* Updated November 2015
Before you to Army Basic Training, you may want to become familiar with the following four: The Soldier’s Creed, General Orders, Code of Conduct, and Soldier’s Code.
Drill Sergeants have a way of using selective new recruits to demonstrate the failings of civilian society for the rest of the recruits, and — if you can possibly help it — you don’t want to do anything that can award you the MOS (Military Occupation Specialty) of "Temporary Teaching Aid." So to prevent this MOS being awarded to you we have put together a few things that will help you.
It’s a good idea to start ahead of the game by memorizing Army officer and enlisted ranks. You’ll also want to memorize the Army General Orders.
For the past two years, the biggest "buz-words" around Army Boot Camps have been "Core Values." There are seven Army Core Values that will be continually hammered into you during your nine-week stay. You’ll sleep, eat, and um……eat some more about Army Core Values until you think they’re part of the Constitution, and wonder why your high school history class could have missed them. Memorizing these seven core values in advance may give you a little extra breather time while others are trying to commit them to memory. (Tip: The letters spell out "LDRSHIP")
Also each new recruit is issued a copy of the TRADOC Pamplet 600-4, IET Soldier’s Handbook, also known as the Smart Book or the Soldier’s IET Guide. You can give yourself a head-start in learning some of the things you’ll need to know to graduate boot camp by studying this pamplet in advance.
The Soldier’s Creed
I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.
General Orders
1st General Order
"I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved."
2nd General Order
"I will obey my special orders and perform all of my duties in a military manner."
3rd General Order
"I will report violations of my special orders, emergencies, and anything not covered in my instructions, to the commander of the relief."
Code of Conduct
I
I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
II
I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.
III
If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.
IV
If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.
V
When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.
VI
I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.
The Soldier’s Code
I am an American soldier – a protector of the greatest nation on earth – sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States.
I will treat others with dignity and respect and expect others to do the same.
I will honor my Country, the Army, my unit and my fellow soldiers by living the Army Values.
No matter what situation I am in, I will never do anything for pleasure, profit, or personal safety which will disgrace my uniform, my unit, or my Country.
Lastly, I am proud of my Country and its flag. I want to look back and say that I am proud to have served my Country as a soldier.
Army Core Values
These are the seven Army Core Values that all soldiers live by:
Loyalty
Duty
Respect
Selfless – Service
Honor
Integrity
Personal Courage
(Tip: The letters spell out "LDRSHIP")
Other Useful Information:
- Army Basic Combat Training
- What To Bring To Boot Camp
- What NOT to Bring to Basic Training
- Army Physical Fitness Test
- Be Prepared for Military Basic Training
