BASIC COMBAT TRAINING
Your First Steps to Becoming a Soldier
Basic Combat Training, often known as “boot camp”, is your introduction to Army service, and where you will learn the traditions, tactics and methods of becoming a Soldier.
During training, you'll learn how to work as a member of a team to accomplish a variety of tasks and develop discipline including proper dress, grooming standards, and learning to move in unison as a team. You'll also build character, competence, and commitment to the Army during the process. Most importantly, you'll be instilled with the seven core Army Values and the Soldier's Creed—the mantra that lives in the heart of every member of the Army; guiding their actions and strengthening their spirits.
Basic Combat Training is comprised of four phases and lasts about ten weeks. After you graduate, you'll undergo Advanced Individual Training to learn the job skills required of your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
Meet Your Drill Sergeant
Your first introduction to the Army experience will come from your Drill Sergeants. The drill sergeant is a symbol of discipline and excellence, and he or she will spend the next ten weeks transforming you into a Soldier capable of defending your country and upholding freedom.
“YES DRILL SERGEANT!”
As your guide to Army customs and values, one of your Drill Sergeant's tasks will be to demand that you properly address your superiors.
THIS WE’LL DEFEND
Your Drill Sergeant’s job is to insist that each Soldier meets the Army’s standards of military courtesy. The Drill Sergeant’s insignia and slogan “This We’ll Defend” represents the constant readiness of the American Soldier.
The Phases of Basic Combat Training
YOUR FIRST TEN WEEKS AS A RECRUIT
YELLOW PHASE
(Weeks 1-2)
INTRODUCTION TO THE ARMY
The Yellow Phase is the first phase of Basic Combat Training and focuses on developing character, enhancing performance, and adapting to life in the Army. During this time, you will learn how to conduct yourself as a Soldier and receive your general orientation along with several sets of uniforms. Male Soldiers will also get an Army-issue haircut.
You'll be expected to master the Warrior Ethos, the core principles Soldiers live by and use during missions to protect their fellow Soldiers and themselves, and the Soldier's Creed.
In addition, you will learn basic first aid, participate in sexual harassment and sexual assault awareness and prevention programs, and receive suicide prevention training. You'll also be introduced to military customs and courtesies, physical readiness training, military strategy, personal finance training, and other life skills.
RED PHASE
(Weeks 3-4)
DISCIPLINE, VALUES, TEAMWORK
The goals of this phase include building your confidence and improving your overall fitness. Along with marching and land navigation, you'll rappel from a 50-foot wall as part of an obstacle course exercise. You'll also receive training on how to prepare for chemical and biological attacks while learning how to properly use a protective mask.
During a field exercise known as The Hammer, you'll use all the tasks you've learned up to this point in a one-day, one-night training session such as properly applying camouflage paint, securing a perimeter, and several other skills that are required to be an effective Soldier.
WHITE PHASE
(Weeks 5-7)
Learning the basic skills of a Soldier
Welcome to the rifle range. In this phase you will begin training on your weapon. You will demonstrate the basics of rifle marksmanship, maintenance, and engaging targets at varying distances. During this phase, you'll also learn hand-to-hand training and how to prioritize multiple targets. Once completed, you'll earn the Marksmanship Qualification Badge.
In addition to marksmanship training, you will also continue your physical fitness training and land navigation training.
The White Phase culminates in a two-day, two-night field training exercise known as The Anvil. It builds your skills in responding to chemical and nuclear attacks while helping you master working effectively within your small team and refine your medical training.
BLUE PHASE
(Weeks 8-10)
Overcoming your final challenges
The final phase of training builds on everything you have learned and will serve as your last rite of passage from civilian to Soldier.
During this phase, you will continue learning advanced marksmanship and maneuvering techniques, including engaging targets as part of a team, and identifying and disabling improvised explosive devices. You will train on advanced weapons, like machine guns and learn how to throw live grenades.
As part of your final challenges, you'll complete a multiple-day field training exercise known as The Forge that includes land navigation to test your survival, fitness, and Soldier skills.
At the end of this phase, after you have passed all your challenges, you will be qualified to wear the Army Black Beret and earn the right to be called a Soldier.
We understand that you probably have a million questions. Don’t worry, we’ve been there too. We’ll make sure you get all the answers you need.
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.usarmedmilitaryforces.us to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Basic Training Videos
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN DURING BASIC COMBAT TRAINING
Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills
In Basic Combat Training, your time is split between learning Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills that will serve as a foundation of your Soldier skills. Warrior Tasks come in four forms, and involve mastering individual Soldier skills, while Battle Drills are team-based tactical skills.
SHOOT
This Warrior Task requires that you fully understand how to use your assigned weapon. You will learn to properly engage targets, maintain your weapon, and use periphery technology, including night vision and laser sighting. You must also safely and accurately throw live hand grenades.
MOVE
As a Soldier, you'll learn how to determine your location on the ground and navigate from one point to another while remaining undetected and avoiding obstacles. This skill requires identifying symbols and terrain features on a map, measuring distance, and using a compass.
COMMUNICATE
In a combat situation, verbal and non-verbal communication is crucial. With this Warrior Task, you must be able to operate a radio, send a situation report, and call for a medical evacuation. You must also know how to use proper visual signaling techniques known as hand signaling.
SURVIVE
The survival skill relates to your ability to deal with dangerous situations. You must know how to move and react to direct and indirect fire, engage in hand-to-hand combat, disarm and avoid explosive devices, and perform first aid.
BATTLE DRILLS
Battle Drills are exercises completed within your small team, or squad, that hone your ability to work with the other members of your unit. Some battle drills include:
- - Reacting to enemy fire and maneuvering to shoot targets
- - Securing your perimeter
- - Evacuating injured Soldiers during combat
- - Reacting to ambush
Video
GRADUATION
If you advance past the final phase of Basic, you’ll be eligible to wear the Black Beret as a full Army Soldier.
As part of your final requirements, you must be able to demonstrate the following:
What You’ll Need to Do to Pass Basic Combat Training
Physical Fitness
- Take the current Army fitness test
- Complete a 10-mile foot march
Field Training
- Demonstrate the ability to properly use your protective mask during chemical training exercises
- Demonstrate mastery in first aid
- Participate in obstacle courses
- Pass a small-team land navigation course
- Complete field training exercises including The Hammer, The Anvil, and The Forge
Tactical Skills
- Demonstrate mastery of individual weapon
- Complete the Hand Grenade Qualification Course
- Complete hand-to-hand combat training as part of a team
