. Col. Dee Price, the chief of operations with the Army Training Center's operations office.

"We start the planning phase in July and begin working with our counterparts at TRADOC to develop a plan to brief the Fort Jackson leadership," Price said. "In September, we begin working with MWR Travel followed by training for selected non-commissioned officers on the VBL software. The VBL software assists us in maintaining accountability of all Soldiers traveling for VBL via air, train, (car) or bus. This is probably the most important training for VBL. All in all, the planning takes four to five months."

Price said the extensive preparation time requires many components on post to work together.

"There is always great teamwork between the brigades, civilians and partners in excellence in making every year successful," she said. "Executing VBL is all a part of the great teamwork here on Fort Jackson."

Before their departure, Soldiers were briefed on issues ranging from driving safety to drug use. All Soldiers will undergo urinalysis testing upon their return.

However, not all Soldiers will go home for the holidays. Some Soldiers will stay on post during block leave. The Soldiers will be assigned to the 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, which is this year's holdover unit. Soldiers who stay behind will be able to celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve on post. In addition, they will have the opportunity to visit some local attractions and attend sporting events during block leave.

Soldiers are due back on post Jan. 4.

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