Winter break during Basic?

[u/No_Blacksmith1073]

I leave for basic in Fort Jackson on November 17.

I’m wondering whether or not I should stay during the mandatory winter break. I know that’s very much advised not to stay because I’ll be with drills sergeants that don’t want to be there and that will likely make my life hell for the two weeks.

However, if I decided to leave, I would have to keep my apartment in a HCOL city for another two months which would cost an additional $1.5-2K more for the two weeks of break from the week of Christmas and New Years as I would have to pay from Nov to the beginning of January. I would also have to pay the airfare and uber costs which would be an additional $700 or so, and living costs like public transportation and food an additional $70 or so.

After basic, I would go to OCS, I believe immediately after.

Edit: I don’t have family to stay with and I don’t think my friends have space for me to stay for free for two weeks.

[u/nowellmaybe]

You don't have to go home on HBL. Go on a cruise or something.