* Updated November 2015
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 consistent 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 – The Army makes sure every recruit is physically and mentally prepared to start Basic Combat Training.
- Recruits arrive for general orientation and are given haircuts and issued Army uniforms.
- Basic tactical training begins, followed by Nuclear Biological and Chemical Defense, Landmine Defense and rappelling at the confidence tower.
- Recruits learn about Army heritage and the Seven Army Core Values
- Recruits undergo the Army Physical Fitness Test to help determine their physical aptitude. This test is routinely administered to Soldiers throughout their enlistment periods to ensure that they reach their top physical condition.
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 – Recruits go through marksmanship and combat training and learn to rappel at the Warrior Tower. This training is intended not only to teach Soldiers valuable skills, but also to instill confidence.
- Tactical Foot March, Basic Rifle Marksmanship
- Engagement Skills and Situational Training Exercises
- Field Training Exercises, Confidence Obstacle Course and the Tactical Foot March
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 prepared for the next step.
Blue Phase – After becoming familiar with the use of automatic weapons and hand grenades in U.S. Weapons Training, recruits put their training to the test as they negotiate the Night Infiltration Course. After passing all their tests and challenges, they congregate for Rites of Passage.
- U.S. Weapons Training (.50 Caliber M2), (Hand Grenades), (M136 AT-4), (M240B Machine Gun), (M249 Machine Gun)
- Field Training Exercise 3
- Tactical Foot March 10KM and 15KM
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!
Other Useful Information:
- Army Basic Combat Training
- What to Learn BEFORE Going to Boot Camp
- What To Bring To Boot Camp
- What NOT to Bring to Basic Training
- Army Physical Fitness Test
- Be Prepared for Military Basic Training