About Army Boot Camp

For new members of the US Army, special training and preparation for military service is the first step. Training for new recruits is referred to as Basic Combat Training (BCT). This training is designed to totally immerse the new Army inductee into their new unit and its new way of life. This is intended for the good of the unit and creates a bond between the members of the unit as a whole. This is necessary to ensure the unit is able to perform under high levels of stress and situations that are not usually present in civilian life.

To ensure consistent appearance for Army troops, and to meet rigorous grooming standards that the Army expects its recruits to follow, uniforms are issued while all civilian apparel is conviscated. All males have their heads shaven. In most cases, females are not allowed to shave their heads but are required to keep their hair off their shoulders and collars. Inductees are issued a service number, a rifle, and other standard issue equipment. After recruits are settled in, basic training begins.

Much of the US Army’s basic training is indeed psychological, but it is based on completing a variety of physical tasks. It is thought that if an individual is unable to follow orders for simple tasks or complete simple assignments as part of an Army team, then they are just as unlikely to have the ability to follow orders during combat or other stressful situations, thereby placing the entire unit at risk and/or undermining the mission.

Where you are sent for Army BCT depends on the MOS (Military Occupational specialty) that is selected when you enlist. Female inductees generally go to either Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, or Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Basic Combat Training follow a strict timeline that lasts nine weeks. Afterwards, the newly promoted Privates are transferred to an Advanced Individual Training (AIT) program where they further train in MOS-specific skills.

US Army basic training includes physical fitness, military courtesy and regulations, tradition and history, grooming and uniform care, drilling, basic rifle marksmanship, introduction to US and foreign weapons, maintenance of weapons, hand to hand combat, first aid and more. Due to its difficulty, a great deal of satisfaction is derived by individuals who are able to complete basic training. It is considered a valuable experience by those who are able to see it through, and provides unequaled preparation for service in the United States Army.

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