CHRISTMAS EXODUS
The Army pauses training during the holiday, called Exodus...on or about 22 Dec through 3 Jan. Here is a brief explanation for the Future Soldiers that are shipping out in September and October. The Army shuts down its Training operations for a 10 day (or so) period at Christmas. The primary reason for "Exodus" is so Drill Sergeants and Basic Training Staff members can spend Christmas with their families. So this results in a break for basic training recruits also. If you are "lucky" enough to be attending Army basic training during the Exodus period, you will be given a choice: (1) You can remain at basic training and be assigned to do details during the 10-day period, or (2) You can take leave and go home. Any leave you take comes out of your leave entitlement (30 days per year, soldiers earn 2.5 days a month). Additionally, you have to pay for your own transportation home and back to basic training at the end of the Exodus period.