Army Basic Combat Training

Basic Training The Journey for every Soldier starts here.

After you join the U.S. Army you will spend your first ten weeks in Basic Combat Training (BCT). Here you will begin your transition from civilian to Soldier. You will learn about seven key Army Values you wil be expected to live by, how to work together as a team and what it takes to succeed as a Soldier in the U.S. Army. Throughout the training, there is a consistant emphasis on the individual as part of a team " working as one among many, for a greater goal. The entire process of Basic Training is divided into three phases known as red, white and blue.

Red, White and Blue Breakdown

Red phase includes weeks one and two. During this time you will arrive for general orientation and receive a haircuts and your Army uniforms. Next Basic Tactical training will begin followed by Nuclear Biological and Chemical Defense, Landmine Defense and rappelling at the confidence tower. During this time period you will also learn about Army heritage and the seven core Army Values.

You will undergo the Army Physical Fitness Test to help determine your physical aptitude (This test is routinely administered to Soldiers throughout their enlistment to ensure they remain in top physical condition).

Before moving on to the next phase, Soldiers must pass a knowledge and skills test.

White phase is conducted during weeks three through five. This is the time you will learn basic rifle marksmanship. You will practice and qualify to use your weapon, the M-16A2 rifle. There will be field training exercises, a confidence-building obstacle course, a tactical foot march, and another knowledge and skills test to make sure you are preparred for the next step.

Blue phase, weeks six through nine, is when you will practice individual tactical techniques, receive additional field training and perform confidence-building exercises. After becoming familiar with the use of automatic weapons and hand grenades during weapons training, you will be able to put your training to the test and negotiate the Night Infiltration Course. After participating in a 10-kilometer tactical foot march, completing a team reaction course and executing tactical exercise lanes combining all the basic combat skills you have learned as a Soldier you will know if you have what it takes. Your last night of the exercise includes a return march to the unit area where you will attend a ceremony recognizing the team's successful completion of the final stage in their transformation from civilian to Army Strong Soldier!