Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Fort Sill halts new basic training

The U.S. Army has put a hold on new recruits arriving at Fort Sill for Basic Combat Training.

Base leadership in Lawton said Monday the temporary delay takes effect immediately. Fort Sill is one of four sites where new recruits attend basic training.

Described as a "tactical pause," the decision will ensure proper safety measures are in place and are operating effectively, the base said in a news release.

“One of Fort Sill’s main missions is to develop leaders by training and educating new soldiers,” said Maj. Gen Ken Kamper, commander of the Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill. “We will continue to take all precautions and assess the situation to protect those currently in our ranks with social-distanced-enabled training, reduced movement, and increased screening.”

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U.S. Army recruiters will maintain close communication with future soldiers during the delay to ensure they have current information regarding their Army careers. Those who are currently in basic training and the advanced job-specific courses will continue training under the screening and monitoring guidelines established last month. They will then proceed to their next assignments upon graduation.

One of the early measures adopted by Fort Sill was to close graduation ceremonies to guests.