FORT SILL, Okla. (KSWO) - It's the time of year that the annual Holiday Block Leave (HBL) Stay Back Activities begin.

During this time, trainees in Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) who opted to stay back at Fort Sill during the holidays will participate in various activities and events.

Soldiers did several things in OKC earlier this week, and today they had a chance to reconnect with their families and relax.

HBL Stay Back Activities are a vital time for trainees, providing a chance to decompress over the holidays before resuming their rigorous training schedules.

The activities kicked off today with a Day at USO. Beginning at 10 a.m. Fort Sill trainees congregated to enjoy a collection of video games and other recreational activities.

Officials say it's important for Fort Sill to take care the soldiers and make sure they have a good holiday experience at Fort Sill.

You can see more of what these activities entail in the video attached.