Dave,

Congrats for your son. You must be proud.

Yes wait for written orders.

As a former Army infantry platoon leader (light, Air Assault), we expect the new privates from Benning to step in immediately and conduct PT very well.

That first duty day for PT in garrison, especially the run, needs to be where he shines. He needs to run like hell every day. If he makes a good first impression with his team leader and squad leader as a strong runner with high speed PT that will go a long way. Also, if he does PT on his own beyond what the unit does that looks good too.

In many ways, that two hours of PT in the morning is the most important part of the duty day in garrison.

They have changed the PT test since I got out, but his goal should be to max out everything.

Next is marksmanship. Goal is expert on all weapons.

Once those two things are squared away. Then he can really focus on the Bradley.