BASIC TRAINING

The Sergeant is the primary individual responsible for your training during this period.
You'll probably think that this individual does an unusual amount of shouting, all of which seems directed at you.
But if it's any comfort, everyone in your training company feels the same way.
So don't let it get to you.
You're not being hassled or harassed.
The Sergeant's job is to turn you into a good soldier within a few short weeks
The shouting and toughness are all part of the process.
You'll come to remember your Sergeant, if not with affection, certainly with respect.

The weeks of Basic Combat Training are filled with training challenges and experiences you will never forget.
Some of the highlights you can expect are as follows: (Note: The sequence of events may vary slightly at different posts, but the content will be generally the same everywhere.)

What to expect.

Both men and women can expect indoor and outdoor classes covering the following subjects:
- Military Courtesies and Customs
- Drill and Ceremonies
- ID and Wear of the Uniform
- Inspections
- Guard Duty
- Drill and Ceremonies
- Role of the army
- Responsibility of a Soldier
- Code of Conduct, Geneva & The Hague Conventions
- Marches and Bivouacs
- Basic Rifle Marksmanship
- Hand Grenades
- Familiarization with U.S. Weapons
- Personal Affairs (Service Benefits)
- Military Justice
- Equal Opportunity
- Hazards of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
- Personal Health and Hygiene
- Individual Protective Measures for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical - - - -- Defense
- First Aid
- Field Hygiene and Sanitation
- Individual Tactical Training Techniques
- Fire and Maneuver
- Defensive Training
- Confidence Course
- Army Heritage and Traditions

First Week.

Your training starts out at a fast pace, but one you can handle. You do various exercises and running, called PT (Physical Training).
You learn marching and facing movements and start on the Manual of Arms with your newfound buddy, the M-16 rifle.
You'll study the functioning of this weapon, how to sight-adjust, disassemble and assemble.
A Drill Sergeant will show you how to prepare for you first barracks inspection.
And you'll learn that your first inspections are never good enough, but you'll get better.

During this week, you will also find yourself feeling better, despite sore muscles and a few aches.
More PT--grass drills, various exercises, wind sprints, and running.
The week will end with a preparation for a foot and wall locker inspection, including field equipment and clothing.

Second Week.

From sit-ups and push-ups on the exercise field to running and climbing on the obstacle course, you cover a lot of ground and discover muscles you never knew you had.
You'll learn about rifle-bayonet fighting, communications, drill and ceremonies and first aid.
You'll take PT test to see how far you've come, and have another inspection of your wall locker and field equipment.

Third Week.

You're still sore, but you're feeling better.
And while there's still more PT, there's also map reading, hand-to-hand combat techniques and an introduction to the use of hand grenades.
You also start to learn the "mechanics" of firing your rifle, and have Pugil Stick Training as well as Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) Training which includes entering a gas chamber with a protective mask.
The week ends once again with an inspection of your wall locker and field equipment--this time by the Company Commander.

Fourth Week.

This week your training will be primarily in Basic Rifle Marksmanship.
You'll also continue to familiarize yourself with map-reading as you practice navigating from one point to another.
The week ends with a Class "A" uniform and weapons inspection by the Battalion Commander.

Fifth Week.

You'll spend a lot of time on the rifle range, firing from all positions, as you prepare to fire for record.
You just might qualify for a badge as a marksman, sharpshooter or expert.
You'll also undergo individual tactical training, more grenade training, a more comprehensive test covering all the skills you've training in so far, and will take a diagnostic PT test to check your physical fitness progress.

Sixth Week.

More tactical training, again mostly outdoors.
You'll learn about additional weapons such as antipersonnel mines, antitank weapons and grenade launchers.
You'll also go through a bayonet assault course, experience an eight-mile road march and the week will conclude with an inspection by the Brigade Commander.

Seventh Week.

All the pieces are starting to come together.
That tactical training, PT, M-16 rifle practice and drill are all working for you.
You'll be learning to identify enemy personnel and equipment, both up close and at a distance.
Soon you'll be able to identify terrain from the way it looks on a map, and find the best way to get across it.

You'll take a final PT test.
You'll review everything you've learned these past seven weeks in preparation for the "end of cycle" skills test that you must pass.
And just so you don't forget, there's more PT, drill and another inspection.

Eighth Week.

Are you the same person who signed the Enlistment Agreement?
You're not.
You're tougher, more disciplined.
Tired, maybe, but you seem to bounce back faster each day.
During this week, you'll complete a Field Training Exercise, take a 15-mile road march and get ready for graduation.
Male or female, you'll wonder how you've learned so much in a few short weeks.

This is the wrap-up.
All training and tests are completed.
At the end of the week, you'll take part in the graduation exercises and pass in review before the Commander.
You've made it.
You are now a well-trained, full-fledged soldier in the United States Army.
It's been tough--but you've met the challenge, and are now ready to move on to learning an important military skill.

Skill Training.

You now have a new frame of reference, new confidence in yourself, new physical and mental abilities.

Skill Training builds on these assets.
Depending on the branch you've chosen, it may consist of advanced training in one of the combat arms or other military skills at one of many Army service schools.

This training will develop you for one of the hundreds of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) offered by the Army.

Skill Training programs generally range from seven to nine weeks, although some of the MOS can include training periods that last up to 40 weeks or longer.
Among all these programs is the one that will prepare you for the skill you selected.

Your training program will employ the most modern teaching and learning methods available.
It will be a perfect blend of practical, hands-on training on real equipment and classroom instruction by professionals in the field you have chosen.
You'll have the benefit of the very latest in teaching aids, which will enable you to speed up your progress.
The quality of the training you receive would be difficult to match in civilian life at any price.

So now you're on your way.
You've complete Basic Training.
It all ads up to an opportunity to make of your life what you want it to be, in the Army or in civilian life--rewarding, satisfying, and secure.

INFORMATION FORM

Return toHomepage

This page was designed by SFC Howell and is maintained by SSG WOLF.

Last updated 01 August 1997